Story by NU Athletic Communications

The Nebraska Men's Gymnastics team was ranked No. 3 in the Big Ten preseason coaches poll announced on Wednesday.Michigan leads the Big Ten as the No. 1 ranked team in the division for the 2024 season as the defending Big Ten Champions. The Wolverines finished 7-1 in the conference for regular season standings in 2023.Behind the Wolverines follows Illinois in second position, Nebraska in third, and Penn State and Ohio State rounding out the top five, respectively.Nebraska is set to open the 2024 season at the Rocky Mountain Open on Saturday, Jan 20 at 6:00 pm CT in Colorado Springs, Colo. where they will compete against Air Force, Oklahoma, and GymACT's Rocky Mountain Pride.Huskers Sam Phillips and Taylor Christopulos each earned a spot on the Big Ten Players to Watch List. Reigning Big Ten Gymnast of the Year Christopulos was named to the list for a third consecutive season, following his intital nomination in 2022.2023-24 Big Ten Men's Gymnastics Preseason Poll1. &nbsp; &nbsp; Michigan2. &nbsp; &nbsp; Illinois3. &nbsp; &nbsp; Nebraska4. &nbsp; &nbsp; Penn State5. &nbsp; &nbsp; Ohio State2023-24 Gymnasts to WatchTate Costa, So., IllinoisBrandon Dang, Fr., IllinoisFred Richard, So., MichiganPaul Juda, Gr., MichiganTaylor Christopulos, Sr., NebraskaSam Phillips, Sr., NebraskaKameron Nelson, Sr., Ohio StateParker Thackston, So., Ohio StateJosh Karnes, Jr., Penn StateIan Raubal, So., Penn State&nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska Men's Gymnastics team was ranked No. 3 in the Big Ten preseason coaches poll announced on Wednesday.Michigan leads the Big Ten as the No. 1 ranked team in the division for the 2024 season as the defending Big Ten Champions. The Wolverines finished 7-1 in the conference for regular season standings in 2023.Behind the Wolverines follows Illinois in second position, Nebraska in third, and Penn State and Ohio State rounding out the top five, respectively.Nebraska is set to open the 2024 season at the Rocky Mountain Open on Saturday, Jan 20 at 6:00 pm CT in Colorado Springs, Colo. where they will compete against Air Force, Oklahoma, and GymACT's Rocky Mountain Pride.Huskers Sam Phillips and Taylor Christopulos each earned a spot on the Big Ten Players to Watch List. Reigning Big Ten Gymnast of the Year Christopulos was named to the list for a third consecutive season, following his intital nomination in 2022.2023-24 Big Ten Men's Gymnastics Preseason Poll1. &nbsp; &nbsp; Michigan2. &nbsp; &nbsp; Illinois3. &nbsp; &nbsp; Nebraska4. &nbsp; &nbsp; Penn State5. &nbsp; &nbsp; Ohio State2023-24 Gymnasts to WatchTate Costa, So., IllinoisBrandon Dang, Fr., IllinoisFred Richard, So., MichiganPaul Juda, Gr., MichiganTaylor Christopulos, Sr., NebraskaSam Phillips, Sr., NebraskaKameron Nelson, Sr., Ohio StateParker Thackston, So., Ohio StateJosh Karnes, Jr., Penn StateIan Raubal, So., Penn State&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nebraska Gymnastics ranked No. 3 in Preseason Poll

Nebraska&nbsp;Head Coach Fred Hoiberg

On Rienk Mast’s injury

“Rienk had some swelling in his knee last week a couple days before the Kansas State game, and got a scan on it just to figure out the best treatment option for him, and they found a little loose piece of cartilage in there. The decision was made to play the Kansas State game. He could not do further damage on it, we just didn’t want that piece floating around and get into a spot where it caused some trouble down the line. We made a decision with the doctors and with Rienk, a decision that he was comfortable with to go in and take care of the problem. Surgery went very well and the doctor was really happy with how it went. He’s got very minimal swelling, he’s moving around really well. He actually walked on the treadmill today, a little bit faster than my treadmill workout that I did this afternoon, but overall hopefully we’ll get him back. We don’t have an exact time frame, I can’t give you an exact day that he’ll be back, but we’re hoping sometime in early January.”

