3 thoughts on Nebraska’s comeback win over Winthrop

Nebraska basketball fans might not have believed that Winthrop was going to be a challenge for the Cornhuskers, but they did by halftime, as the Eagles led by four.

Of course, Nebraska was ice cold from three. The Huskers were living and very much dying by the three. The defense wasn’t all that bad, and eventually, it felt like things would turn around.

Rienk Mast got hot, eventually making seven 3-pointers on his way to 31 points. Jared Garcia came off the bench to give Nebraska a spark, and after 10 treys in the second half, Nebraska basketball finished with 13 — the same number as Winthrop as the Huskers pulled out an 80-73 win.

The Huskers shot 51 percent on 2-point shots. Winthrop 47. That was the difference in the game. Here are three thoughts.

Defense and rebounding weren’t there

Nebraska gave up at least 36 points in each half. 13 3-pointers were way too many, but that was a concern coming in, which we talked about in the preview.

Nebraska gave up way too many 3-point attempts, too many 3-point field goals, and way too many rebounds, especially on the offensive glass. Winthrop rebounded 34 percent of its misses.

Berke was out, but that’s still alarming.

Rienk Mast willed Nebraska basketball to a win

Mast made six 3-pointers in the second half, two right after the halftime break to give Nebraska the lead. He was fired up on a review that Nebraska won, and he scored 22 points in the second half.

Mast is the most skilled player on the team. However, he’s got that fire in him, too. He’s got the ability to take over games. We have started to see that more regularly, and it saved Nebraska from what could have been a bad loss.

11 wins in a row is something

Nebraska has beaten some solid teams this season — now four ranked in the top 105 of the Kenpom rankings. Regardless, 11 wins in a row is impressive, no matter who the opponent is.

This team is clicking. It’s not perfect. Making the NCAA tournament isn’t a guarantee, as fans were reminded on Tuesday night.

Yet, you have to tip your cap to Fred Hoiberg. He’s done a helluva job, and this team looks like one capable of playing in the NCAA tournament.

Good teams find a way to win.

Nebraska did that on Tuesday.

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