Nebraska-Lincoln's Pryce Sandfort stole the show at Pinnacle Bank Arena, scoring 23 points to propel the Cornhuskers to a 76-66 victory over Washington. The win marked Nebraska's 20th on the season, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the country. CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Nebraska winning by 9.8 points, and the Cornhuskers delivered, covering the predicted margin by a slim 0.2 points.
The first half was all Nebraska, as the Cornhuskers built a 41-28 lead behind Sandfort's 12 points. Sam Hoiberg and Rienk Mast also chipped in, scoring 8 and 7 points, respectively, to help Nebraska take control. Washington's Hannes Steinbach kept the Huskies within striking distance, scoring 10 points and grabbing 6 rebounds in the opening 20 minutes. Despite Steinbach's efforts, Washington struggled to find their rhythm, shooting just 32% from the field in the first half.
The second half saw Washington make a push, with Steinbach and Zoom Diallo leading the charge. Steinbach finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Diallo added 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. However, Nebraska's balanced attack proved too much for the Huskies to overcome. The Cornhuskers shot 50% from the field in the second half, with Sandfort scoring 11 points to seal the win.
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Final
Nebraska's victory was a reflection of their depth and talent, as three players scored in double figures. Hoiberg finished with 14 points and 7 rebounds, while Mast added 12 points. The Cornhuskers' win also marked a significant milestone, as they improved to 20-1 on the season. With a net ranking of 5, Nebraska is firmly in the mix for a top seed in the tournament.
For Washington, the loss was a tough pill to swallow, but Steinbach's performance was a bright spot. The Huskies' big man was dominant at times, showcasing his skills on both ends of the floor. Despite the loss, Washington's net ranking of 60 still leaves them in the hunt for a tournament bid. However, they must string together some wins to improve their resume.
This game was a Quadrant 2 win for Nebraska, and a Quadrant 1 loss for Washington. The outcome will have real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. Nebraska's win strengthens their case for a high seed, while Washington's loss makes their path to the tournament more challenging. As the season enters its final stretch, both teams want to build on this performance and make a push for the postseason.