Mast Shines, Sandfort Dominates as Nebrasketball Defeats FIU
In a standout performance, Nebraska men’s basketball team showcased their strength against Florida International University (FIU) with a decisive 96-66 victory. Key players Rienk Mast and Pryce Sandfort made significant contributions, demonstrating their impact on the court after joining the team this season.
Mast and Sandfort Lead the Charge
Rienk Mast registered an impressive triple-double, scoring 18 points, pulling down 12 rebounds, and dishing out 10 assists. His performance marked a notable achievement, making him one of only three Nebraska players to achieve a triple-double, joining the ranks of Cam Mack and Dalano Banton.
Mast reflected on his game, stating, “I had five assists at half and they were like, ‘Go get it.’” His teammates supported his quest for that final assist, helping him reach the milestone.
Sandfort’s Explosive Performance
Pryce Sandfort, who struggled in the season opener, rebounded with a game-high 20 points against FIU. He showcased his shooting prowess by connecting on 6 of 9 attempts from beyond the arc, scoring 14 points in just the first five minutes of the second half.
Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg praised Sandfort’s performance, noting, “It was just a matter of time before he had one like this.” His explosive scoring helped set the tone for the second half.
Team Statistics and Contributions
The Cornhuskers shot a remarkable 55.2% from the floor and hit 17 of 34 three-pointers. This strong shooting contributed to the team’s high-scoring output, with three other players joining Mast and Sandfort in double figures:
- Braden Frager: 15 points
- Connor Essegian: 13 points
- Berke Buyuktuncel: 11 points
As a team, Nebraska’s ball movement was impressive, with 29 of their 37 baskets resulting from assists—just shy of the school record of 36 assists set in 1977.
Looking Ahead
Florida International struggled offensively, shooting only 39.4% from the field, including 6 of 23 from three-point range. They managed to get four players in double figures, led by Hamed Olayinka and Julian Mackey, each scoring 12 points.
Nebraska’s next challenge will come on Tuesday when they host Maryland-Eastern Shore at 7 p.m. CST. Fans can catch the game streaming on B1G+ as the Cornhuskers aim to continue their winning streak.
