Nebraska Cruises Past Rutgers 80-68 Behind Rienk Mast's Dominant Performance

Nebraska-Lincoln asserted their dominance in the Big Ten with a 12-point victory over Rutgers, winning 80-68 at Jersey Mike's Arena. Rienk Mast stole the show, scoring 26 points and grabbing 8 rebounds to lead the Cornhuskers to their 21st win of the season. The performance was a reflection of Nebraska's depth and talent, as they controlled the game from start to finish.

At halftime, Nebraska held a 14-point lead, with Mast already having scored 15 points. The Cornhuskers' strong first half was fueled by their ability to move the ball effectively, with multiple players contributing to their scoring effort. Rutgers, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, with Tariq Francis being the lone bright spot, scoring 10 points in the first half. Francis would go on to finish with 16 points and 5 assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.

In the second half, Rutgers made a push to cut into the lead, but Nebraska's balanced attack proved too much for them. Pryce Sandfort and Sam Hoiberg chipped in with 15 and 13 points, respectively, as the Cornhuskers maintained their double-digit lead throughout the half. Rutgers' Kaden Powers added 14 points, and Darren Buchanan Jr. contributed 10 points and 5 rebounds, but the Scarlet Knights couldn't overcome their slow start.

CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Nebraska winning by 22.7 points, but the actual margin of victory was 12 points. Although the prediction was correct in terms of the winner, Rutgers put up a more formidable fight than expected. The Scarlet Knights' effort, however, was not enough to change the outcome, as Nebraska's superior talent and depth ultimately prevailed.

This win has real consequences for Nebraska's tournament resume. As a Quadrant 3 win for the Cornhuskers, it solidifies their position as one of the top teams in the country. For Rutgers, the loss is a Quadrant 1 game, which, although a tough opponent, is a missed opportunity to bolster their own tournament chances. With a current NET ranking of 10, Nebraska continues to build a strong case for a high seed in the tournament. In contrast, Rutgers' NET ranking of 170 makes their path to the tournament much more challenging.

The victory is a reflection of Nebraska's consistency and strength, as they continue to navigate the challenging Big Ten conference schedule. As the season progresses, the Cornhuskers want to build on this win and maintain their position as one of the top teams in the country. For Rutgers, the loss serves as a reminder of the work they need to do to become a more competitive team in the conference.