If you're frantically checking your phone to find out what is the score of the Nebraska game, you probably just witnessed another masterclass in Big Ten dominance. Honestly, this season is starting to feel like something out of a movie for the Big Red.
The No. 8 Nebraska men's basketball team just walked into Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston and absolutely dismantled Northwestern. The final score? Nebraska 77, Northwestern 58. It wasn't even as close as that 19-point margin looks on paper. This win pushes Fred Hoiberg’s squad to a staggering 18-0 record. Let that sink in for a second. Undefeated. In mid-January. In the Big Ten. It’s the kind of run that makes even the most cynical Husker fans start looking up flights to the Final Four.
Nebraska vs. Northwestern: How the 77-58 Win Went Down
The first half was actually a bit of a grind. Northwestern isn’t exactly a powerhouse this year—they came into this one 0-7 in conference play—but they fought. Nick Martinelli was basically a one-man wrecking crew for the Wildcats, putting up 17 points and keeping them within striking distance. At the break, Nebraska only led 34-29.
Then the second half happened.
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You know that feeling when a superior team just decides they’re bored with a close game? That was Nebraska. They opened up a 17-3 run that silenced the Evanston crowd. Well, "silenced" might be the wrong word because the "Go Big Red" chants from the traveling Husker fans were loud enough to be heard back in Lincoln.
Key Stats from the Victory
Nebraska shot 50.9% from the field. That’s clinical. They also hit over 42% of their threes, which is basically a cheat code when you have their size.
- Field Goal Percentage: 50.9%
- Three-Point Percentage: 42.3%
- Free Throw Percentage: 80%
- Turnovers: Only 5 (This is the most underrated stat of the night)
Basically, they didn't beat themselves. When you don't turn the ball over and you shoot 50%, you're going to win almost every single time. Northwestern, on the other hand, coughed it up 11 times and just couldn't find a rhythm once the Nebraska defense tightened the screws in the second half.
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Why This Score Matters So Much Right Now
Look, everyone knows Nebraska is "back," but 18-0 is uncharted territory. We’re talking about program history here. The nuance of this team is their depth. It’s not just one guy. You’ve got Büyüktuncel doing everything, Hake hitting shots, and a defensive identity that Fred Hoiberg has spent years trying to build.
People keep waiting for the "Nebraska collapse." It's sort of a tradition in some sports, right? But this basketball team feels different. They’re winning on the road. They’re winning at home. They’re beating ranked teams like Illinois (who they took down 83-80 back in December) and they’re taking care of business against teams they should beat, like Northwestern.
The Big Ten Landscape
The conference is a gauntlet, but Nebraska is sitting at the top of the mountain. While teams like Purdue and Michigan State are stumbling here and there, the Huskers are remarkably consistent. If you're wondering what is the score of the Nebraska game because you're worried about the standings, don't be. They are firmly in control of their own destiny for a regular-season title.
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What's Next for the Huskers?
If you missed the Northwestern game, don't sweat it too much, but you definitely don't want to miss what’s coming up. The schedule is about to get a lot "meatier."
- Wednesday, Jan 21: vs. Washington at Pinnacle Bank Arena. PBA is going to be electric.
- Saturday, Jan 24: @ Minnesota. A road test that could be a trap game if they aren't careful.
- Tuesday, Jan 27: @ Michigan. Ann Arbor is never an easy place to play.
The real date everyone has circled on their calendar, though, is February 1st. That's when Illinois comes to Lincoln for a rematch. If Nebraska is still undefeated by then, the ticket prices for that game are going to be astronomical.
Don't Forget the Women's Team and Other Husker Sports
While the men are grabbing the headlines with the 18-0 start, the Nebraska women's team is also in the thick of a heavy Big Ten schedule. They recently had a tough loss to Iowa (86-76) where Britt Prince dropped 27 points, proving she's one of the best freshmen in the country. They play No. 24 Nebraska vs. Illinois next Saturday—keep an eye on that one.
Also, a quick shoutout to the Nebraska bowling team. They finished 9th at the Northeast Classic today, going 2-1 on the final day. It’s a good day to be a Husker all around.
Actionable Insights for Husker Fans
- Check the TV Schedule: Most upcoming games are on the Big Ten Network or FS1. If you don't have cable, Peacock is carrying a few of the road games (like the Michigan game on Jan 27).
- Ticket Alert: If you want to see them in person at PBA, buy now. The Washington and Illinois games are already showing as "Sold Out" on most official platforms, so you'll be hitting the secondary markets like StubHub or SeatGeek.
- Watch the Turnovers: If you're analyzing future games, keep an eye on the turnover margin. This 18-0 run is built on valuing the basketball. If that number creeps up toward 12 or 15, that's when the winning streak will be in jeopardy.
Nebraska has officially transitioned from "surprising story" to "national powerhouse." Whether they can keep this 18-game winning streak alive through the end of January is the biggest question in college hoops right now.