Nebraska

Wednesday Big Ten Preview: Nebraska at Penn State

Published

11 months ago

February 19, 2025

Wednesday Big Ten Preview: Nebraska at Penn State

The Big Ten has three games on Wednesday and two of them have serious NCAA Tournament implications. The biggest will be in Bryce Jordan Center, as the Nebraska Cornhuskers hope to lock up a bid to this year’s March Madness. It should have a significant impact for multiple bubble teams.

With March Madness looming, every game counts! Here’s a breakdown of Wednesday’s Big Ten matchups and what’s at stake.

-Nebraska Cornhuskers at Penn State Nittany Lions

Time/TV: 6:30 PM ET (BTN)
KenPom Spread: Nebraska by 1

It’s been quite a ride for the Nebraska Cornhuskers so far this season. The Huskers jumped out to an incredible 12-2 start and seemed poised to cruise to a second consecutive NCAA Tournament bid. Unfortunately, the wheels fell off in January, as the group lost six in a row, including two at home. Fans were panicking before Nebraska managed to get back on track, winning five of its last six games. The Huskers now enter Wednesday poised to lock up a bid to the field of 68.

This figures to be a crucial game for Fred Hoiberg and crew. While beating Penn State won’t boost the team’s resume all that much, it’s the downside of this one that needs to be mentioned. If Nebraska were to lose this one, it would be a blemish difficult to overcome with just weeks of the regular season remaining. It’s more about avoiding a land mine than scoring a massive win.

Standing in Nebraska’s way is a reeling Penn State team that’s lost 11 of its last 12 games, including a handful in brutal fashion. Its season is nearly over, but not quite yet, as the group still has time to secure a Big Ten Tournament bid to keep the dream alive. Winning on Wednesday would be a key piece of that process.

On the court, the game will center around Penn State’s backcourt, which has been led by Ace Baldwin this season. Baldwin dominates the team’s possessions and has one of the nation’s better assist rates. Sam Hoiberg, Connor Essegian, and Rollie Worster will need to find a way to to slow down Baldwin in transition and when he’s feeding wings moving toward the hoop. If they can pull it off, Nebraska’s probably going to win. However, it’ll be easier said than done — Baldwin has plenty of tricks up his sleeve.

One other thing to watch is how the teams battle on the boards. Neither group is a particularly great rebounding unit, but it generally presents as an area of weakness for the Huskers. If Penn State can get a big game from Yanic Konan Niederhauser down low, it could be a way to keep the game close enough to pull off an upset. However, it doesn’t seem all that likely given Penn State’s struggles as of late.

-Oregon Ducks at Iowa Hawkeyes

Time/TV: 8:30 PM ET (BTN)
KenPom Spread: Oregon by 1

This one has a similar feel to the game above, but with fewer postseason implications. Oregon is in better position for the Big Dance than Nebraska and Iowa’s resume will end up far better than Penn State’s, so there isn’t the same downsides. Still, this is a game the Ducks need to get momentum going again in Eugene.

It figures to be a fun matchup, as both sides are offensive led units that can light things up on any given night. Jackson Shelstad has been going off for the Ducks over the last few weeks and Payton Sandfort remains one of the league’s more explosive offensive players. Expect both sides to hit some big shots on Wednesday night.

The biggest question will lie upfront — can Iowa find a way to slow down Nate Bittle and Supreme Cook? Bittle has been excellent over the last two games and projects to have a serious advantage with Owen Freeman sidelined for the season. It’s why Iowa got torn apart by Maryland on Sunday and it will be the team’s biggest obstacle here.

-Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Washington Huskies

Time/TV: 10:30 PM ET (BTN)
KenPom Spread: Washington by 2

Entering this season, these teams couldn’t have been viewed more differently. Rutgers entered in the top 25, while the Huskies looked like the league’s bottom dweller. It seemed like when we got to this game in February, Washington would be going through the motions, while Rutgers was looking to put the final touches on an NCAA Tournament bid.

Unfortunately for Scarlet Knight fans, it hasn’t turned out that way.

Washington not only enters this one with a chance, but is outright favored by KenPom and Vegas. And the projections aren’t surprising either, as Washington gets home court and has been playing better than the Scarlet Knights. The Huskies also figure to have a clear matchup advantage down low with Great Osobor against Rutgers’ group of revolving big men. Unless Rutgers gets a massive night from Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, Washington is probably going to win this one.

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Picks Record This Season: 93-28

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Which Big Ten team do you think will make the biggest statement on Wednesday? Drop your predictions below!”

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Nebraska

Nebraska MBB Recap: Huskers Cruise to 18-0 with a 77-58 Win

Published

1 hour ago

January 17, 2026

Press Room

Nebraska MBB Recap: Huskers Cruise to 18-0 with a 77-58 Win

Nebraska needed to get off to a good start, and it was an ok one. The Huskers used an 8-0 run to take and early three point lead, but then the back-and-forth battle began. Nick Martinelli, scourge of Nebraska and one of the nation’s leading scorers, started to get plenty of looks early. The Wildcats would hit 5 straight field goals and 7 of their first 11 to start the game.

