No. 15 Nebraska Faces North Dakota with History and High Expectations
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Nebraska is heavily favored to continue its perfect season against North Dakota tonight, but a past encounter suggests the game may be more competitive than the point spread indicates. The No. 15 Huskers (11-0) host the Fighting Hawks at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, with tip-off scheduled for 7:09 p.m. CST.
Huskers Riding High, But History Offers Caution
The Huskers enter the contest with a perfect 11-0 record, the best start in program history. They recently secured a hard-fought 83-80 victory over No. 13 Illinois on December 13th, fueled by a career-high 32 points from Pryce Sandfort and a game-winning three-pointer from Jamarques Lawrence with just 0.2 seconds remaining. However, a look back at the teams’ previous meeting in 2023 serves as a reminder that North Dakota is not to be underestimated.
According to sources, the 2023 matchup, while expected to be a comfortable win for a 10-2 Nebraska team against a 8-5 North Dakota squad, unfolded as a surprisingly tight contest. North Dakota even led by 10 points at halftime before ultimately falling to the Huskers by a mere eight points. “They should be coming in with a sense of confidence,” one analyst noted, referencing North Dakota’s performance in the prior encounter.
Offensive Prowess and Assist-Driven Success
Nebraska’s success this season is largely attributed to its potent offense, currently averaging 83.8 points per game – the highest through 11 games since the 1995-96 season. The team ranks sixth nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.92-to-1) and 21st in assists per game (18.8). Key contributors to this ball movement include Jamarques Lawrence (4.1 assists per game), Sam Hoiberg (4.0), and Rienk Mast (3.0).
North Dakota’s Momentum and Potential Upset Factor
North Dakota arrives in Lincoln with momentum of its own, having secured a thrilling 90-88 victory over Winthrop on Thursday night. Eli King led the Fighting Hawks with a game-high 25 points, including the game-winning three-pointer with just 0.5 seconds left on the clock. North Dakota overcame a halftime deficit by hitting eight of their 13 three-pointers in the second half.
Game Details and Viewing Options
Tonight’s game will be broadcast on BTN, with Jack Kizer and Shon Morris providing commentary. Viewers can also stream the game online via the FOX Sports and FOX Sports One apps. For radio listeners, the game will be carried on the Huskers Radio Network, including KLIN (1400 AM) in Lincoln, KCRO (660 AM) and KIBM (1490 AM) in Omaha, and KRVN (880 AM) in Lexington. The pregame show begins an hour before tipoff and is also available on Huskers.com and the Huskers app. A limited number of 300 Level Tickets are available for purchase at Huskers.com/Tickets or at the PBA Box Office starting at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Looking Ahead
Following the game against North Dakota, Nebraska will conclude its non-conference schedule with a matchup against New Hampshire on December 30th before resuming Big Ten play against No. 9 Michigan State on January 2nd. Despite the potential for a competitive game, expectations remain high for the Huskers, with many anticipating a continued winning streak and a start to the season at 12-0.
