Nebraska controls its destiny for top-2 finish in Big Ten race

Nebraska basketball might not have a chance to win the Big Ten regular-season title after Michigan’s win over Illinois on Friday, but the Huskers have plenty on the line over the next three games.

Nebraska is tied for second place with Michigan State at 13-4. The Huskers own the tiebreaker over the Spartans. Illinois and Purdue are right there with five losses.

As long as the Huskers win out, they will be the No. 2 seed. Even a 2-1 record could put them in a tie if Michigan beats Michigan State in the final game of the season in Ann Arbor.

Nebraska was also projected as a three seed by the selection committee’s preview bracket. A strong finish could move them up to a two seed, and two top-four finishes in the Big Ten regular season in three years would be stellar work by Fred Hoiberg.

On Saturday, Nebraska plays at 18-10 USC. The Trojans have lost four games in a row. They desperately need some quality wins to have a chance at reaching the NCAA tournament.

One thing the Trojans have going for them is that they average 24 free-throw attempts per game. That’s the most in the Big Ten. Nebraska has been stellar at not fouling. It’s one of the strengths of the Nebraska defense.

Maryland only attempted eight free throws earlier this week. If Nebraska can keep USC closer to 10 attempts, rather than 20, the Huskers should win the game. Turnovers are something to watch. USC forces 10.6, but gives the ball away more than 12 times per game.

USC also shoots just 29 percent from deep. The Nebraska defense funnels shots to the 3-point line, so this is a good matchup for the Huskers. They play at UCLA next, before a home finale against Iowa.

That’s at least two quad-1 chances (USC and UCLA), plus maybe another against Iowa. Braden Frager needs to attack. Sam Hoiberg needs to play like he has all season, and Rienk Mast, and Pryce Sandfort need to get going.

My prediction is an 82-68 Nebraska win.

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