Nebraska might have played one of its best games of the season but lost an 82-71 decision to No. 14 UCLA early Saturday in the Wooden Legacy tournament in Fullerton, California.
The Huskers closed to 58-56 with 9:16 left on a three-pointer by Glynn Watson, who scored a career-high 27 points.
But UCLA put together a 9-1 run in the next three minutes to take a 67-57 lead.
"We played tough and showed we have two of the best guards around with Watson and (Tai) Webster)," said NU assistant coach Jim Molinari. "I think this game will teach us you can't come out tentative and we can overcome the struggles.