The No. 7/8 ranked Nebraska men’s basketball team is gearing up to face Northwestern on Alumni Weekend this Saturday afternoon at Pinnacle Bank Arena, where a sold-out crowd is expected. The game is scheduled to tip off at noon (Central), with coverage provided by BTN, the Huskers Radio Network, Huskers.com, and the official Huskers app.
Nebraska comes into this matchup with a record of 21-3, including 10-3 in Big Ten play, following a narrow 80-77 overtime defeat to No. 13 Purdue. In that game, the Huskers mounted a remarkable comeback from a 22-point deficit, and led late in overtime before Purdue secured the win. Rienk Mast paced the team with 18 points, while Jamarques Lawrence and Pryce Sandfort contributed 16 and 15 points, respectively. Despite the loss, Nebraska’s strong performance kept them tied for third in the Big Ten standings, narrowly trailing Illinois.
This weekend marks a significant celebration for Nebraska basketball, as over 75 former players, coaches, and staff will return to campus for the annual Alumni Weekend. A highlight of the event is the reunion of the 1996 NIT Championship team, with Coach Danny Nee and several team members being honored during festivities that kick off Friday evening. This year’s reunion exemplifies the deep history of Nebraska basketball, emphasizing connections across eight decades from the 1950s to the present.
Northwestern comes into the game with a record of 10-15, 2-12 in the Big Ten, and recently gave a tough fight to No. 2 Michigan, leading at times before ultimately losing 87-75. The Wildcats’ Jayden Reid led the scoring with 20 points in that contest, while Nick Martinelli showcased his offensive prowess, ranking first in the Big Ten at 22.7 points per game.
Nebraska’s performance statistics reflect their strength on the court. They rank nationally with an average of only 9.1 turnovers per game, which is among the best in the country. In addition, their success in scoring is notable, as their top four players combine for an impressive 54.8 points per game, a significant contribution to their winning record this season.
Historically, this season is shaping up to be a landmark for Nebraska. The team has remained in the AP Top 10 for six consecutive weeks—marking the longest streak in school history—and has achieved a stellar 21-3 start, the best since the 1919-20 season. Nebraska’s potential to add to that win total makes the upcoming game an exciting prospect for both players and fans.
With Alumni Weekend bringing back former players and celebrating the legacy of Nebraska basketball, the atmosphere at Pinnacle Bank Arena is sure to be charged with energy and nostalgia. The Huskers have a great opportunity to seize a victory and further solidify their position in the Big Ten as they build toward the postseason.