On overcoming the absence of Rienk Mast

“It definitely changes things. You got guys playing different positions than they have been playing. Rienk obviously has been as good as anybody we have on the floor for us especially in those two wins against Michigan State and Kansas State. His absence was felt I thought early, they dominated the glass in the first half, they crushed us out there getting loose balls. At halftime we really challenged them, they just kind of had that blank stare on their face, and they were looking at the floor. I was getting after them to say, ‘guys you understand how good of a basketball team we are when we go out there and are the harder playing more together team’ and it wasn’t the same in the huddles with guys talking to each other and trying to lead out there. After those first couple possessions in the second half, they responded in a big way. They found a formula out there, but the effort, I think we outrebounded them 21-14 in the second half which obviously was a big key as opposed to what they did to us in the first. Then had a big run to get the lead and get that thing all the way up to 10 or 11. Found a way after 4 (Tyree Ihenacho) hit those shots there at the end of the game, but overall I knew this was a game that we had to play well. This is a very good team, especially with Ihenacho, who came out in his second game as a two-time transfer, we knew his talent. They should shoot it all over the place, they’re very physical and have size. We knew this was a good time that we’d have to play well, and we didn’t in the first half, but found a way to come out and play a really complete second half of basketball.”

On the play of Jamarques Lawrence and C.J. Wilcher

“It was great to see Jamarques knock down some shots there at the end of the game and get us organized. I was really proud to see C.J. going out there after the first half and keep us in striking distance and then had that stretch in the second half where we kind of went to him on five, six, seven straight possessions and it paid off, not only with the shot but getting him to the rim. I thought he had patience in there to get some shots at the basket but CJ coming off and he’s been shooting like that in practice and just a matter of time before he had a game like this where he was knocking down shot. On Jamarques, he’s growing and he’s playing a position to his credit that he’s never really played before and he’s learning on the fly so big win for our team. We’ll have a lot of things we can learn from this game but it’s always better to learn from a win.”&nbsp;

On the absence of Rienk Mast

“It’s definitely on the boards for sure. Rienk is just a sound guy, even if his shot isn’t going. If he’s not necessarily scoring the ball he’s going to make plays for other guys. He’s going to get other guys involved. He’s just a great screener too so he gets guys open, so we definitely missed his presence today.”

On overcoming Rienk’s absence

“I think it’s just next man up mentality. It’s the game of basketball, people get hurt, people may have rough nights. Everybody is gonna get an opportunity at some point and time, you just have to be ready to take advantage of those opportunities when they present themselves.”&nbsp;

On Josiah Allick stepping up tonight&nbsp;

“That’s Jo. Jo has been doing that all year, playing hard, super hard-nosed guy. He just came back from twisting his ankle so he’s getting his feet back under him, and like you said he stepped up today in a big way.”

Sophomore Guard Jamarques Lawrence

On changing back to a scorers’ mentality late in the game

“That’s what I’m trying to do with this new role, it’s just day-by-day with me, and I&nbsp;just tell myself to be more aggressive. I can make plays out of it too. I just gotta be more aggressive.”

On how the team feels about where they’re at going into the break

“We’re in a pretty solid place right now, we’re happy. I think we just get a lot better, focusing on our principles, I think we can get better defensively with our principles and stuff like that.”

North Dakota Head Coach Paul Sather:&nbsp;

Opening Statement&nbsp;

“I think that second half, they made that run. I just felt you know, in the confidence aspect we stopped kind of the movement and the pace offensively and our offense is now affecting us. Defensively and rebounding that's kind of what it felt like. Right now we're sad because we're not making the offense. It is what it was in the first and how we're coming down and we're not rebounding the way we should've we don't play with that same energy and you know. I told our guys this that I'm not sitting here satisfied that we were close to beating Nebraska. I mean, we gave it to them. We let them, we let them take it from us. A lot of it dealt with just that they were tougher. They got some second shots where they knew they got points off turnovers and those are areas in that second half where they really built an advantage on us. We had a good one in the first half in those areas, but they really came back and built an advantage in those areas.”

On the competitive feeling in the locker room

“Yeah, they need to be. If they don't feel that way, then there's something wrong and I said man, if you don't feel that way then take an extended break. I'm not that way because I thought our guys aren't that way, like they feel that way. I don't worry about them feeling that way. But this is what I truly believe, and I think the guys believe that too. But if you don't, I mean just take an extended break. I mean every day you should be anxious and excited about getting back. Enjoy being home, enjoy Christmas, but if you're not anxious and excited about getting back knowing what we can become then there's a problem. Let's be excited about this team or what we can become because right now there's a lot of growth that we're gonna continue to make.”

