The Huskers are set for their biggest test of the season, as they host the #15 ranked UCLA Bruins in front of what projects to be a very loud and rowdy crowd at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
The 11-2 Huskers are fresh off a 77-43 victory against Southern, extending the teams winning streak to five games.
Junior guard Conner Essegian came off the bench to lead the Huskers in scoring with 20, which marks Essegians third game this season with at least 20 points.
The Bruins entered the 2024 season ranked #22 in the country, before dropping a game to an unranked New Mexico team to start the season 1-1.
Since that loss to the Lobos, the Bruins have won 10 of their last 11 games, which include upsets of #12 Oregon on the road, and #14 Gonzaga in the West Coast Hoops Showdown.
The Bruins are a legit basketball team, one that the Huskers can’t take lightly, expect around 10-11 different Bruins players to see the court on Saturday to keep the Huskers on their toes.
Players to Watch for UCLA:
Eric Dailey Jr. :
11.4 PTS 4.6 REB 54.5% FG 48.4 3PT%
The Bruins second leading scorer, and savior of their win over Gonzaga, Eric Dailey Jr. could have a big day against the Huskers.
The Oklahoma State transfer has scored in double figures in eight of the Bruins last 11 games, but hasn’t played the most consistent basketball during the last four.
Dailey combined for 32 points and 6 threes against Gonzaga and Prairie View, while scoring a total of just five points against Arizona and North Carolina.
William Kyle III:
4.2 PTS 3.1 REB 65.6 FG%
Saturday will be a homecoming game for Kyle, as the Bellevue, Nebraska native returns to play inside Pinnacle Bank Arena for the first time since he was playing for state championships at Bellevue West.
You can’t let the stats fool you, when you throw on Kyles film, all you will see is athletic putback dunks and alley oops.
The South Dakota State transfer is only averaging 12 minutes a game, but expect Kyle to see the court early and often on Saturday, in an effort to out-physical the Huskers.
Players to Watch for Nebraska:
Brice Williams:
19 PTS 3.4 REB 42.6% 3PT
In the middle of a breakout season for Williams, Saturday will be where a classic Brice Williams performance will be needed.
The senior guard has delivered for the Huskers so far this season in their biggest games, scoring 16 on the road against Creighton and 30 in the Huskers big win over Indiana before the team left for Hawaii.
Rollie Worster:
8.2 PTS 4.2 REB 1 STL
The defense of Rollie Worster could be one of the main reasons the Huskers are able to get the job done on Saturday.
Worster will most likely be tasked with the job of defending former 5 star guard Skyy Clark.
The former Illinois and Louisville guard is very shifty and likes to play at a fast pace, which will be the biggest test for Worster.
If Worster can slow down Clark and control the pace of the game, that only falls in the Huskers favor.
Prediction:
Don’t let anyone tell you different, Saturdays matchup with the Bruins is one that a ton of people inside college basketball will be paying attention to.
If the Huskers can upset another ranked team inside of Pinnacle Bank Arena, it will be hard to leave them out of the AP Top 25 come Monday.
Given the difficulties that teams have had playing in Lincoln the last 2 seasons, it’s really hard for me to pick the Huskers to lose such a big game at home.
Saturday, January 4th
1:00 PM CT FOX
Nebraska: 71 UCLA: 68
