3 takeaways from Nebraska basketball’s win over Lindenwood

Against one of the lowest-ranked teams in KenPom, Nebraska basketball did exactly what you would expect a top-25 team to do on Wednesday night, blowing out the Lions 94-60 at the Vault.

Lindenwood just covered the 34.5-point spread. Still, it’s hard to find much to complain about from a Nebraska perspective. Pryce Sandfort continued his hot start to the season, connecting on six 3-pointers. He finished with 22 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

Braden Frager scored 14 points. He also grabbed four rebounds, notched three steals and dished out two assists. The Huskers’ Big Two looks better than it did last season. Damon Wilkinson was the third Nebraska basketball player to reach double figures, scoring 19 points in 18 minutes.

Nebraska basketball made history last season, but the Huskers look like they have a chance to be a similar team in 2026-27. Following the 34-point win, here are three takeaways.

3-point shots started falling

After going 1-for-6 in the opener from 3-point range, Sandfort has made 9 of 20 since (45%). He made 6 of 12 on Wednesday night from deep. Of course, Sandfort did much more than that. That’s why he’s an All-Big Ten player.

The four assists and getting his teammates involved are one way he should make an even bigger impact. He rebounded the ball and ignited an offense that made 11 3-pointers. Wilkinson was the only other Husker to make more than one. Nebraska finished at just 31%, so there is still work to do. However, it was good to see some shots go down from beyond the arc.

Damon Wilkinson might need to start

Boden Kapke has played fine this season. He’s not an issue. It’s just that Wilkinson has played so well. He was 7 of 8 on Wednesday. He also grabbed three rebounds and attempted eight shots in 18 minutes.

Wilkinson also made two 3-pointers (2 of 2), and we all know how much Fred Hoiberg loves the pick-and-pop. Whether he starts or not, Wilkinson should see more than 19 minutes. He played 23.9 minutes per game last season and is playing well enough that Hoiberg should consider putting him in the starting five.

Defense solid again

Nebraska advanced as far as it did in the NCAA tournament because of its defense. That was my favorite thing about the 34-point win.

Lindenwood didn’t attempt many 3-pointers, but shot just 15% from deep and 35% overall. Nebraska allowed 19 free-throw attempts. The Huskers allowed 14 offensive rebounds, which is probably the biggest complaint.

Lindenwood made only 45% of its 2-point attempts. The Lions also had 18 turnovers. The Huskers are up to No. 13 in KenPom after the win, with the No. 5 adjusted defense.

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