Officially back in the NCAA tournament field after upsetting two straight AP Top 25 teams, Nebraska looks ahead to the 11-10 Washington Huskies on Wednesday night to finish off their west coast road trip.
The Huskers defeated the #16 ranked Oregon Ducks last Sunday evening 77-71, leading for a total of 48 minutes and 45 seconds of game time.
Brice Williams scored a team high 28 points, followed by 23 from Juwan Gary. Rollie Worster added 11 off the bench.
Williams has been on a tear through the Big Ten the past week, winning both Big Ten and National Player of the Week honors for his performances against Illinois (27PTS) and Oregon.
This was a road win that the Huskers desperately needed for their NCAA tournament chances, and now gives the Huskers no added pressure heading into a big road game in Seattle.
The Washington Huskies are coached Danny Sprinkle who is in his first year with the program.
It has been a difficult season for the Huskies, as they sit with a 2-8 conference record in their debut season in the Big Ten, but they have the talent to upset the Huskers on their home court.
Utah State transfer Great Osobor is indeed great for the Huskies, leading the team in points, rebounds, assists and steals.
Aside from Osobor, the Huskies are young and still figuring out how to play with each other, which is a key reason for the Huskies slump this season.
Former Husker forward Wilhelm Breidenbach will be facing off against his former team for the first time since transferring from the program in 2023.
The senior is averaging 4.6 PTS for the Huskies, but has yet to firmly solidify his role offensively.
Players to Watch for Washington:
Great Osobor:
15.5 PTS 8.7 REB 3.1 AST 2.1 STL
Great Osobor is going to be a scary matchup for the Huskers. The senior big from England can control the offense with the ball in his hands and has the vision of a true point guard.
Unfortunately for the Huskers, Osobor plays his best basketball at home, averaging 16.3 PTS on 52% shooting to go along with 2.4 STL.
If the Huskers aren’t quick to get back in transition, Osobor will push the ball up the court without hesitation.
Tyler Harris:
12 PTS 5 REB 1.1 BLK 0.9 STL 46.8% 3PT
Sophomore guard Tyler Harris provides another tough matchup for the Huskers. Standing 6 feet 8 inches tall, Harris is an elite three point shooter and is everywhere on defense.
Harris often moves without the ball and if the Huskers aren’t completely alert defensively, Harris will find his way to the basket, or make his way to the corner for a three.
Players to Watch for Nebraska:
Juwan Gary:
12.7 PTS 4.9 REB 1.2 STL
In a game that is expected to be a dog fight, Juwan Gary becomes essential for the Huskers if he is at his best.
Gary plays with could be enough to get the job for the Huskers alone, but it has to translate offensively and to the rest of the team.
Connor Essegian:
11 PTS 2.6 REB 39.8% 3PT
If the Huskers struggle to find a rhythm on offense, a Connor Essegian three could get him and the Huskers going.
Although Essegian has been struggling of late, he can make shots from all over the court and should see the ball more against a struggling Huskies team.
Prediction:
The Huskers have figured out how to win on the road, and what better way than to have it come against a Top 25 opponent.
This game will be close, but given that this game is very important for Fred Hoiberg’s team to win for the NCAA Tournament, I expect them to come out and make this a defensive battle.
Wednesday, February 5th
9:30 PM CT BTN
Nebraska: 70 Washington: 68
