Following its thrilling victory over Oklahoma in Sioux Falls, Nebraska is set to take on its next non-conference challenge against New Mexico tonight as part of the Hall of Fame Classic in Kansas City, Missouri. With an undefeated record of 4-0, the Cornhuskers are poised to extend their winning streak against the Lobos, who hold a 3-1 record.
The matchup will take place at the T-Mobile Center, accommodating nearly 19,000 fans, with the game beginning at 6:00 p.m. CT. Fans can catch the action live on Peacock or NBC Sports Network, and it will also be broadcast on the Huskers Radio Network.
Nebraska will feature some standout players in their starting lineup. Jamarques Lawrence, a senior guard, played a crucial role in the victory over Oklahoma by scoring all 14 of his points in the second half, including three three-pointers. Senior Sam Hoiberg is enjoying a strong season, averaging 7.8 points per game, coupled with team-leading statistics in steals and a solid performance on the boards. Junior Pryce Sandfort has emerged as a key offensive contributor, averaging an impressive 22.3 points across the last three games, while the combination of Berke Buyuktuncel and Rienk Mast adds both height and scoring ability to the lineup.
On the opposite bench, the New Mexico Lobos bring a talented roster as well. Senior guard Chris Howell, who transferred from UC-San Diego, leads the team in assists while contributing an average of 7.0 points per game. Fifth-year senior Deyton Albury stands out as the team’s leading scorer, demonstrating a strong all-around performance with contributions in rebounds and steals. The Lobos also feature promising freshman talent with Jake Hall and Tomislav Buljan, who have made notable contributions early in the season.
For Nebraska to secure a win, focusing on their three-point shooting will be essential. The Huskers’ success from beyond the arc has been a key aspect of their offensive strategy, as evidenced by their impressive performance against Oklahoma. If they can maintain a high shooting percentage, it will set the tone for the game. Additionally, it’s crucial for Nebraska to protect the basketball against New Mexico’s aggressive defense, which excels in generating turnovers. Finally, the Huskers will need to play disciplined defense to minimize fouls and avoid giving the Lobos easy points from free throws, an area where New Mexico thrives.
Head coach Fred Hoiberg has expressed confidence in junior guard Pryce Sandfort, seeing him as a multifaceted player who can significantly impact the game with his athleticism and skill set.
With predictions in favor of Nebraska, observers might expect a final score of around 82-71, reflecting both teams’ potential for high-energy plays and strategic basketball.
The anticipation surrounding this matchup not only highlights Nebraska’s promising season but also underscores the growing competitiveness in college basketball, offering fans a thrilling evening of sports action.