Nebraska Basketball Still in the Hunt Despite Recent Setbacks
Two straight losses in Big Ten play have slowed Nebraska’s momentum, but don’t count the Huskers out just yet. Despite the recent stumble, they’re still very much in the thick of the conference title race.
The key? Getting healthy-and fast.
In back-to-back matchups against Michigan and Illinois, Nebraska looked like a team fighting through more than just tough opponents. Injuries have started to take a toll, and it showed.
Rienk Mast, one of the Huskers’ most reliable contributors, was clearly not at full strength. He finished just 2-of-10 from the field-well below his usual efficiency.
A few more makes from Mast, and that Illinois game could’ve swung the other way.
Braden Frager was also noticeably limited. Known for attacking the rim with force, Frager wasn’t able to get downhill like he typically does.
That lack of interior presence had ripple effects across the offense. Nebraska, a team that usually thrives inside the arc with a 60% clip on two-point shots, managed just 41% against Illinois.
That’s a massive drop-off-and one that speaks to the impact of playing shorthanded.
Fred Hoiberg wasn’t shy about pointing out some questionable officiating, particularly in the Illinois game. He highlighted a few missed calls involving Pryce Sandfort, who appeared to be grabbed multiple times in the second half.
And he’s not wrong-there were moments that looked suspiciously like hook-and-hold situations that went uncalled. But while the officiating didn’t do Nebraska any favors, the bigger issue remains health.
The Path Forward: Still Wide Open
Here’s the good news for Nebraska fans: the road to a Big Ten title is still open. The Huskers only have one remaining game against a current top-five Big Ten team-Purdue.
Compare that to Michigan, Michigan State, and Illinois, who each have at least two games left against each other. That’s a scheduling advantage Nebraska can capitalize on.
If the Huskers can protect home court the rest of the way and go 2-2 on the road, they’d finish 16-4 in the conference. That mark could be enough to earn at least a share of the Big Ten crown, depending on how those other top teams fare in their head-to-head matchups.
Bottom line: every preseason goal is still within reach. But Nebraska will need to get healthy and stay sharp down the stretch.
Around Husker Athletics: A Mixed Bag
It wasn’t just the men’s basketball team that had a rollercoaster week. The women’s team split their games, highlighted by a strong 89-73 win over Northwestern behind a 28-point performance from standout freshman Britt Prince. She continues to impress with her poise and scoring ability, giving the Huskers a dynamic offensive weapon heading into the heart of Big Ten play.
The women couldn’t keep the momentum going against 11th-ranked Ohio State, falling 90-71 on Sunday. That drops Nebraska to 16-6 overall and 5-6 in conference play, currently sitting in a tie for ninth. Still, they’re in solid shape for the NCAA tournament, with ESPN projecting them as a No. 7 seed.
On the wrestling mat, Nebraska ran into a juggernaut in No. 1-ranked Penn State. The Nittany Lions are stacked, boasting six wrestlers ranked No. 1 in their respective weight classes.
Despite the 26-12 loss, there were bright spots for the Huskers. Antrell Taylor pulled off a big-time upset over the No. 3 wrestler in his weight class, Brock Hardy delivered a pin, and AJ Ferrari earned a gritty 2-1 decision.
Against a powerhouse like Penn State, those individual wins speak volumes.
Final Word
Yes, it was a tough stretch for Nebraska athletics. But there’s no need to hit the panic button.
The men’s basketball team is still in the Big Ten title picture. The women’s team remains firmly in the NCAA tournament conversation.
And the wrestling squad is battling against the best in the nation and holding their own.
With better health and a favorable schedule ahead, the Huskers have everything to play for.