Red-Hot, Veteran Nebraska Squad Awaits Lobos in Hall of Fame Classic
Photo of Nebraska forward Reink Mast (6’10) in Nebraska’s 105-99 win over Oklahoma on Nov. 15. Mast leads the Huskers in assists and rebounds. Photo courtesy of Nebraska Men’s Basketball.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI—The UNM men’s basketball team gets its toughest test of the season on Thursday, opening the Hall of Fame Classic against a big, experienced Nebraska team that is 4-0 to start the year.
The Huskers are coming off an emotional come from behind 105-99 win against Oklahoma (KenPom No. 65) on Saturday, in a game where they shot 58% from the field (34-59) and 56% from the 3-point line (15-27).
Nebraska, ranked No. 40 in KenPom, is powered by two key statistical strengths that will put UNM’s defense to the test. Nebraska ranks 21st nationally in turnover percentage. In its last two games against Oklahoma and Maryland East Shore, NU had only 12 combined turnovers compared to 34 assists.
Nebraska is also 19th nationally in effective field-goal percentage, an advanced statistic that adjusts field goal percentage to account for the fact that three-point field goals are worth more than 2-point field goals. Four of Nebraska’s five starters shoot over 50% from the field over 40% from the 3-point line. The Huskers’ get high quality shots by sharing the basketball. They average 20 assists per game with four different players contributing more than three assists per game.
“Nebraska’s a great challenge for us,” UNM head coach Eric Olen said when previewing the matchup. “Especially on the defensive end with all the weapons that they have and the spacing they play with, the passing, the way they screen off the ball, they have great recognition of what the defense is doing, switching, staying off the ball and how the screen.”
Projected Starting Lineup
#21 Pryce Sandfort (6’7, Jr.)
The Iowa transfer has been Nebraska’s most versatile scorer, averaging 17.5 points while shooting 42% from deep on high volume (13-31). At 6’7, Sandfort can also put the ball on the floor and attack the rim. He only has 1 turnover through 4 games and averages 3.3 assists.
#51 Rienk Mast (6’10, Sr.)
Mast, who missed last season due to injury, leads the team in rebounds and assists. He averages 15 points, 7.8 boards, and 3.8 assists per game. His 50% three-point shooting (8–15) creates a stretch-big dynamic that opens up Nebraska’s offense. His versatility on offense is seen in Nebraska’s 90-89 exhibition win over BYU.
#9 Berke Buyuktuncel (6’10, Jr.)
The UCLA transfer averages 9.9 points and 5 rebounds per game, highlighted by a season-best 16 points vs. Oklahoma. He is another skilled big that sets good screens and opens up the floor for Nebraska’s shooters.
#10 JaMarques Lawrence (6’3, Sr.)
Lawrence gives Nebraska a threat from the permitter who can score at the rim or beyond the arc. He averages 8.8 rpg and 3.5 apg, and shoots 50% from the 3-point line (8 of 16). After struggling against FIU and Maryland East Shore, Lawerence got back on track against Oklahoma, scoring 14 points and dishing 4 assists.
#1 Sam Hoiberg (6’0, Sr.)
Despite being undersized, Hoiberg he is second on the team in rebounding (5.8 per game) and assists (3.5 per game). His 14:2 assist-to-turnover ratio through four games embodies what Nebraska does best: play smart, mistake-free basketball.
Nebraska’s Defense
Nebraska is 55th in the country in defensive effective field goal percentage. Through four games, the Huskers’ defense is holding opponents to 38% shooting from the field. They rank 10th in the country in defensive free throws attempted per field goal, which means that Nebraska does not send team to free throw line at a high rate. Nebraska’s first three opponents before Oklahoma shot a combined 26 free throws.
The Lobos continue to struggle shooting the basketball. After improving against UC Riverside, UNM struggled again shooting the basketball against New Mexico State, going 41% from the field (23-55) and 29% from 3 (8-28).
“Where we want to be (offensively), I think we’re pretty far away,” Olen said. “The Riverside game, we were 1.2 points per possession which is plenty good enough. I don’t think we’ve been above 1.1 one in any of the others… I think it’s a continual evolution for us offensively. We’d love to be further along, but unfortunately were at the early stages of that evolution.”
Bottom Line
Nebraska enters the matchup as one of the most efficient offensive teams in the country and one of the toughest to rattle with a starting lineup of 5 upperclassman. Amidst its shooting struggles, UNM will have to find ways to score the basketball against a team with more frontcourt size than it has seen this season.
MBB: Nebraska / New Mexico Preview Podcast
NEXT UP FOR THE LOBOS:
Who: New Mexico vs. Nebraska
When: Nov. 20th @ 5 p.m. MT
Where: Kansas City, MO (Neutral site)
How to watch: Peacock
