Maryland men’s basketball has found itself in plenty of close games over the past few weeks. Four of its last five were decided by seven points or less, and the Terps won three of them.
Nebraska
Maryland men’s basketball silenced late by No. 12 Nebraska, 74-61
Head coach Buzz Williams had ostensibly found a winning recipe in crunch time. That is, until Wednesday’s clash with No. 12 Nebraska.
Down by five with just over six minutes to play, the key ingredients for a comeback were nowhere to be found. Andre Mills, who had been superb over Maryland’s past few matches, turned the ball over to star forward Pryce Sandfort on an errant pass. Just seconds later, Sandfort splashed a 3-pointer, and Pinnacle Bank Arena went wild.
That sequence was the cap of a 9-0 run and the middle of an 0-of-4 shooting stretch for Maryland. What was largely a competitive contest soon became lopsided, and the Terps fell, 74-61.
Williams used his coach’s challenge just a minute and a half into Wednesday’s contest. The reversed call didn’t result in points right away — the Terps turned it over the very next possession — but it undoubtedly sent a crystal clear, no-nonsense message to the sideline.
And Maryland’s defense was ready for the rowdy away game occasion. The Terps notched just five points in the opening five minutes — two coming on a thunderous Solomon Washington slam — but didn’t allow Nebraska on the scoresheet. In fact, Maryland turned the Cornhuskers over twice in that span, and Guillermo Del Pino rejected a Jamarques Lawrence layup.
Nebraska started the game 0-of-6 from the field before finding the net. Sandfort channeled his shooting prowess, sinking a 3-pointer to give the Cornhuskers their first advantage of the match six-and-a-half minutes in.
Forward Braden Frager was the true catalyst for Nebraska’s sudden surge, logging seven of the team’s first 10 points and operating well in transition. His quick-hit offense didn’t allow Maryland to set up its effective half-court defense.
The Terps’ offense remained relatively cold as the midway point of the half approached. They embarked on a 1-of-8 shooting stretch, with Nebraska consistently switching on Maryland’s perimeter looks and forcing Washington into some perimeter shots.
Interestingly enough, it was Washington and his frontcourt counterpart — Elijah Saunders — that offered the team a surge from beyond the arc. The two combined for four of the squad’s first five 3-pointers — two of Saunders’ makes came in the last five minutes of the half to keep Maryland within striking distance.
The Cornhuskers took a six point advantage into the halftime locker room, up 33-27.
Rienk Mast finally got into a bit of rhythm to open the second half, burying a 3-pointer in an attempt to keep the Terps at bay. But Maryland’s offense wasn’t rattled. It didn’t revert to the same isolation playbook that it has sometimes found itself running; it instead was gritty on the glass and earned multiple second-chance opportunities.
Nebraska was being worn down on defense, and its crowd was becoming less intense. Maryland just needed to establish some prolonged momentum.
But the game remained deadlocked for the ensuing minutes. Andre Mills began to display some of the athletic lane-driving traits he’s exhibited over the past 10 contests. But he also drilled a pair of long-range jumpers, quickly becoming the team’s leading second-half scorer.
As the clock ticked below 10 minutes left with the game decided by just a matter of points, the Terps’ offense hit a stagnant stretch. Coit took four consecutive shots — and made only one — while the team’s ball movement came to a screeching halt.
After Nebraska’s 9-0 run, things didn’t realign on the attack for Maryland. Coit continued to struggle, going 2-of-6 from three in the second half. Mills also missed back-to-back looks, and from there, the result was all but decided.
1. Elijah Saunders’ big day. With Mills struggling in the first half Wednesday, Saunders picked up some of the slack. The 40% 3-point shooter made half of his looks, resulting in a season-high five 3-pointers against the Cornhuskers. That comes just one game after he set his previous season-high of four 3-pointers against Washington.
2. Paint production erased. Maryland’s frontcourt did some damage Wednesday night, but much of it came from deep. The Terps finished with just 14 points in the paint compared to Nebraska’s 26. Despite both teams grabbing seven offensive rebounds, Maryland didn’t make much of the second chance opportunities in the restricted area.
3. More Del Pino minutes. After playing 27 minutes and securing the win with an alley-oop lob against Washington, Del Pino was on the court for 15 minutes Wednesday. Though he finished without any points, he seems to have earned Williams’ trust and continues to operate the floor well from a distribution perspective.
I recently read an article by Nate McHugh of SB Nation that stated the last two “sure things” to bring Nebraska football back failed. The first “thing” is back coaching at UCF, and the second “thing” is now wearing an Oregon uniform. Because these two “sure things” failed, McHugh points to them as reasons for Husker fan’s frustration. But did he miss the third reason? If I’m not mistaken, the hiring of Matt Rhule felt like one of those “sure things” as well. But after the ‘mythical’ year three and disappointment it became clear Rhule’s hiring was anything but a “sure thing” for success.
