Nebraska’s Resurgence: Cornhuskers Rebound with Victory Over Rutgers
After hitting a rough patch with two consecutive losses, Nebraska basketball reignited its winning momentum with a victory against Rutgers, securing an 80-68 win. The No. 9 ranked Huskers showcased their offensive prowess early on, led by head coach Fred Hoiberg, as they quickly established a 9-5 advantage by making their initial four shots.
During the initial half, Rutgers’ defense intensified, allowing the Scarlet Knights to keep the game competitive with multiple ties. However, Nebraska managed to maintain a lead, eventually pulling ahead to a 41-27 advantage by halftime. Senior Jamarques Lawrence, performing in his home state of New Jersey, contributed significantly with two three-pointers and a total of eight points before the break.
Rienk Mast was another standout performer for Nebraska. Returning from a stomach virus that sidelined him for the team’s first loss against Michigan, Mast was in top form against Rutgers. He recorded 13 points on 6 of 11 shooting, including a three-pointer, and grabbed five rebounds in the first half alone. Despite his absence during the loss to Michigan and a less-than-ideal performance against Illinois, Mast’s return was crucial for the Huskers.
The second half saw Nebraska operating at full capacity, with precise passing and effective three-point shooting. The Cornhuskers widened the gap to 19 points within the first five minutes of the half, largely thanks to successful shots from beyond the arc. Sam Hoiberg and Pryce Sandfort each contributed two three-pointers in this run, exemplifying Nebraska’s status as one of the Big Ten’s top three-point shooting teams.
Nebraska’s lead reached a peak of 20 points at 61-41. However, Rutgers, which entered with a 2-10 conference record, fought back by focusing on scoring close to the basket. The Scarlet Knights reduced Nebraska’s lead to 13 points multiple times, but the Huskers adjusted by targeting the inside. Mast capitalized on this strategy, scoring six consecutive points in the paint, and concluded the game with 26 points, marking his first 20-point performance since December.
By maintaining control of the game’s pace and strategically utilizing the clock, Nebraska secured its 21st victory of the season, advancing to 10-2 in conference play. This result places them third in the Big Ten, trailing only a game behind the leading teams, Illinois and Michigan.
In a postgame reflection, Mast emphasized the advantage of having seasoned players on the road, stating, “I think we’re old. I think we’re experienced.” Looking ahead, the Huskers face a formidable challenge against No. 12 Purdue in an upcoming home game. Mast noted that while the team has yet to scout Purdue, they anticipate a significant test.
