Husker Men Rout Lions In Season Opener

Photo Credit: Nebraska Athletics

(Lincoln, NE) - Sam Hoiberg’s 15 points led five Huskers in double figures, as the Nebraska men’s basketball team opened the 2023-24 season with an 84-52 win over Lindenwood Monday evening.

Nebraska showed a balanced attack with five players in double figures and 10 cracking the scoring column, as the Huskers took control early with a dominant offensive performance. 

Hoiberg tied his career high with 15 points, while Rienk Mast (13), Brice Williams (13), C.J. Wilcher (13) and Josiah Allick (11) all finished in double figures. NU had 19 assists on 27 baskets, including 13 on 17 first-half baskets.

The Huskers (1-0) shot 57 percent in the first half, including nine 3-pointers, in building a 51-24 halftime lead. NU had a 10-0 run and a pair of 9-0 spurts in opening 20 minutes, as Hoiberg and Mast combined for 20 first-half points.

Lindenwood was within 11-8 with 14:56 mark of the first half before Nebraska took control with a 17-2 spurt to build a 28-10 lead after two straight baskets from Mast, who hit 4-of-5 shots in the opening half. From there, NU took control from long range, hitting six 3-pointers in the last six minutes of the half in leading by as many as 29 points before taking a 51-24 lead at the break.

Nebraska opened the second half with seven straight points to build a 58-24 lead and led by as much as 36 points before cruising to a 32-point win.

Keenon Cole led Lindenwood (0-1) with 14 points, while Jeremiah Talton added 10 points off the bench as the Lions shot just 32 percent, including 3-of-16 from 3-poin range.

The Huskers will return to action at Pinnacle Bank Arena this Thursday, Nov. 9, when they face off against Florida A&M at 7 p.m.