The final seconds ticked off the clock as Mississippi State University men’s basketball failed to complete a 20-point comeback.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers won the exhibition 76-72. Their ability to shoot threes in the first half, coupled with nine missed free throws by MSU, made a major difference in the game.

Coach Ben Howland said condition led to the loss but said the bright spot of the day was 6 feet 4 inch, 190-pound sophomore guard Eli Wright. The Owensboro, Kentucky, native had 10 points and four rebounds.

“Our conditioning has to get better as a team going forward,” Howland said. “Eli Wright was the best conditioned on the team—played great defense, great decision making and shot the ball well.”

See more: Men’s basketball to host exhibition for charity

The game against Nebraska was one of two exhibition games before the season opener on Nov. 10. Howland said these games are vital to help the team in practice because they are so young. The team does not have a single senior.

“I felt like it was a really good opportunity for us to play against a power five conference team,” Howland said. “This will make our practices better, because our guys will be able to say, ‘This is what I got to do better.'”

Howland said the game allowed him to get a look at KeyShawn Feazell, a 6 feet 8 inch, 230-pound freshman forward from New Hebron. Feazell had 10 points in the first 15 minutes of his first college basketball game.  

“It was great. Of course I was nervous in the beginning, but I got out there and started feeling it,” Feazell said. “I got my feet wet and I think I did alright, but there is always room for improvement.”

Howland expressed his thanks to Nebraska for playing the fundraiser game to help Hurricane victims. He said he was also really appreciative of the fans who came out and filled more than half of the lower bowl.

“I was so thankful to the crowd for being here today on such quick notice,” Howland said. “They had people give and raise money for their cause. It was really nice.”