Nebraska basketball fans, let's take a moment to breathe. Yes, the Huskers had a rough outing against Purdue, dropping a 74-58 loss in the Big Ten tournament quarterfinals.
It wasn't pretty, with Nebraska only showing brief signs of life in the second half. But let's look at the bigger picture: this loss might just be a blessing in disguise.
Nebraska's squad has been battling fatigue, a common theme over the past month. Even with some extra rest from a triple-bye, the team looked drained on Friday.
If the Huskers are indeed worn down, then not having to play back-to-back games over the weekend could be a silver lining. The extra time off before the NCAA Tournament gives them a chance to recharge and refocus.
For Husker fans, the NCAA Tournament's first-round game holds much more weight than a Big Ten quarterfinal. The team's current trajectory suggests they'll land a 3-seed, likely facing a mid-major opponent that's very beatable. The priority now is to be fresh and ready for that matchup.
The struggles since late February can't be ignored. Players like Brade Frager, Rienk Mast, and Jamarques Lawrence have had their ups and downs, and the offense has sometimes relied too heavily on Pryce Sandfort. The pressure to prove themselves might have been wearing the team down, both mentally and physically.
Now, Nebraska has the opportunity to regroup and treat the NCAA Tournament as a fresh start-a "second season." The focus is simple: outscore the opponents. With some rest and renewed energy, the Huskers could be poised for a strong tournament run.