Because of that fans are torn how they feel about Rhule. I’m one of them. I catch myself saying Rhule is the right guy for Nebraska and then quickly point out that his overall record as a head coach is 66-62. Clearly mediocre compared to Kyle Whittingham (177-88) or James Franklin (104-45). But Rhule hasn’t stayed anywhere long enough to truly establish himself like Whittingham or Franklin either.
See what I mean, I’m quick to point out his shortcomings but still believe he can make the Huskers relevant again. Where Husker fans struggle is that Rhule has in fact taken us to back-to-back bowl games for the first time since 2015-2016 yet allowed his team to get curb stomped by Penn State, Iowa, and Utah to end the season.
So, fans are leery going into the 2026 season. What are we going to get considering the schedule? The Huskers get Indiana, Washington, and Ohio State at home, and Oregon, Illinois, and Iowa on the road. While no game is a sure win, if they can’t notch victories against Ohio, Bowling Green, North Dakota, Michigan State, Maryland and Rutgers, then we’ll once again question if Rhule is the right man. Simply put, the fan base will be disappointed with another 6-6 season. Personally, with the coaching changes and improvement in talent, my expectation is a record of 7-5 or 8-4 on the season.
Tim Verghese of ‘Inside Nebraska’ got my attention last week when talking about fans giving recruits a negative vibe and possibly influencing their decision to commit to a program. He used Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M as an example. The fanbase was so negative about Fisher that it made recruits question how secure he was at A&M. Obviously recruits had reason to be worried.
Does that affect how I approach what I write or talk about? It does, but then again, I don’t think so much of myself to think it matters. I see myself as your typical fan. I’m just someone who shares their thoughts about Husker football. And frankly, like 50% or more of the fans, I’m torn between being supportive and negativity. We’ve been burned too many times and haven’t seen the things that we need to see to convince us a turnaround is about to happen. Whether it’s offense, defense, or beating the teams they are supposed to beat (Minnesota & Iowa) there just hasn’t been any consistency from Rhule’s teams. As fans we need to see Rhule’s teams win the games they are supposed to, then win the close games, and finally beat the teams they aren’t supposed to. Until we see Rhule’s teams take those steps, there will be doubt and a level of negativity.
As far as recruits are concerned, I don’t see Rhule going anywhere. He’s safe due to his contract, the investment being made on the stadium, and Trae Taylor making it clear he’s all ‘N’ as long as Matt Rhule is the head man. He may just be a senior in high school, but don’t think QB Trae Taylor doesn’t play a role here. He does. And I’m good with that. Taylor has the same expectations as the fans.
And no, those expectations aren’t too high. I’ve been a fan for over fifty years. The standard at Nebraska was set a long time ago. That standard hasn’t changed. Nebraska fans may be up and down on how they feel about Rhule, but they are consistent on their expectations. The standard is the standard and always will be.
GO BIG RED!! SIMPLE, FAST, VIOLENT!!
Photo courtesy of the Falls City Journal Home – Falls City Journal – Falls City, NE
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The results are in for the Nebraska Lottery’s draw games on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on May 8.
Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 8 drawing
37-47-49-51-58, Mega Ball: 16
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from May 8 drawing
8-0-5
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 5 numbers from May 8 drawing
01-03-12-24-26
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning 2 By 2 numbers from May 8 drawing
Red Balls: 02-20, White Balls: 09-11
Check 2 By 2 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning MyDay numbers from May 8 drawing
Month: 01, Day: 16, Year: 17
Check MyDay payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 8 drawing
14-16-21-43-51, Bonus: 03
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Nebraska Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3, 5: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
- Lucky For Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
- 2 By 2: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
- MyDaY: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
- Lotto America: 9:15 p.m CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Nebraska Athletics announced Friday that the expansion of John Cook Arena is in full swing.
The Nebraska Athletics Capital Planning and Facilities Department posted to social media that the effort to modernize amenities and provide new seating options is well underway.
According to the athletic fund, the renovation will enhance Nebraska’s home-court advantage, modernize amenities and provide new premium and general seating options. This includes adding:
- New and improved seats with cup holders in each seat.
- A new centralized student section.
- New and improved courtside seating with both end court and side court locations available. The Courtside Lounge offers access pregame and during intermission and includes private restrooms, televisions and all-inclusive gourmet food, beverage and alcohol.
- New Loge Box seating with hospitality lounge with access pregame and during intermission, including access to private restrooms, televisions and all-inclusive gourmet food and beverage with a cash bar.
- Libero Club seating replaces the VIP seats. Located in the back row of the 100 level, seats include access to the Libero Club Lounge pregame and during intermission complete with televisions and all-inclusive gourmet food and soft drinks with a cash bar.
- Additional ADA seating with new vantage points and easier access from around the concourse.
The Husker Athletic Fund announced the first-ever reseating and parking process in October 2025. It is timed to coincide with the renovation of the arena to increase overall capacity to 10,000.
For more information about the reseating process, click here.
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Copyright 2026 KOLN. All rights reserved.
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