3 thoughts on quad-1 win for Nebraska basketball over Ohio State

There wasn’t anything fancy about the way Nebraska basketball beat Ohio State on Sunday.

Ohio State forced more turnovers and made more 3-pointers. However, the Huskers owned the paint, shot 51 percent from the field, and had a plus-9 advantage at the free-throw line.

Nebraska needed plenty of skill to win this game. Brice Williams and Juwan Gary took over in the second half. At one point, the Huskers were down eight before a Gary triple, and another hoop by the senior cut it to three.

Berke Buyuktuncel hit the first of two second-half 3-pointers to tie the game. From there, Nebraska attacked the paint. Williams, Rollie Worster, Andrew Morgan, and Gary were all able to score inside. The Huskers shot 63 percent on 2-pointers.

Nebraska shot 33 percent from deep but outrebounded the Buckeyes by 12. The Huskers had 15 assists compared to just nine and they had a nine-point edge at the free-throw line. Brice Williams had a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds. He also had four assists. Gary added 19 points, five rebounds, and two emphatic dunks at the end. Berke also managed 15 points and six rebounds, plus three dimes.

Some of the numbers would point to an edge for the Buckeyes but Nebraska was more physical. They were scrappier and here are three thoughts on the win over Ohio State.

The turnaround continues

You gotta love sports. Two weeks ago, people left this Nebraska basketball team for dead. Now, after a third quadrant-1 win (for now) in four games, the Huskers have put together an impressive NCAA tournament resume.

If this team wins the rest of their home games, they will easily make the NCAA tournament. 10 conference wins (nine regular season and one tournament or 10 regular season) is the benchmark for me.

The schedule doesn’t get any easier, but this team will be tough to beat at the Vault, and this four-game winning streak has been extremely impressive.

Nebraska basketball needs more of that from Berke

In terms of raw ability, few players on the roster have more than Berke Buyuktuncel. The 6-foot-10 sophomore got the start at center and delivered. He didn’t just make a couple of 3-pointers. Berke was physical and he provided a different threat at the five.

Fred Hoiberg has been experimenting with different lineups but the one he used on Sunday might be the best. Gary is a tough guard at the four. It’s not always going to be possible. Nebraska can play bigger or smaller but if Berke can turn into a reliable scorer down the stretch, it would be huge.

Brice Williams is playing as well as anyone in the Big Ten

Williams disappeared for a stretch where he didn’t score but when it was over, the Big Ten Player of the Week had 24 points. He was 9-of-16 from the field and even though he made just one trey, it was his fourth straight game with at least 23 points.

I can’t say enough good things about Gary. He’s been essential during this four-game winning streak too, but Williams is carrying the Nebraska offense, particularly down the stretch and he did it again on Sunday.

Hell, he and Gary might carry this team to the NCAA tournament.

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