CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Derrick Gordon had 20 points to lead five Massachusetts players in double figures and the Minutemen held on in the final minute to open the Charleston Classic with a 96-90 victory over Nebraska on Thursday.
Gordon scored 12 of his points in the second half as Massachusetts built a 13-point lead with just under 10 minutes to play. The Cornhuskers (3-1) rallied down the stretch, closing to 89-87 with 1:39 left on Tai Webster’s foul shots.
Nebraska was down 91-88 moments later, but Gordon stood firm on defense and drew a charging call on Deverell Biggs.
Texas Tech transfer Terran Pettaway led the Cornhuskers with a career-high 28 points.
The Minutemen started 4-0 for the third time in the past four seasons. They’ll take on either No. 19 New Mexico or UAB in Friday’s semifinals of the eight-team tournament.
Sampson Carter scored 16 points and Cady Lalanne 15 for Massachusetts.
