Nebraska Triumphs in Road Victory Against Rutgers

In a decisive road victory, No. 9 Nebraska triumphed over Rutgers with a score of 80-68 on Saturday. This victory, held at Jersey Mike’s Arena in New Jersey, marked a critical rebound for the Cornhuskers after two consecutive losses against ranked opponents.

Nebraska’s Record and Performance

The win improved Nebraska’s overall record to 21-2 and solidified their position at 10-2 within the Big Ten Conference. Meanwhile, Rutgers fell to 9-15 overall and 2-11 in conference play. With this win, Nebraska set a program record with six road victories in Big Ten play.

Key Players and Statistics

• Rienk Mast: Led the team with 26 points and grabbed eight rebounds.
• Sam Hoiberg: Contributed significantly with 13 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals.
• Pryce Sandfort: Added 15 points, hitting three three-pointers.
• Jamarques Lawrence: Tied his career-high with seven assists and scored 12 points.

Both teams started vigorously, trading tough shots early in the game. Nebraska held a slight lead throughout the first half, eventually pulling away with a 19-7 scoring run before halftime.

Game Highlights

In the second half, Pryce Sandfort opened with a three-pointer, extending Nebraska’s lead to 20 points. Despite Rutgers attempting to rally back with a late 6-0 run, they could not revert the score into single digits.

Shooting and Ball Movement

Nebraska shot 46.9% from the field, including 33.3% from beyond the arc. Rutgers managed to hit 48.2% of their shots, but struggled from three-point range, converting only 31.8% of their attempts. Nebraska also excelled in ball distribution, assisting on 19 of their baskets while committing just six turnovers.

Upcoming Challenges

Nebraska will next face a ranked opponent, the No. 12 Purdue Boilermakers, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The game is scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m. CST and will be broadcast on FS1.

This victory not only sets Nebraska’s program on a positive trajectory but also solidifies their stance in the competitive landscape of the Big Ten Conference. Their ability to overcome recent setbacks proves their resilience as they head into the critical segment of the season.