Caleb Walker scored a career high 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds as Nebraska downed South Dakota, 65-48, in the season opener for both teams.

Walker had a near-perfect contest for the Huskers (1-0), hitting all five of his field-goal attempts – including three 3-pointers – and shooting 3-of-4 from the foul line. Jorge Brian Diaz added 11 points.

Nebraska used the same stifling defense that allowed it to lead the Big 12 in scoring defense in three of the last four seasons. The Cornhuskers held the Coyotes to 31 points under their scoring average from last season and limited them to just 30 percent shooting (17-of-55).

South Dakota was able to cut the Huskers’ lead to nine points early in the second half, but Nebraska used a 6-0 run to establish a 37-22 lead with 16:35 remaining. South Dakota was unable to get closer than 11 points the rest of the way.

Senior guard Louie Krogman led South Dakota (0-1) with 16 points.