Halftime Report

Only one more half stands between Nebraska and the win they were favored to collect coming into this evening. They have jumped out to a quick 28-20 lead against Minnesota.

Nebraska entered the match having won three straight and they’re just one half away from another. Will they make it four, or will Minnesota step up and spoil it? We’ll know soon.

Who’s Playing

Minnesota Golden Gophers @ Nebraska Cornhuskers

Current Records: Minnesota 17-9, Nebraska 19-8

How To Watch

• When: Sunday, February 25, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. ET
• Where: Pinnacle Bank Arena — Lincoln, Nebraska
• TV: Big Ten Network
• Follow: CBS Sports App
• Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
• Ticket Cost: $38.00

What to Know

Minnesota has enjoyed a two-game homestand but will soon have to dust off their road jerseys. They and the Nebraska Cornhuskers will face off in a Big Ten battle at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, the two teams will really light up the scoreboard.

Last Thursday, the Golden Gophers beat the Buckeyes 88-79.

Minnesota’s success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Elijah Hawkins led the charge by scoring 24 points along with seven assists and two steals. As a matter of fact, that’s the most points Hawkins has scored all season. Dawson Garcia was another key contributor, almost dropping a double-double on 22 points and nine rebounds.

Meanwhile, Nebraska waltzed into their game on Wednesday with two straight wins but they left with three. They enjoyed a cozy 85-70 win over the Hoosiers. Winning is a bit easier when you drain ten more threes than your opponent, as Nebraska did.

Nebraska’s victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Jamarques Lawrence, who scored 19 points along with six rebounds and five assists. Lawrence didn’t help Nebraska’s cause all that much against the Nittany Lions last Saturday but the same can’t be said for this match. The team also got some help courtesy of Brice Williams, who scored 18 points along with six rebounds.

The Golden Gophers’ victory was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 17-9. As for the Cornhuskers, their win ended a six-game drought on the road and puts them at 19-8.

This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: Minnesota have been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 36.3 rebounds per game. However, it’s not like Nebraska struggles in that department as they’ve been averaging 37.9 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it’ll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.

Minnesota is hoping to beat the odds on Sunday, as the experts think they’re headed for a loss. They might be worth a quick bet since they’ve covered the spread the last nine times they’ve played.

Odds

Nebraska is a solid 6.5-point favorite against Minnesota, according to the latest college basketball odds.

The oddsmakers were right in line with the betting community on this one, as the game opened as a 6.5-point spread, and stayed right there.

The over/under is 147 points.

See college basketball picks for every single game, including this one, from SportsLine’s advanced computer model. Get picks now.

Series History

Nebraska and Minnesota both have 5 wins in their last 10 games.

• Dec 06, 2023 – Minnesota 76 vs. Nebraska 65
• Mar 08, 2023 – Minnesota 78 vs. Nebraska 75
• Feb 25, 2023 – Nebraska 78 vs. Minnesota 67
• Jan 07, 2023 – Nebraska 81 vs. Minnesota 79
• Feb 09, 2022 – Nebraska 78 vs. Minnesota 65
• Feb 27, 2021 – Nebraska 78 vs. Minnesota 74
• Feb 08, 2021 – Minnesota 79 vs. Nebraska 61
• Mar 08, 2020 – Minnesota 107 vs. Nebraska 75
• Feb 13, 2019 – Nebraska 62 vs. Minnesota 61
• Dec 05, 2018 – Minnesota 85 vs. Nebraska 78