Malik Smith scored 18 first-half points on the strength of five triples in the first half. And yet, somehow, the Gophers still trail Nebraska 35-30. Smith shot 6 for 9 from the field. The rest of the squad went just 5 for 15. The Gophers are getting beat on the boards 19-13 and are having issues defending the Huskers from deep — where Nebraska is 7 for 14. Nebraska is paced by Walter Pitchford — who has 10 points and Terran Petteway, who has 12 points, four rebounds and three assists. Smith isn’t getting much help. The Gophers second-leading scorer is Mo Walker, with four points.