No. 9 Nebraska bounced back from recent losses with an 80-68 victory over Rutgers on Saturday at Jersey Mike's Arena. The Huskers led by as many as 20 points and set a program record with their sixth conference road win of the season. Rienk Mast led the way with 26 points and eight rebounds.
Game Overview
Nebraska, ranked No. 9, improved to 21-2 overall and 10-2 in Big Ten play with the win, marking the program's best 23-game record since 1919-20. Rutgers fell to 9-15 overall and 2-11 in the conference, extending their losing streak to seven games.
The game tipped off with both teams shooting well early, but Nebraska pulled ahead with a 19-7 run to close the first half, leading 41-27 at halftime. The Huskers shot 50% from the field in the opening period, getting 13 points from Mast and eight points with four assists from Jamarques Lawrence.
In the second half, Pryce Sandfort opened with a three-pointer, and Nebraska extended the lead to 20 points at 61-41. Rutgers mounted a 9-2 run to close the gap to 63-50, but the Huskers responded to maintain control, finishing with a layup from Sandfort and free throws from Mast to lead 77-60 late. Rutgers closed with a 6-0 run, but Cale Jacobsen's free throws sealed the 80-68 victory.
Key Performances
Rienk Mast dominated with a game-high 26 points—his fifth 20-plus game this season—and eight rebounds, his highest Big Ten scoring output. Sam Hoiberg contributed 13 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals, tying a career high with three three-pointers and moving into Nebraska's top 10 for career steals at 139. Pryce Sandfort added 15 points with three threes, reaching 80 for the season to tie for fifth in program history. Lawrence scored 13 points and matched his career-high seven assists.
Nebraska shot 46.9% from the field and 9-of-27 from three, with 19 assists and just six turnovers. Both teams attempted 12 free throws, with Nebraska making 11 and Rutgers seven.
Records and Context
The win gave Nebraska a record sixth Big Ten road victory this season, surpassing previous marks of five set in 1965-66 and earlier. The Huskers are now 9-1 away from home and 50-10 under coach Fred Hoiberg when scoring 80 or more points.
Nebraska returns home Tuesday to face No. 12 Purdue at 6 p.m. CST on FS1.
