Here are Wilson Moore’s three takes after Nebraska basketball’s 73-55 home win over Minnesota on Sunday.
Good defense, rebounding guided Nebraska through ugly start
The Huskers missed five shots and turned the ball over twice before getting on the board.
On its second possession of the game, the Huskers got three offensive rebounds and still ended with an empty trip. The possession did, however, underscore the grit NU brought under the basket.
Nebraska scrapped for rebounds, boxing out well and keeping the burly Gophers away from the rim after shots went up.
Defensively, the Huskers matched Minnesota’s physicality, not allowing anything easy as the Gophers tried to work the ball through the low post.
People are also reading…
Points were scarce, especially in the first 12 minutes of the game, and Nebraska stayed competitive with its effort down low.
Juwan Gary delivers major performance
It was Gary, an inconsistent shooter who helped break the ice on the Nebraska’s woes from behind the 3-point line, burying four triples in the second half as he finished with 22 points. He was also 4-for-4 from the free throw line, another area that isn’t a strength.
When he wasn’t scoring, he did everything the Huskers have come to expect from him: Getting dirty under the basket, tipping 50-50 balls to teammates, scrapping for extra possessions and guiding NU through some choppy play with his sheer blunt force.
Minnesota wasn’t at its best
The Gophers play a bruising, physical brand of basketball, and when Nebraska matched and even exceeded Minnesota’s intensity, the road team didn’t have any recourse.
Sharpshooter Cam Christie struggled from the field and finished with 14 points on 3-of-12 shooting.
Elijah Hawkins, the Big Ten’s leader in assists, couldn’t generate any flow within the offense or create easy baskets. He finished with two assists.
The collective struggles gave Minnesota no recourse when Nebraska found life on offense.
Minnesota was able to scratch and claw with the Huskers in the first half but couldn’t keep up when the shots started falling. The Gophers needed to go further than grit along could carry them.
Nebraska’s Juwan Gary and Brice Williams after win over Minnesota, Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, in Lincoln.
Minnesota’s Ben Johnson after Gopher’s 73-55 loss to Nebraska, Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, in Lincoln.
Photos: Nebraska men’s basketball hosts Minnesota
Nebraska’s Brice Williams (3) motions after a basket against Minnesota during the first half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Brice Williams (3) is introduced before the first half of a college men’s basketball game against Minnesota at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Minnesota’s Elijah Hawkins (0) goes up for a layup against Nebraska’s Josiah Allick (53) during the first half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Josiah Allick (53) dribbles against Minnesota’s Pharrel Payne (21) during the first half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Minnesota’s Dawson Garcia (3) goes up for a 3-pointer during the first half of a college men’s basketball game against Nebraska at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Minnesota’s Pharrel Payne (21) goes up for a shot above Nebraska’s Josiah Allick (53) during the first half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Juwan Gary (4) goes up for a layup against Minnesota’s Cam Christie (24) during the first half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Minnesota’s Pharrel Payne (21) goes up for a shot against Nebraska’s Rienk Mast (51) during the first half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Matar Diop (21) goes up for a shot against Nebraska’s Jamarques Lawrence (10) during the first half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg during the first half of a college men’s basketball game against Minnesota at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Minnesota’s Parker Fox (23) dribbles around Nebraska’s Rienk Mast (51) during the first half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Minnesota’s Parker Fox (23) goes up for a layup past Nebraska’s Keisei Tominaga (30) and Brice Williams (3) during the first half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Brice Williams (3) swats the ball away from Minnesota’s Parker Fox (23) during the first half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Keisei Tominaga (30) dribbles against Minnesota’s Braeden Carrington (4) during the first half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Minnesota’s Pharrel Payne (21) reacts before going up for a shot against Nebraska’s Rienk Mast (51) during the first half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Minnesota’s Dawson Garcia (3) goes up for a shot above Nebraska’s Jamarques Lawrence (10) during the first half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Minnesota’s Pharrel Payne (21) dunks the ball during the first half of a college men’s basketball game against Nebraska at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Minnesota’s Elijah Hawkins (0) reacts during the first half of a college men’s basketball game against Nebraska at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Minnesota head coach Ben Johnson reacts during