<ul>
 <li>With the win, Nebraska improved to&nbsp;10-2&nbsp;on the season, matching the program’s best 12-game start since 2018-19 </li><li>Nebraska put six players in double figures tonight, the first time Nebraska has done that since also putting six players in double figures against Minnesota on Feb. 25, 2022.</li><li>Nebraska overcame a 14-point second-half deficit, NU’s largest comeback since overcoming a 17-point deficit against Wisconsin on Feb. 11, 2023. Prior to tonight, NU’s largest comeback of the season was seven points against Michigan State.</li><li>Juwan Gary posted his second straight double-double and third of the year with 12 points and 12 rebounds.</li><li>C.J. Wilcher led Nebraska with a season-high 16 points, including 4-of-6 from 3-point range. His previous season high was 13 on two other occasions, most recently against Rider on Nov. 13.</li><li>Wilcher’s effort was the 10th&nbsp;double-figure effort from NU’s bench in 12 games and tonight marked the fourth time this season NU’s leading scorer came off the bench</li><li>Wilcher also hit a season-high four 3-pointers in the win, as his previous season best was also three against Rider</li><li>Nebraska is now 21-4 under Hoiberg when scoring at least 80 points, including 16-1 over the last three seasons.</li><li>Nebraska hit 11 3-pointers on the night, the sixth time this year NU has had double-digit 3-pointers.NU is 6-0 in those contests.</li><li>North Dakota outrebounded Nebraska 42-38 and is just the third team to outrebound Nebraska this season.</li>
 </ul>Nebraska&nbsp;Head Coach Fred HoibergOn Rienk Mast’s injury“Rienk had some swelling in his knee last week a couple days before the Kansas State game, and got a scan on it just to figure out the best treatment option for him, and they found a little loose piece of cartilage in there. The decision was made to play the Kansas State game. He could not do further damage on it, we just didn’t want that piece floating around and get into a spot where it caused some trouble down the line. We made a decision with the doctors and with Rienk, a decision that he was comfortable with to go in and take care of the problem. Surgery went very well and the doctor was really happy with how it went. He’s got very minimal swelling, he’s moving around really well. He actually walked on the treadmill today, a little bit faster than my treadmill workout that I did this afternoon, but overall hopefully we’ll get him back. We don’t have an exact time frame, I can’t give you an exact day that he’ll be back, but we’re hoping sometime in early January.”On overcoming the absence of Rienk Mast“It definitely changes things. You got guys playing different positions than they have been playing. Rienk obviously has been as good as anybody we have on the floor for us especially in those two wins against Michigan State and Kansas State. His absence was felt I thought early, they dominated the glass in the first half, they crushed us out there getting loose balls. At halftime we really challenged them, they just kind of had that blank stare on their face, and they were looking at the floor. I was getting after them to say, ‘guys you understand how good of a basketball team we are when we go out there and are the harder playing more together team’ and it wasn’t the same in the huddles with guys talking to each other and trying to lead out there. After those first couple possessions in the second half, they responded in a big way. They found a formula out there, but the effort, I think we outrebounded them 21-14 in the second half which obviously was a big key as opposed to what they did to us in the first. Then had a big run to get the lead and get that thing all the way up to 10 or 11. Found a way after 4 (Tyree Ihenacho) hit those shots there at the end of the game, but overall I knew this was a game that we had to play well. This is a very good team, especially with Ihenacho, who came out in his second game as a two-time transfer, we knew his talent. They should shoot it all over the place, they’re very physical and have size. We knew this was a good time that we’d have to play well, and we didn’t in the first half, but found a way to come out and play a really complete second half of basketball.”On the play of Jamarques Lawrence and C.J. Wilcher“It was great to see Jamarques knock down some shots there at the end of the game and get us organized. I was really proud to see C.J. going out there after the first half and keep us in striking distance and then had that stretch in the second half where we kind of went to him on five, six, seven straight possessions and it paid off, not only with the shot but getting him to the rim. I thought he had patience in there to get some shots at the basket but CJ coming off and he’s been shooting like that in practice and just a matter of time before he had a game like this where he was knocking down shot. On Jamarques, he’s growing and he’s playing a position to his credit that he’s never really played before and he’s learning on the fly so big win for our team. We’ll have a lot of things we can learn from this game but it’s always better to learn from a win.”&nbsp;Junior Guard C.J. WilcherOn the absence of Rienk Mast“It’s definitely on the boards for sure. Rienk is just a sound guy, even if his shot isn’t going. If he’s not necessarily scoring the ball he’s going to make plays for other guys. He’s going to get other guys involved. He’s just a great screener too so he gets guys open, so we definitely missed his presence today.”On overcoming Rienk’s absence“I think it’s just next man up mentality. It’s the game of basketball, people get hurt, people may have rough nights. Everybody is gonna get an opportunity at some point and time, you just have to be ready to take advantage of those opportunities when they present themselves.”&nbsp;On Josiah Allick stepping up tonight&nbsp;“That’s Jo. Jo has been doing that all year, playing hard, super hard-nosed guy. He just came back from twisting his ankle so he’s getting his feet back under him, and like you said he stepped up today in a big way.”Sophomore Guard Jamarques LawrenceOn changing back to a scorers’ mentality late in the game“That’s what I’m trying to do with this new role, it’s just day-by-day with me, and I&nbsp;just tell myself to be more aggressive. I can make plays out of it too. I just gotta be more aggressive.”On how the team feels about where they’re at going into the break“We’re in a pretty solid place right now, we’re happy. I think we just get a lot better, focusing on our principles, I think we can get better defensively with our principles and stuff like that.”North Dakota Head Coach Paul Sather:&nbsp;Opening Statement&nbsp;“I think that second half, they made that run. I just felt you know, in the confidence aspect we stopped kind of the movement and the pace offensively and our offense is now affecting us. Defensively and rebounding that's kind of what it felt like. Right now we're sad because we're not making the offense. It is what it was in the first and how we're coming down and we're not rebounding the way we should've we don't play with that same energy and you know. I told our guys this that I'm not sitting here satisfied that we were close to beating Nebraska. I mean, we gave it to them. We let them, we let them take it from us. A lot of it dealt with just that they were tougher. They got some second shots where they knew they got points off turnovers and those are areas in that second half where they really built an advantage on us. We had a good one in the first half in those areas, but they really came back and built an advantage in those areas.”On the competitive feeling in the locker room“Yeah, they need to be. If they don't feel that way, then there's something wrong and I said man, if you don't feel that way then take an extended break. I'm not that way because I thought our guys aren't that way, like they feel that way. I don't worry about them feeling that way. But this is what I truly believe, and I think the guys believe that too. But if you don't, I mean just take an extended break. I mean every day you should be anxious and excited about getting back. Enjoy being home, enjoy Christmas, but if you're not anxious and excited about getting back knowing what we can become then there's a problem. Let's be excited about this team or what we can become because right now there's a lot of growth that we're gonna continue to make.”

