Huskers Stumble Against No. 21 Wisconsin Despite Strong Shooting Performance

January 06, 2024 – In a challenging Big Ten clash, the Nebraska men’s basketball team fell 88-72 to the 21st-ranked Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center. The Huskers’ spirited effort, highlighted by Keisei Tominaga’s 17-point performance, wasn’t enough to overcome Wisconsin’s exceptional three-point shooting.

Tominaga led Nebraska’s offensive charge, efficiently sinking 7-of-10 shots from the field, including three 3-pointers. He was supported by Rienk Mast, who contributed a solid performance with xx points and six rebounds. Despite their efforts and a near 50 percent shooting from the field, including 12-of-26 from beyond the arc, the Huskers saw their five-game win streak halted.

Tyler Wahl spearheaded Wisconsin’s offensive onslaught with 17 points and eight rebounds. The Badgers, now standing at 11-3 overall and 3-0 in Big Ten play, showcased their deep shooting prowess by hitting a season-high 13 3-pointers. This shooting efficiency, especially in the first half where they shot nearly 60 percent from the floor, proved pivotal in securing their victory.

Nebraska initially kept pace with Wisconsin, shooting 53 percent from the field in the first half, including 6-of-12 from the 3-point line. However, the Badgers’ hot shooting handed them a 51-38 advantage by halftime.

The Huskers, who faced significant foul trouble, were within two points early in the first half before Wisconsin launched an 8-0 run, extending their lead significantly. Despite Nebraska’s efforts to close the gap, Wisconsin’s bench contributed 23 points in the first half, bolstering their lead.

Tominaga and Mast were bright spots for Nebraska in the first half, scoring 12 and nine points, respectively. Nebraska attempted to mount a comeback late in the half with a 10-3 run but still trailed by 13 points at the break.

The second half saw Nebraska continue to fight, cutting the deficit to nine points early on. However, Wisconsin responded with timely scoring bursts, maintaining a comfortable lead throughout. A critical 6-0 run by the Badgers expanded their lead to 18 points, prompting a Nebraska timeout.

The Huskers will now regroup and prepare to host No. 1 Purdue at Pinnacle Bank Arena. As they look ahead, a limited number of tickets are still available for fans hoping to witness Nebraska’s attempt to rebound against the top-ranked Boilermakers.

This defeat, while disappointing, showcased Nebraska’s resilience and ability to compete against top-tier Big Ten opposition. The Huskers will aim to carry this fighting spirit into their upcoming games, seeking to make a significant impact in one of college basketball’s most competitive conferences.