Nebraska Men Embrace ‘Next Man Up’ Strategy Post Frager Injury

The Nebraska men’s basketball team celebrated a convincing 76-66 victory over Washington on Wednesday night. This win marked an impressive continuation of their momentum, following a 35-point triumph over Oregon and a 19-point victory against Northwestern. The No. 7 ranked Huskers faced challenges in closer matches prior to these comfortable wins, including narrow victories against Ohio State and Indiana.

Nebraska’s Challenges and Adjustments

During the game against Washington, a setback occurred when redshirt freshman Braden Frager sustained an ankle injury. Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg described the injury as a sprain. X-rays were to be conducted the following day to determine its severity. Frager exited the game in the first half and returned in the second half wearing street clothes and a walking boot.

This incident allowed Hoiberg to experiment with his lineup under pressure. Nebraska held an 18-point lead at one point but ultimately secured the win by ten points, highlighting the need for further adjustments as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against Minnesota.

‘Next Man Up’ Mentality

Coach Hoiberg emphasized the importance of every player being ready to step up in Frager’s absence. He observed that the adjusted lineup provided valuable defensive versatility. “Everybody’s got to be ready to step up in his absence and contribute,” Hoiberg stated. The team must adapt quickly as their rigorous schedule sees them facing Minnesota and fourth-ranked Michigan in the following days.

Continuing Success

The Huskers are now enjoying a historic season, boasting a record of 19-0. Their success has attracted the attention of rival teams, who are eager to bring their best against Nebraska. Despite the physical play from Washington, Hoiberg noted the resilience of his team in maintaining their winning streak. “There’s a lot of things we’re going to learn from this game,” he said.

Key Performers

• Pryce Sandfort led the game with 23 points, marking his third consecutive game with 20 or more points.
• Jamarques Lawrence contributed significantly, scoring in double figures and sharing the team lead in assists.
• Overall, Nebraska tallied their 11th double-digit victory of the season, underlining their offensive potency as they shot over 50% from the field for the third straight game.

Players like Lawrence affirmed the importance of maintaining pace in their play to maximize scoring opportunities. He stated, “When we’re not playing with pace, our offense gets stagnant.” Nebraska’s success hinges on this collective intensity and responsiveness, especially with the looming absence of Frager.

Next Steps

As Nebraska looks ahead, the development of their bench players will be critical. Hoiberg remains confident in his squad’s depth, reiterating the “next man up” principle. “I have full confidence in everybody on our squad,” he expressed, signaling that the team must remain adaptable and ready as they face formidable opponents in the coming games.