Desmond Rashaun Agee scored all 14 of his points in the second half, Claude finished with 21 points, and Southern California came back late to defeat Nebraska 78-73 on Wednesday, extending the Cornhuskers’ losing run to five games.
With 1:19 remaining, Brice Williams made a 3-pointer after his layup to tie the score at 69. USC maintained their lead by shooting 6 for 6 at the free-throw line in the last 17 seconds after Claude responded with a 3-pointer. Wesley Yates III made all nine of his foul shots and scored 17 points with four steals after Claude hit the first two.
For the Trojans (12-7, 4-4), who have three Big Ten road victories in their debut conference season, Claude made eight of eighteen shots and contributed six assists. Agee grabbed eight boards and made four of six 3-pointers after coming off the bench. Saint Thomas scored eleven points.
Juwan The Cornhuskers (12-7, 2-6) have lost two straight at home after winning 20 in a row in Lincoln, and Gary scored a career-high 27 to lead the team. He missed all five of his 3-point attempts but hit 11 of 19 shots. Williams scored 17 points, while Connor Essegian, a substitute, scored 15 points and made three 3-pointers.
The Cornhuskers led 33-31 at the half thanks to Gary’s 16 points and half of Nebraska’s 14 baskets. With seven seconds remaining, Claude made a jumper to put USC within a possession, and Yates had nine points.
On Sunday, the Cornhuskers will travel to play Wisconsin, ranked No. 18. On Monday, the Trojans will host UCLA.