In a thrilling comeback, Nebraska's men's basketball team fought hard at The Barn, securing a 76-57 victory over Minnesota and maintaining their perfect record. But this game had a twist in the tale, as the first half belonged to the Gophers.
The No. 7 Nebraska Huskers faced a challenging first half, with Minnesota sinking nine three-pointers and limiting Nebraska's offensive flow. Despite the Gophers' dominance, the Huskers kept the score close at 36-30. Coach Fred Hoiberg acknowledged his team's lackluster performance in the first half, attributing it to a lack of urgency and intensity.
But here's where the game turned around: Nebraska unleashed a relentless second-half performance, flipping the script on their opponents. A 9-4 run narrowed the gap, and a subsequent 14-2 run gave the Huskers a lead they never relinquished. Despite Minnesota's efforts, Nebraska's 14-0 run sealed the deal, resulting in a 19-point victory.
Nebraska's shooting accuracy was impressive, hitting 47.5% of their shots, including 9 out of 28 from beyond the arc. Pryce Sandfort, who struggled in the first half, emerged as the game's top scorer with 22 points and four three-pointers. This marks his fourth consecutive game with at least three three-pointers.
The win solidifies Nebraska's dominance, extending their unbeaten streak to 20-0 overall and 9-0 in the Big Ten Conference. It's a historic start for the program, with the Huskers achieving:
- A 24-game win streak, the longest in the Big Ten since Ohio State's 2010-11 season.
- A 9-0 conference start, their best since the 1965-66 season.
- 5-0 in conference road games, a feat not achieved since 1965-66.
- 12 straight wins away from home, dating back to the 2025 College Basketball Crown.
- 20 wins, marking the first time in program history they've achieved 20+ wins in three consecutive seasons.
The Huskers' success continues to make waves, and their upcoming game against No. 3 Michigan promises to be a highly anticipated matchup. With such an impressive record, the question remains: Can Nebraska maintain their perfect season? And what does this mean for the rest of the Big Ten?
