Michigan State jumped to a quick 7-0 lead out of the gate as the Huskers turned the ball over on each of their first four possessions. The Spartans extended the margin to eight points at 22-14 early in the second quarter, before Nebraska rallied with an 8-0 run to tie the score at 22 with 4:20 left. Shelley sparked the Big Red run with back-to-back threes.
However, the Spartans outscored the Huskers 7-3 over the final four minutes of the half to take a 29-25 lead to the locker room.
Nebraska hung tough with Michigan State despite hitting just 28.