Nebraska, ranked No. 12, showcased resilience on Wednesday night, overturning a sluggish start to secure a decisive victory over Maryland, winning 74-61 at Pinnacle Bank Arena. This victory improved the Huskers’ season record to 24-4 and their Big Ten Conference record to 13-4, ensuring they will finish the season with single-digit losses for the first time since the 1990-91 season.
Nebraska vs. Maryland: The Highlights
The game began poorly for the Huskers, who missed their first six shots and struggled with turnovers. Maryland held a narrow 5-0 lead at the under-16 media timeout. A pivotal 7-0 run led by Braden Frager and Pryce Sandfort quickly shifted momentum, allowing Nebraska to take the lead. By halftime, the Huskers were up 33-27, following a strong finish to the half.
Second Half Surge
In the second half, Nebraska pushed the lead to 39-34 before Maryland fought back, tying the game at 48-48. However, a spirited effort from the Huskers, highlighted by Frager’s dunk and Sandfort’s three-pointer, ignited an 18-3 run, which ultimately sealed the game in favor of Nebraska.
Key Statistics
- Nebraska Shooting: 43.4%, including 10-of-29 from three-point range
- Maryland Shooting: 37.5%, with 12-of-36 from beyond the arc
- Free Throw Advantage: Nebraska shot 18-of-24, compared to Maryland’s 7-of-8
- Top Scorer: Braden Frager with 21 points; followed by Pryce Sandfort with 16 points
Frager’s performance marked his sixth 20-point game of the season, all coming off the bench. The Nebraska bench outscored Maryland’s 24-8, reflecting a strong team effort.
Upcoming Matches
Nebraska is set to play one more home game this season before heading to the West Coast. They will face USC on Saturday at 3 p.m. CST and UCLA on Tuesday at 10 p.m. CST. The regular season will conclude on March 8 against Iowa, who previously edged out Nebraska in their earlier matchup.
Big Ten Standings and Tournament Outlook
The win against Maryland elevates Nebraska in the Big Ten standings, moving them out of a three-way tie for third place. They are now closely trailing Illinois and the 16-1 Michigan Wolverines. As for the NCAA tournament, Nebraska is positioned on the 3-line, associated with a potential first-round site in Buffalo, New York.
With a strong performance against Maryland, Nebraska has positioned itself favorably as the season progresses, aiming for further success in the upcoming matches and beyond.