Martinelli was already in double figures shortly after the 10-minute mark. Both teams would go scoreless of 2:30 at the same time, leading to a little bit of a lull. Nebraska would start to keep Northwestern at bay, keeping the lead between three and seven points. Nebraska would take a 34-29 lead into the locker room.

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA – JANUARY 2: Rienk Mast #51 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers celebrates after scoring a three-point basket against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at Pinnacle Bank Arena on January 2, 2026 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)

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Nebraska shot 13-28 for 46% from the floor. They went 5-15 for 33% from deep and 3-5 for 60% from the free-throw line. The Huskers collected 13 rebounds, 2 of which were offensive. Nebraska had 11 assists to just 3 turnovers. They had 14 points in the paint.

The Huskers were led by Pryce Sandfort, who had 9 points. Jamarques Lawrence and Braden Frager had 8 each. Sam Hoiberg led the way with 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Lawrence had 3 steals.

Northwestern shot 12-30 for 40% from the floor. They went 2-6 for 33% from deep and 3-4 for 75% from the free-throw line. The Wildcats collected 21 rebounds, 7 of which were offensive. Northwestern had 7 assists to 6 turnovers. They had 12 points in the paint.

The Wildcats were led by Nick Martinelli, who had 15 points. Martinelli also had 8 rebounds, including 5 of the offensive boards. Angelo Ciaravino contributed 5 rebounds. Jake West, Jayden Reid and Ciaravino each had 2 assists.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 05: Sam Hoiberg #1 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers dribbles the ball against the Boise State Broncos in the first half in a semifinal game of the College Basketball Crown tournament at T-Mobile Arena on April 05, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Cornhuskers defeated the Broncos 79-69. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)

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Nebraska has usually done a good job of coming out with another gear to start the second half of games, and the Huskers certainly did that. Nebraska started 3-3 from the floor to open a double-digit lead. Pryce Sandfort and Braden Frager did exactly what they did to Oregon in the previous game, shooting the ball very well to open up the lead in a big way. Nebraska officially blew the door open using a 17-3 run over a 5:49 time span.

The Huskers would lead by 19 after that, and Northwestern wouldn’t get close after that. Nebraska would shoot 60% for most of the second half, which really helped open things up. Martinelli still got his, as he would carry Northwestern again, but he definitely needs some help if the Wildcats want to win games in the Big Ten.

Nov 11, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers forward Pryce Sandfort (21) shoots a three point basket against the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks during the first half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

FINAL STATS AND THOUGHTS:

Nebraska shot 27-53 for 51% from the floor. They went 11-26 for 42% from deep and 12-15 for 80% from the free-throw line. The Huskers collected 28 rebounds, 6 of which were offensive. Nebraska had 18 assists to just 5 turnovers. Nebraska had 28 points in the paint.

The Huskers were led by Pryce Sandfort, who had 22 points. Braden Frager contributed with 20 points off the bench. Sam Hoiberg led the way with 7 rebounds. 4 different Huskers finished with 4 assists. Jamarques Lawrence had 3 steals.

Northwestern shot 23-54 for 43% from the floor. They went 5-14 for 36% from deep and 7-10 for 70% from the free-throw line. The Wildcats collected 30 rebounds, 9 of which were offensive. Northwestern had 15 assists to 11 turnovers. They had 24 points in the paint.

The Wildcats were led by Nick Martinelli, who had 22 points. Tre Singleton finished with 14. Martinelli also led the way with 10 rebounds. Jayden Reid finished with 5 assists.

Nebraska Head Coach Fred Hoiberg during the Indiana versus Nebraska mens basketball game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026.

Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

This one ended up being pretty straightforward for Nebraska in the end. The Huskers did a good job of keeping Northwestern at bay throughout the first half. Nebraska would go on another huge run in the second half, which it has done most of the season to blow the door open. Nick Martinelli still scored about right at his average for the Wildcats, but it took him 20 field goal attempts to get there.

Northwestern doesn’t have much in terms of secondary scoring. 3 Huskers finished in double figures, with two others within a basket of finishing with double digits. The Huskers are back in action on Wednesday night, as they host Washington. Tip-off at Pinnacle Bank Arena is scheduled for 8:00 pm and can be seen on the Big Ten Network. Go Big Red!

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Nebraska

Where to watch Nebraska-Northwestern basketball: Time, TV channel

Published

13 hours ago

January 17, 2026

Press Room

Where to watch Nebraska-Northwestern basketball: Time, TV channel

The Nebraska men’s basketball team (17-0, 6-0) hits the road on Saturday afternoon, facing the Northwestern Wildcats (8-9, 0-6). The Huskers are coming off a 90-55 win against the Oregon Ducks on Tuesday night.

Nebraska’s 17-0 record is the best start to a season in program history. A win against Northwestern on Saturday would give NU a 7-0 Big Ten record, its best conference start since WW2.