the first half of a college men’s basketball game against Nebraska at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Minnesota’s Cam Christie (24) dribbles against Nebraska’s Juwan Gary (4) during the first half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Minnesota’s Joshua Ola-Joseph (1), Nebraska’s Juwan Gary (4) and Minnesota’s Cam Christie (24) reach out for the rebound during the first half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Keisei Tominaga (30) reacts after a foul was called against Nebraska during the first half of a college men’s basketball game against Minnesota at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Josiah Allick (53) dives for the loose ball under Nebraska’s Sam Hoiberg (1) and Minnesota’s Joshua Ola-Joseph (1) during the first half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Rienk Mast (51) dribbles against Minnesota’s Dawson Garcia (3) during the second half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Keisei Tominaga (30) dribbles down the court during the second half of a college men’s basketball game against Minnesota at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Keisei Tominaga (30) goes up for a 3-pointer during the second half of a college men’s basketball game against Minnesota at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Brice Williams (3) guards Minnesota’s Pharrel Payne (21) during the second half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Josiah Allick (53) goes up for a 3-pointer during the second half of a college men’s basketball game against Minnesota at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Minnesota’s Cam Christie (24) goes up for a 3-pointer against Nebraska’s C.J. Wilcher (0) during the second half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Josiah Allick (53) blocks a layup attempt by Minnesota’s Cam Christie (24) during the second half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Josiah Allick (53) and Minnesota’s Cam Christie (24) go up for the rebound during the second half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Sam Hoiberg (1) goes up for a 3-pointer against Minnesota’s Dawson Garcia (3) during the second half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Juwan Gary (4) goes up for a 3-pointer during the second half of a college men’s basketball game against Minnesota at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Minnesota’s Dawson Garcia (3) passes the ball above Nebraska’s Jamarques Lawrence (10), Josiah Allick (53) and Juwan Gary (4) during the second half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s C.J. Wilcher (0) goes up for a layup past Minnesota’s Braeden Carrington (4) during the second half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Jamarques Lawrence (10) dribbles the ball during the second half of a college men’s basketball game against Minnesota at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Jamarques Lawrence (10) passes the ball to Josiah Allick (53) past Minnesota’s Parker Fox (23) during the second half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Brice Williams (3) reaches down to help up Josiah Allick (53) during the second half of a college men’s basketball game against Minnesota at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg walks out onto the court during a timeout in the second half of a college men’s basketball game against Minnesota at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg talks with the Huskers during a timeout in the second half of a college men’s basketball game against Minnesota at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Juwan Gary (4) celebrates after a 3-pointer against Minnesota during the second half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Jamarques Lawrence (10) looks to pass against Minnesota’s Mike Mitchell Jr. (2) during the second half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Juwan Gary (4) goes up for a shot against Minnesota’s Dawson Garcia (3) during the second half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg reacts during the second half of a college men’s basketball game against Minnesota at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Jamarques Lawrence (10) goes up for a 3-pointer as Minnesota’s Mike Mitchell Jr. (2) attempts to block in the background during the second half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Josiah Allick (53) celebrates as Jamarques Lawrence (10) picks himself up from the court after hitting a 3-pointer against Minnesota during the second half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Juwan Gary (4) dribbles against Minnesota’s Cam Christie (24) during the second half of a college men’s basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg watches on during the second half of a college men’s basketball game against Minnesota at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s C.J. Wilcher (0) and Keisei Tominaga (30) celebrate as they walk off the court after defeating Minnesota, 73-55, at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
• Texts from columnists
• The most breaking Husker news
• Cutting-edge commentary
• Husker history photo galleries
Get started
Be the first to know
Get local news delivered to your inbox!
+ There are no comments
Add yours