Huskers Defeat No. 9 Spartans in Thrilling Matchup
In a thrilling battle on Friday night, the No. 13 Nebraska Huskers edged out the No. 9 Michigan State Spartans 58-56. The match, held at Pinnacle Bank Arena, showcased a tight contest that saw Nebraska improve to a perfect 14-0 record. This victory also marked their 18th consecutive win, stretching back to last season.
Key Performers and Highlights
- Rienk Mast: Scored 19 points, hitting the critical go-ahead three-pointer with 1:50 remaining.
- Pryce Sandfort: Contributed 13 points, including three three-pointers, despite battling foul trouble.
- Jamarques Lawrence: Added 12 points to the scoring efforts of the Huskers.
- Braden Frager: Had nine points, five rebounds, and a career-high four steals.
- Jaxon Kohler: Led Michigan State with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Pivotal Moments
Nebraska faced a crucial moment when they trailed 55-52 late in the game. However, they managed to restrict Michigan State to just one point in the final 4:30 minutes. Nebraska’s defense forced 19 turnovers and held the Spartans to a season-low score. The final seconds of the match saw tension rise as Carson Cooper of MSU missed crucial free throws, sealing Nebraska’s victory.
Statistical Overview
| Team | Points | Field Goals | Three-Pointers | Free Throws | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | 58 | 18-of-57 (31.6%) | 13-of-37 (35.1%) | 9-of-13 (69.2%) | 31 |
| Michigan State | 56 | 17-of-50 (34.0%) | 10-of-28 (35.7%) | 12-of-16 (75.0%) | 45 |
The Huskers displayed impressive shooting, particularly beyond the arc, while maintaining a low turnover count of eight. They will look to continue their winning streak as they prepare to face Ohio State next. The matchup is scheduled for Monday at 5:30 p.m. (CT) and will be broadcast live on FS1.
