by CURT McKEEVER , Lincoln Journal Star

And senior All-Big 12 forward Kelsey Griffin was playing for the first time since the 2008 NCAA Tournament after missing last season following ankle surgery.

The result inside the Devaney Sports Center was a choppy 68-54 victory.

"It just shows even though we're experienced, we still have work to do," said Griffin, who had 19 points and eight rebounds in just 19 minutes. "That's why you continue to practice through tournament time, because you're continually getting better.

"You also have to credit Pittsburg State. They play good basketball, you know?"

The Gorillas, who lost to Kansas by 30 on Sunday, erased most of an early 12-point deficit to pull to 27-24, but then went scoreless over the final 4:08 of the first half to fall back 33-24. NU extended that to 45-33, only to give up nine straight points before junior guard Dominique Kelley put back an offensive rebound and hit a layup off a steal to start a 15-4 run.

"We're still trying to figure it out," Nebraska coach Connie Yori said. "... Defensively, we've got a lot of work to do."

Briefly

? Senior center Nikki Bober logged 12 minutes. Bober missed the final 19 games last season after tearing an ACL.

? Redshirt freshman Layne Reeves also played her first five minutes. Reeves, who'd planned on sitting out last year, also is coming back from knee surgery.

? Junior guard Kaitlyn Burke, who started 19 games last season, didn't suit up, still recovering from foot surgery performed in September.

? The Huskers play their second of two exhibitions Sunday at 2:05 p.m. against Nebraska-Kearney.

Reach Curt McKeever at 473-7441 or cmckeever@journalstar.com

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