The Nebraska men’s basketball team continues to shine as a notable contender in the current college basketball season, climbing to No. 7 in the AP men’s basketball poll. The Huskers showcased their tenacity with a decisive victory against Northwestern, winning 77-58 on Saturday. This win marks their 18th consecutive victory, extending their impressive winning streak to 22 games.
In their matchup against Northwestern, Nebraska faced a formidable challenge from the Big Ten’s leading scorer, Nick Martinelli. The Wildcats managed to close the gap to 46-41 with 13 minutes remaining, but the Huskers responded with a formidable run, scoring 17 unanswered points that ultimately sealed the game. Key performances came from Pryce Sandfort, who led the team with 22 points, and Braden Frager, who followed closely with 20 points. Sam Hoiberg made a strong contribution as well, adding 12 points and securing a team-high seven rebounds.
Looking ahead, Nebraska is set to host Washington on January 21 at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The Huskies have had a challenging season thus far, currently holding a record of 10-8 and just 2-5 in conference play. Washington’s head coach, Danny Sprinkle, is working to improve on last year’s performance, as the team navigates a roster that has seen significant turnover. Despite challenges, standout players like sophomore guard Zoom Diallo and the 6-foot-11 center Franck Kepnang remain key contributors.
Washington, while struggling with a 30.7% shooting percentage from three-point range, boasts promising talents like 6-foot-11 German forward Hannes Steinbach, who is currently leading the Big Ten with an impressive double-double average of 17 points and 11 rebounds per game.
As Nebraska prepares for this matchup, they aim to build on their undefeated record and maintain momentum as they enter what promises to be a challenging stretch in their schedule. The game will be aired live at 8 p.m. CST on the Big Ten Network, promising an exciting display of college basketball action.
With Nebraska continuing to defy expectations and Washington seeking to find its footing, this game presents a critical opportunity for both teams as they navigate their respective season objectives. Fans and analysts alike look forward to seeing how Nebraska can extend its undefeated streak while Washington aims for an upset against a nationally ranked opponent.