Nebraska’s offense is averaging 81.7 points per game while shooting .472 from the field and .352 from the three-point line. The Husker defense ranks No. 23 in the nation, surrendering 65.8 points per game.

Forward Rienk Mast leads the Cornhuskers with an average of 15.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Iowa transfer Pryce Sandfort enters the Oregon game averaging 16.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.

Northwestern is coming off a 79-68 loss to No. 13 Illinois on Wednesday. The Wildcats are led by Nick Martinelli, who averages 23.8 points per game.

Watch Nebraska-Northwestern basketball live on Fubo (free trial)

Here’s how to watch the Nebraska-Northwestern basketball game today, including time, TV schedule, and streaming information:

What channel is Nebraska-Northwestern basketball on today?

TV Channel: Big Ten Network

Livestream: Fubo (free trial)

Nebraska-Northwestern basketball can be seen on the Big Ten Network. Chris Vosters and Brian Butch will call the game from the courtside at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.

Nebraska-Northwestern basketball time today

Date: Saturday, January 17
Start time: 3 p.m. CT

The Nebraska-Northwestern basketball game starts at 3 p.m. CT from Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Illinois.

Nebraska-Northwestern basketball odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Saturday, Jan. 17

Moneyline: Nebraska -225/Northwestern +185

ODDS: Nebraska -5 1/2 (-105)

O/U: 148 1/2 (O -105/U -115)

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Nebraska

Nebraska Medicine sues to block $800M Board of Regents deal with Clarkson

Published

1 day ago

January 16, 2026

Press Room

Nebraska Medicine sues to block 0M Board of Regents deal with Clarkson

LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) – Nebraska Medicine filed a lawsuit Friday, seeking to block the University of Nebraska Board of Regents from purchasing Clarkson Regional Health Services’ stake.

The lawsuit filed in Douglas County District Court challenges the board’s plan to pay Clarkson $500 million for its stake in Nebraska Medicine and purchase Clarkson-owned real estate for $300 million.

Nebraska Medicine has asked the court for a jury trial and a temporary restraining order or injunction to pause the deal.

The Board of Regents and Clarkson announced the deal publicly Jan. 2, with a targeted closing before June 30, 2026.

The University has not disclosed complete financing details for the transaction, citing a need to raise funds through bond sales and state appropriations.

Nebraska Medicine argues the transactions violate a 2016 joint operating agreement that requires mutual consent from all parties, including Nebraska Medicine itself, to terminate the partnership.

The Board of Regents released this statement:

“We are saddened and puzzled by this unnecessary action. The Board of Regents has stated multiple times, including several times in the recent public board meeting, that we have a sincere desire to work in a collaborative fashion with Nebraska Medicine to grow and strengthen health care. The Board of Regents unanimously approved this transaction, and following that vote we moved immediately to once again extend a warm and personal offer to meet and forge ahead together to build a collegial working relationship consistent with Nebraska values.”
You can attribute this to the University of Nebraska Board of Regents

The agreement established Nebraska Medicine as an independent, private nonprofit with equal membership from the University of Nebraska and Clarkson.

University of Nebraska President Jeffrey Gold previously stated the deal would help the financially troubled university manage its budget, telling the Nebraska Examiner that “some of the revenue streams provided by Nebraska Medicine could help keep NU tuition more affordable than it might be otherwise.”

Nebraska Medicine said the Board of Regents has already violated its duties as a member by refusing to approve board seat nominations and withholding cooperation on routine governance matters since May 2025, effectively pressuring Nebraska Medicine to accept the deal.

“Nebraska Medicine’s continued success is critically important for the state’s workforce and the patients who rely on the serious medicine and extraordinary care delivered by Nebraska Medicine’s physicians and staff,” the complaint stated.

Nebraska Medicine also claims the $300 million for the property far exceeds the fair market value and the $500 million for Clarkson’s membership interest is “highly overvalued.”

“The University intends to charge Nebraska Medicine, through its subsidiary The Nebraska Medical Center, additional rent, although there is no rent currently paid,” the complaint reads.

The lawsuit also argues that even if Clarkson properly withdraws as a member, the University would violate lease terms by preventing Nebraska Medicine’s subsidiary from exercising its contractual right to purchase the Clarkson-owned property.

At its rescheduled meeting Thursday, the Nebraska Board of Regents unanimously approved the proposal.

Thirty-two state senators sent a letter asking the board to delay the vote. Current and former officials with Nebraska Medicine also pushed back on the proposal, calling it a “state takeover.”

In an open letter, three former CEOs claim the current structure allows for Nebraska Medicine to establish guardrails around major changes. But NU President Dr. Jeffrey Gold maintained that care will expand and improve if the deal went through, likening the agreement to “an amicable divorce.”

On Thursday, Dr. Beau Konigsberg, an orthopedic surgeon at UNMC, expressed concerns about patient care.

“When decisions about healthcare compete with other priorities, patients ultimately bear the burden,” Konigsberg said. “We risk losing the ability to recruit and retain physicians, invest in technology and services, and respond to urgent and emerging needs.”

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