The Nebraska Cornhuskers men’s basketball team has achieved an impressive 16-0 start to the season, climbing to a No. 8 national ranking. This remarkable performance includes a series of hard-fought victories, showcasing the resilience and determination of a squad often regarded as underdogs.
Nebraska began its season with a strong performance, easily winning its first three non-conference games. The turning point came during a neutral-site game against former rival Oklahoma, where the Huskers faced a daunting 16-point deficit. In a stunning comeback, they triumphed over the Sooners with a score of 105-99 in Sioux Falls. This victory set the tone for a series of narrow wins against teams like Kansas State, Winthrop, and USC-Upstate, where they maintained their unbeaten streak despite trailing at various points.
As the season progressed, the Huskers shifted from being the hunters to the hunted. Their latest match against Indiana highlighted this transition. The Hoosiers established a 16-point lead, becoming the second team this season to do so against Nebraska. However, the Huskers rallied once again, ultimately edging out Indiana 83-77 to secure their 20th consecutive victory dating back to last season.
Head coach Fred Hoiberg praised his team’s composure during challenging moments. “They pushed the lead up to 16, and there was just no panic with this group,” he said after the win over Indiana. “Their emotions are the same, their body language doesn’t change, and eventually we loosened them up and went on a little bit of a run.”
Nebraska’s ability to recover from significant deficits is a testament to their mental fortitude. Earlier in the season, Hoiberg expressed concerns about the team’s slow starts, especially against perceived lower-tier opponents. Yet, as the season has unfolded, the Cornhuskers have repeatedly demonstrated that they can overcome challenges regardless of the odds.
Senior guard Jamarques Lawrence played a pivotal role in the victory against Indiana, scoring a team-high 27 points. His performance underscores the depth of Nebraska’s roster, which also includes returning star Rienk Mast and Iowa transfer Pryce Sandfort. The team’s offensive strategy has proven effective, making it difficult for opponents to focus on any single player.
As the Huskers prepare for their next game, they remain aware of the challenges ahead. Nebraska will host Oregon on February 7, 2023, where they are currently listed as a 10.5-point favorite. Following that, they will visit Northwestern and then face tough opponents like Michigan and Michigan State. “We know there’s no easy game in the Big Ten,” said junior guard Cale Jacobsen, emphasizing the competitive nature of the league.
Hoiberg has stressed the importance of maintaining focus, urging his players not to get caught up in the accolades or headlines surrounding their success. “We have to bounce back from the emotional wins, and we’ve got to get over the tough losses,” he noted. “This team has continued to get over the wins. I asked them again if they’re satisfied, and they’re not.”
As Nebraska approaches this critical juncture in the season, the players’ maturity and experience will be key factors in navigating potential pitfalls. “We’re a super mature group,” Sandfort stated after the recent victory. “We know the ups and downs of the games, especially in the Big Ten.”
With a perfect record and the confidence that comes from overcoming adversity, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are poised to face the challenges of the coming weeks head-on. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if they can maintain their momentum in what is shaping up to be a thrilling season.
