Nebraska’s 11-0 Start Isn’t a Fluke - It’s a Product of Precision, Grit, and a Team That Knows Exactly Who It Is
When Jamarques Lawrence drilled that clutch three-pointer to seal Nebraska’s 83-80 win at Illinois, it wasn’t just a big shot - it was the exclamation point on a game that perfectly captured what’s made this Huskers team so dangerous: composure, execution, and a relentless commitment to the little things.
This wasn’t just about one moment or one possession. Nebraska won the “mini-games” - those critical four-minute stretches between media timeouts - at the start of both halves. And in a sport where momentum swings are constant and unforgiving, those stretches often determine everything.
“We really break down each game possession by possession,” assistant coach Nate Loenser explained on the Huskers Radio Network. “Each media timeout is essentially a four-minute game. That’s how we practice, that’s how we prepare.”
That preparation paid off in a big way. Nebraska controlled the tempo early, setting the tone against an Illinois squad that ranks as one of the most efficient offensive teams in the country.
Still, Illinois didn’t go quietly. The Illini flexed their muscle late in the first half, dominating the offensive glass during a 13-0 run that tied the game at 37 by halftime.
But Nebraska didn’t blink.
Coming out of the break, the Huskers took the first four-minute segment of the second half and never looked back. They led 50-47 after that stretch and didn’t trail again.
In fact, their only deficit in the entire game lasted just 16 seconds - a 4-2 hole to start the first half. That’s it.
“I thought the starters did a nice job of getting the game back on track in that first four-minute game [after halftime],” Loenser said. “Punch, counterpunch - that’s life on the road, especially in the Big Ten. Night in, night out, you’re facing good teams, so you better be ready to go.”
That mindset - stay even, stay focused - has become the heartbeat of a Nebraska team now off to the best start in program history. At 11-0 and ranked No. 15 in the country, this group is showing it’s not just a feel-good story. It’s a team with depth, discipline, and a clear identity.
A Team Built to Share the Load
Loenser saw it early. Back in June, when the roster came together for summer workouts, there was a sense this team would be tough to guard - not because of one superstar, but because of a roster loaded with versatile, unselfish players.
“It wasn’t necessarily just all eggs in one basket,” Loenser said. “We had multiple guys.”
He rattled off names like Pryce Sandfort, Rienk Mast, Jamarques Lawrence, Sam Hoiberg, and Braden Frager - all capable of stepping up in big moments. And that’s exactly what they’ve done. Nebraska’s offense doesn’t revolve around one player; it flows through whoever’s got the hot hand.
That kind of flexibility is rare. It’s also a nightmare for opposing defenses.
“We addressed some things in the offseason with our recruiting,” Loenser said. “We wanted a bunch of guys that can shoot, pass, and dribble. And when you have that, and we have unselfish players like we do and high-character guys, then that allows you to essentially find the hot hand, ride the hot hand.”
Case in point: Jared Garcia came up huge down the stretch against Illinois, scoring 10 points in the final eight minutes. Just another example of how this team can beat you from anywhere on the floor.
“If we continue to play the right way,” Loenser added, “we’ll be hard to guard.”
Defense That’s Demanding - By Design
Offensively, Nebraska’s been fun. But defensively? That’s where the Huskers are building something sustainable.
Loenser, a defensive-minded coach through and through, isn’t one to throw a parade over stops. He’s constantly chasing perfection - even if he knows it’s unattainable.
“Yeah, life as a defensive coach, you’re never happy,” he said. “There’s a human nature you’re always fighting - the urge to be complacent.”
Still, he sees the potential. Nebraska’s defensive system doesn’t rely on elite athleticism or rim protection.
It’s built on discipline, communication, and consistency. And it works when everyone buys in.
“We’ve got guys with good character, good IQ,” Loenser said. “When we’re connected, when we’re active, the sky’s the limit. But any time one piece is not aligned or those standards aren’t met, that puts everything in jeopardy.”
The standard is the standard - every practice, every possession.
Embracing the Grind, Blocking Out the Noise
In today’s college basketball landscape, where the transfer portal and social media can turn a locker room upside down, Nebraska is keeping its focus where it matters: on the floor and in the film room.
That’s where Loenser thrives.
“There can be a lot of noise elsewhere,” he said. “But the ability to teach, connect, and correct in those settings is gold.”
He knows this group isn’t built on flash. Nebraska doesn’t have elite shot blockers or high-flying wings.
But what they do have is grit. They’re scrappy.
They’re disciplined. They’re determined.
“We’re not going to be the most athletic group,” Loenser admitted. “But if we do those three things and control what we can control, and function as a unit, we can perform against some really, really high-octane offenses.”
So far, that formula’s working.
Eyes on the Long Haul
At 11-0, Nebraska is enjoying the best start in school history. But nobody’s popping champagne just yet. Loenser made that clear.
“If we stay where we’re at, you’re going to get passed,” he said. “We didn’t sign up for a 5K or a 10K - we signed up for a marathon.”
The message is simple: stay grounded, stay hungry.
After the Wisconsin game, Loenser pulled out his phone in the locker room and held it up in front of the team.
“What is this?” he asked.
“A phone,” someone said.
“No,” he replied. “This is poison.”
It was a reminder to stay off the hype train. Don’t get caught up in the rankings or the headlines. Don’t let the noise define the journey.
“We’ve got young, influential minds. We’ve got good kids, we’ve got good character and maturity in our locker room,” Loenser said. “But we talk a lot about not getting too high or too low.”
The goal? Attack each day.
Stay focused. Keep building.
And if they keep doing that, who knows what doors might open.