LINCOLN, Neb. - Lindenwood men's basketball (0-1, 0-0 OVC) dropped their opening game of the 2023-24 season to Big Ten opponent Nebraska (1-0, 0-0 Big Ten) by a final score of 84-52. The Lions were held to 32.4 shooting percentage (22-68 FG) in the game.

"I thought it was a tale of two halves," said head coach Kyle Gerdeman. "In the first half they kind of overwhelmed us and they got off to a great shooting start, hitting nine threes. I was pleased how we came out in the second half. We found some easier shots on offense and we competed better on defense."

Keenon Cole scored the Lions' first points of the season after a over the shoulder layup to begin the game. Cole scored six of Lindenwood's first eight points on Monday. Nebraska would go on a 9-0 run after the first media timeout to extend their lead to 20-8.

Nebraska was lights out from the three-point line in the first half shooting 9-19 which helped them go up 30-13 with 6:51 left in the first half. Lindenwood was held to just 10-33 shooting in the first 20 minutes of play.

Cole was an offensive factor in the first half after scoring eight of his 14 points. Colin Ruffin scored five points in the first half making his debut. Nathan Johnson Jr. also scored five in the first half. Nebraska would lead 51-24 at the break.

Lindenwood's offense improved coming out of halftime as they shot 12-35 from the field. The Lions' defense also got after it holding Nebraska to just a 38.5 shooting percentage in the second half including 2-11 from downtown.

Jeremiah Talton was a spark on offense for the Lions coming off the bench with 10 points in his first career game as a Lion. Tarlton was the second leading scorer on the team shooting 4-11 from the field with two three-pointers.

Nebraska only forced Lindenwood to12 turnovers while LU's defense came up with nine including four steals, two by David Ware. Ware was also the leading rebounder for the Lions with seven. Lindenwood had 13 offensive rebounds in the game to just eight by the Cornhuskers.

Other contributors on Monday evening were forward Jaylon McDaniel who scored six points and grabbed six rebounds. Darius Beane also scored six points to go along with four rebounds.

The Lions will be back in action this week as they head to another Power Five opponent in Iowa State on Thursday, Nov. 9 at 7:00 p.m. CT in Ames, Iowa. For more information go to lindenwoodlions.com.