The eighth-ranked Nebraska Huskers extended their perfect record to 17-0 with a dominant 90-55 win over Oregon on Tuesday night. While their three-point shooting was sharp, the team showcased a well-rounded game featuring strong defense and unselfish play. This victory highlights Nebraska's depth in the competitive Big Ten conference.
At Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, the Huskers overwhelmed Oregon from the start, building a lead that stretched into the 30s. Nebraska's offense clicked with 20 assists on efficient possessions, including 17 made three-pointers out of 35 attempts for a 47% success rate. However, the win was not solely reliant on long-range shooting; the team generated 24 points off 11 steals and just six turnovers overall. Entering the game, Nebraska ranked 32nd nationally in scoring defense, allowing 66.4 points per game, and they held Oregon to zero offensive rebounds in the first half despite the Ducks' top-25 ranking in that category preseason. The Huskers also ranked 126th in total rebounds at 37.1 per game but competed effectively on the glass. Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg praised his team's defensive effort and ball movement: “Look at our numbers. I love the 20 assists, six turnovers, the 11 steals, scoring 24 points off of turnovers. I just thought we did a lot of really good things out there tonight.” He also noted the physicality in transition, crediting players like Pryce Sandfort, who scored 28 points on 7-of-11 from three in 31 minutes. Braden Frager added a career-high 23 points, also hitting 7-of-11 threes in 30 minutes. Sandfort highlighted the team's improved physicality: “We started to be more physical defensively I think and then we were really getting buckets in transition. We were getting the ball up the court quick and I thought our offensive flow really started to get into a groove.” Oregon coach Dana Altman acknowledged Nebraska's solidity: “Nebraska’s activity is really good. Defensively, they’re really solid. Sam [Hoiberg] is just really active.” Despite foul trouble limiting star Rienk Mast to five points and four rebounds, and Jamarques Lawrence to five points, Nebraska's depth shone through. Now 6-0 in Big Ten play, the Huskers join only three other undefeated teams after Iowa State's loss to Kansas. Upcoming challenges include road games at Michigan, Iowa, USC, and UCLA, plus a home matchup against Purdue.
