Seventh-ranked Nebraska clearly has commanded the fundamentals during a banner start, yet coach Fred Hoiberg still harps on the importance of pivoting.
That’s because he knows the Cornhuskers can’t focus on the past as they host slumping Northwestern on Saturday in Lincoln, Neb.
Tuesday’s 80-77 overtime loss to visiting No. 13 Purdue still gnawed at many Nebraska players as the week progressed. Hoiberg acknowledged the frustration as a former athlete before discussing the need to move forward.
“I told them … ‘We’ve done a really good job of putting big emotional wins behind us. Now here’s the flip side of it; you have to put the tough, emotional loss behind you now,’ ” Hoiberg said. “Really what will determine if you have success at the end of the year is how you handle those situations.”
Nebraska (21-3, 10-3 Big Ten) has seen its resolve tested more than ever since Jan. 27. After storming out of the gate with 20 straight wins, the Cornhuskers have lost to fellow ranked foes Michigan, Illinois and Purdue by a combined 15 points.
The Cornhuskers trailed Purdue by 22 points early in the second half and didn’t take their first lead until late in OT before falling 80-77.
One immediate area of focus: rebounding, especially the offensive glass. Nebraska finished minus-17 on the boards Tuesday while yielding 21 offensive rebounds.
“I know I’ve got to be better and more physical to not allow it,” said senior forward Rienk Mast, Nebraska’s co-leader in rebounds with 6.0 per game.
The Cornhuskers also hope to get a jolt from top scorer Pryce Sandfort (17.0 per game). After contributing at least 20 points in five straight games, Sandfort has scored 44 in his past three while shooting just 9-for-27 from deep.
Northwestern (10-15, 2-12) aims to stop a four-game losing streak, one off its season high.
Hosting second-ranked Michigan on Wednesday, the Wildcats built the largest lead against the Wolverines this season, 16 points, before fading during the final 14 minutes of an 87-75 defeat.
“I do feel like we’re getting better,” Northwestern coach Chris Collins said. “I feel like our spirit is still really good. … We’ve got guys diving for balls and battling. You saw the differential in size and athleticism. I mean, we’re competing. Man, we’re battling. So, I think there’s a lot of good stuff going on.”
While Big Ten leading scorer Nick Martinelli (22.5 ppg) regrouped with 18 points and eight rebounds, Jayden Reid paced all scorers with 20 points.
Reid provided just 25 points combined during the first three games of the skid.
Reid, a junior guard, has credited a growing chemistry with Jake West, a developing freshman guard, for helping to spark his game. Added athleticism also has sparked the defense, which forced 12 turnovers on Wednesday.
“Just having us both out there, it brings a different dimension to the game,” Reid said. “Because, obviously, we could both play off the ball and on the ball. We can guard both spots. It’s just fun being out there with Jake. It takes pressure off my hands.”
Nebraska has won three of the past four meetings with Northwestern, including a 77-58 road win on Jan. 17. Martinelli and Sandfort scored 22 points apiece for their respective squads.
