No. 15 Nebraska Remains Undefeated with 78-55 Victory Over North Dakota
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Nebraska continued its impressive start to the season, securing a 78-55 win over North Dakota on Sunday night and improving to a perfect 12-0 record. The victory, fueled by a historic individual performance and a second-half surge, sets the stage for the Huskers’ final non-conference matchup.
Key Takeaways from Sunday’s Game
The Huskers overcame a sluggish first half and relied on standout performances from several players to maintain their unblemished record. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors contributing to Nebraska’s success.
Buyuktuncel Makes History with Triple-Double
Berke Buyuktuncel, a junior forward, etched his name into the Nebraska record books, achieving only the fourth triple-double in program history and the second of the season. His final stat line – 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists – showcased his all-around impact on the game.
“I thought (Buyuktuncel) was unbelievable,” a senior official stated after the game. “He got a couple of tip-ins for us that really got us going.”
Buyuktuncel’s performance is a significant boost for the team as they head into the final stretch of non-conference play.
First-Half Struggles and Second-Half Rebound
Nebraska endured a challenging first half, trailing the Fighting Hawks 26-24 after the opening 20 minutes. The Huskers struggled to find their rhythm offensively, shooting just 28% from the field and a dismal 2-for-18 from three-point range. A slow start has become a recurring theme in the Huskers’ non-conference games, with the team often playing to the level of their opponents rather than establishing an early lead.
However, Nebraska dramatically improved its shooting in the second half, finishing the game at 45% from the field. North Dakota also faced shooting difficulties, managing only 33% accuracy overall.
“I thought we took some contested (shots),” a senior official explained. “We just didn’t ever get the ball in the paint.”
Frager’s Impact Off the Bench
Freshman forward Braden Frager proved to be a valuable asset off the bench, consistently attacking the basket and drawing fouls. He reached the free-throw line eight times, including two and-one opportunities.
“I had to find other ways to impact the game,” Frager said after the game. “Getting downhill, getting to the line, was one of them.”
Frager’s contributions were particularly notable considering his limited role in a previous road game against Illinois on December 13, where he didn’t score in 13 minutes of action. On Sunday, he played 27 minutes and the team was +20 with him on the court, demonstrating his growing impact.
Sandfort’s Quiet Night
While the team overall found success, junior forward Pryce Sandfort had a relatively quiet night after a stellar performance against Illinois, where he scored 32 points. Sandfort struggled from the field, shooting 30% overall and 20% from beyond the arc, and didn’t score for the first 32 minutes of the game. Despite his shooting woes, the team was +18 while he was on the court.
The Huskers will return to action on December 30 against New Hampshire, with the game televised on BTN.
