Huskers Host No. 25 Maryland in Critical Showdown

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Cornhuskers will face the No. 25 Maryland Terrapins on Thursday, February 13, at 7:30 p.m. in a pivotal Big Ten matchup at Pinnacle Bank Arena. After suffering through a six-game losing streak, Nebraska has rebounded with four consecutive victories, significantly bolstering their hopes for an NCAA Tournament berth.

In their last outing, Nebraska (16-8, 6-7 Big Ten) achieved a notable comeback against Ohio State, winning 79-71. Senior Brice Williams led the charge with 24 points and 10 rebounds, marking his first double-double of the season. The Huskers demonstrated resilience by overcoming an eight-point second-half deficit, aided by a strong performance at the free-throw line where they converted 15 of 17 attempts after halftime.

“Our senior leaders have really stepped up during this stretch,” Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg said. “Brice is playing at a high level, and we’ll need that energy against a team like Maryland.”

Maryland (18-6, 8-5 Big Ten), currently positioned 16th in the NCAA NET rankings, enters the game on a high note, having won five of their last six, including a recent 90-81 triumph over Rutgers. The Terrapins boast a formidable inside presence with freshman Derik Queen leading the team with an average of 15.5 points per game, complemented by Julian Reese’s strong rebounding skills (9.0 rpg).

“We are looking to maintain our momentum,” Maryland head coach Kevin Willard stated. “Playing on the road in a tough environment like Pinnacle Bank is always a challenge, but we are prepared.”

Both teams became familiar foes after their earlier encounter on January 19, where Maryland edged out a close 69-66 victory at home. The rematch presents an opportunity for Nebraska to secure a fifth ranked win of the season.

Tickets for the game are available, particularly in the 300 Level, with the box office opening at 6 p.m. Additionally, the game will be available on the Big Ten Network, with a live radio broadcast on the Huskers Radio Network and online streaming via the Fox Sports app.

As the Huskers look to extend their win streak, Williams, who is averaging 25.5 points per game during this stretch, aims to continue his offensive explosion against a Maryland team known for its second-half collapses.

“We have to stay focused and play our game,” Williams said. “Our defense is key, and we need to execute both ends of the floor.”

The game is anticipated to be closely contested, as both teams vie for positioning in the competitive Big Ten conference. Nebraska holds a 3-8 all-time record against teams ranked 25th in the AP poll and will aim to improve that mark with a home win.

As the February schedule grows more intense, both the Huskers and Terrapins must navigate their respective challenges to keep postseason aspirations alive.