Nebraska Faces Rutgers with NBA Prospects on the Line

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska men’s basketball team (12-4, 2-3 Big Ten) is set to host Rutgers (9-8, 2-4 Big Ten) at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Thursday night, aiming to rebound from consecutive road losses to Iowa and No. 17 Purdue. The game, scheduled for 8 p.m. and broadcast on FS1, features two of the nation’s top freshmen: Rutgers’ Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, both projected as NBA lottery picks.

Harper, a 6-foot-6 guard, is averaging 20 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, while Bailey, a 6-foot-10 guard, is putting up 19 points, 7.7 rebounds, and leads the team with 20 blocks. The duo combined for 38 points in Rutgers’ recent 75-68 victory over UCLA, snapping a three-game losing streak.

“Two of the most talented players I’ve seen at their age,” Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg said of Harper and Bailey. “They have such a command of the game and great pace for freshmen. They’re going to be a great challenge for us.”

Nebraska, meanwhile, is looking to regain its defensive identity after allowing Iowa and Purdue to shoot a combined 53% from 3-point range in their last two games. The Huskers are 8-0 at home this season and have won 20 straight games at Pinnacle Bank Arena, but their road struggles have been glaring. They were blown out by 37 points at Michigan State and 36 points at Purdue, with their lone competitive road game ending in a 10-point overtime loss to Iowa.

Hoiberg emphasized the importance of consistency and minimizing turnovers. Nebraska is averaging 12.6 turnovers per game, the second-most in the Big Ten, which has led to costly points for opponents. “We just have to make simple plays,” Hoiberg said. “When we try to hit the home run, very rarely do good things happen. This team is not built for that.”

Senior forward Juwan Gary, who is averaging 12.5 points and shooting 35% from 3-point range over his last eight games, will be a key player for Nebraska. Despite recent shooting struggles, Gary remains a vital part of the Huskers’ lineup. “He’s done little things since the minute he stepped on this campus,” Hoiberg said. “When he makes shots, we’re in a really good position.”

Rutgers, despite its subpar record, has faced a tough schedule, with six of its eight losses coming in Quad 1 games. The Scarlet Knights are led by their dynamic freshmen, but senior guard Jeremiah Williams and freshman Lathan Sommerville provide additional scoring depth.

Nebraska’s ability to contain Harper and Bailey while capitalizing on its home-court advantage will be critical. The Huskers are favored by 8.5 points, but Hoiberg knows the challenge ahead. “It’s not time to panic,” he said. “We just have to keep grinding and trusting.”