Nebraska's first basketball season as a member of the Big Ten game to an ignominious end on Thursday in Indianapolis as the Cornhuskers (12-18, 4-14 Big Ten) fell 79-61 against Purdue in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
The Boilermakers (21-11, 10-8 Big Ten) got a balanced scoring effort that saw five players register double figure scoring in the win. Anthony Johnson led the way with 17 points and six rebounds off the bench. Terone Johnson added 16 points and six rebounds while Ryne Smith had 15 points on 5-8 shooting from 3-point territory. Robbie Hummel and D.J. Byrd had 10 points each.
Bo Spencer keyed Nebraska's attack with 22 points and three rebounds. Toney McCray had 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists while Dylan Talley finished with 10 points off the bench. The Cornhuskers' sub-.500 record will most assuredly keep them out of any postseason tournaments. They're likely done for 2011-2012, in all likelihood.
The Boilers, meanwhile, move on to face Ohio State on Friday in the quarterfinals.
For the latest on the Big Ten Tournament, be sure to stay tuned to SB Nation Pittsburgh and check out BT Powerhouse, SB Nation's Big Ten basketball blog.