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Nebraska Basketball Looks to Solidify Big Ten Position

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, January 11th 2026 at 13:02 GMT by Sports Illustrated

LINCOLN, Nebraska - January 11, 2026 - The Nebraska men's basketball team is riding a wave of optimism and positive momentum, and this week presents a crucial opportunity to solidify their position in the competitive Big Ten Conference. After exceeding preseason expectations, the Huskers (11-3, 3-1) are eager to capitalize on a home-court advantage with upcoming games against Northwestern and Indiana.

Just a few short years ago, a record like this would have been an improbable dream for Nebraska basketball. However, under Coach Hoiberg's leadership, the program has steadily improved, culminating in the current 'feel-good vibe' sweeping the fanbase. The recent victory against Minnesota, a traditionally strong program, was a significant milestone, demonstrating the team's growth and potential. Coach Hoiberg praised the win, acknowledging Minnesota's toughness and the importance of securing a road victory for the program's continued development.

The upcoming week is particularly important. The Huskers welcome Northwestern to the Devaney Center on Saturday afternoon, followed by a home game against Indiana on Tuesday evening. While both games are viewed as winnable, the importance of maintaining this positive trajectory cannot be overstated. A successful week would not only strengthen Nebraska's Big Ten standing but also build further confidence within the team.

Analyzing the Opponents:

• Northwestern (8-5, 3-1): The Wildcats are a methodical team known for controlling the pace of the game. They recently secured a victory at Illinois, proving their ability to compete with top-tier Big Ten opponents. Nebraska will need to disrupt Northwestern's tempo and prevent them from dictating the flow of the game.

• Indiana (7-6, 1-2): Indiana is currently struggling, as evidenced by their recent losing streak and a 1-2 record in the Big Ten. While their struggles might suggest an easy matchup, Nebraska cannot afford to underestimate them. Teams often elevate their performance when facing ranked opponents, and the Hoosiers will be motivated to turn their season around.

National Recognition & Key Performance Areas:

Nebraska's impressive season has earned them recognition on the national stage, currently sitting at No. 22 in the AP Top 25 and No. 24 in the USA Today Coaches Poll. This ranking reflects the team's progress and highlights the growing respect they've garnered within the college basketball landscape. However, maintaining this standing and exceeding expectations will require consistent performance in key areas.

Several factors will be critical for Nebraska's success this week:

• Keisei Tominaga's Continued Production: Tominaga has emerged as a pivotal player for the Huskers. His recent scoring surge, averaging 18.5 points over the last four games with impressive shooting from beyond the arc (49%), has been instrumental in their success. The team's ability to leverage his offensive capabilities will be vital against both Northwestern and Indiana.

• Dominating the Boards: Nebraska's rebounding has improved significantly, but maintaining control of the glass remains a priority. Allowing either Northwestern or Indiana to dominate the rebounding would severely hamper their chances of victory.

• Defensive Intensity: Nebraska's defensive effort has been a cornerstone of their recent success. Maintaining their ability to generate stops and disrupt opponents' offenses is paramount. Any lapse in defensive focus could quickly derail their momentum.

The Bigger Picture:

Ultimately, Nebraska's success in the Big Ten will be defined by its ability to win games like these - home contests against conference rivals. Securing victories against Northwestern and Indiana would solidify their position in the standings and fuel the ongoing 'party' that has engulfed the Nebraska basketball program. The team, the coaching staff, and the fans all understand the significance of this week and the opportunity it presents.