3 takeaways from a massive win for Nebraska over Michigan State

The dream season continues for Nebraska basketball.

Nebraska was trailing by three points with just a few minutes left. Yet, after pulling even, Rienk Mast made the shot of his career, knocking down a 3-pointer out of a timeout.

It was the perfect play call by Fred Hoiberg. For Mast, it was the sixth made 3-pointer of the game. It gave Nebraska basketball a 58-55 lead with just under two minutes left.

Nebraska wouldn’t score again. Neither would Michigan State from the field. The Spartans had a shot to tie on two free throws at the end, but missed the first, and there was a violation on the second, wrapping up a 58-56, which was the 18th in a row for the Big Ten.

Pryce Sandfort was solid with 13 points. Jamarques Lawrence added 12, and Braden Frager pitched in with nine, all on 3-pointers.

Hoiberg’s team has two ranked wins and here are three takeaways from a magical night for Nebraska basketball.

Rienk Mast willed Nebraska to win

Mast wasn’t alone. You could say the same thing about Sam Hoiberg. His free throws, his lack of turnovers, for an entire game, and just every little play he made were critical.

Nebraska wouldn’t win this game without Mast, though. He’s a top-five player in the Big Ten. He made six triples, scored 19 points, but also grabbed seven rebounds, and dished out three assists in addition to three blocks.

What a legacy he’s writing in Lincoln. Seeing that shot go in, coupled with the final results, is one of the best moments I’ve experienced as a Nebraska basketball fan.

Defense was elite

Mast hit the big shot, but Nebraska won this basketball game because of its defense. The Huskers were incredible, holding MSU to 34 percent from the field (36 from 3) and building a nine-point lead after holding the Spartans to eight points in the first 13 minutes of the second half.

Then, when the game was on the line, they held Michigan State without a bucket for the final two minutes. At one point, the Spartans went seven minutes without a field goal. They had 19 turnovers.

The improvement on defense from last season has been incredible, and it’s the biggest reason why this team can do a lot more than win a game in the NCAA tournament.

It was a magical night

You knew the Vault was going to be incredible. But it met expectations. Fred Hoiberg has done an amazing job with this program. The Huskers have beaten two top-15 opponents.

Nebraska basketball is doing things that were hard to imagine possible. Fred has made it possible. He’s made magic happen, and it was on full display on Friday night.

For More Nebraska content, follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook Page, and Subscribe to the Husker Big Red YouTube Channel. You can also find our podcast on Apple or Spotify.