Nebraska game notes versus North Dakota

Opening Statement:&nbsp;“I had just a couple of people to thank, so if you’ll bear with me, I think it’s very important. Today, for me at least, is always a day of gratitude. It starts with all of the young men who have made the decision to sign with us, both the guys who have signed scholarships and the guys who are coming as walk-ons. Julie and I, as two parents, have a son finishing his senior year in Charlotte, who has decided to come to Nebraska and be a freshman next year. This signing class for us probably means more than it ever has. We understand that when you’re going through this process, knowing that they’re in a safe place with good people, it matters so much. Very grateful to the parents, guardians, highschool coaches, mentors, everyone who have led these young men to these decisions. And I’m grateful for all the players, that they’ve entrusted their future to us. I believe they’ve all come here for the right reasons, and I’m excited to be a part of their future. I’m grateful to our staff. Obviously, you guys see the 10 full-time coaches that go on the road, but we have an army of people who evaluate and help make this process run. Everything from making sure business expenses get done to getting flights on time to identifying the best players. When people come to see us, I think they walk away feeling like there’s a cohesive vision, that there’s sort of a family feel here, and that’s because we all do believe in the same things. So I’m very grateful to our coaches and our staff, and especially their families. This is hard, there’s a lot of time that’s put into this, and our coaches and staff, their families do a lot. Very grateful to Trev (Alberts) and our entire administration. You can’t recruit at this level without an investment and the belief that it’s going to pay off. Very grateful for the way they’ve laid this out for us, where we can be successful. A lot of people in Lincoln, lots of vendors, lots of hotels, they go out of their way to make sure that we have an unbelievable process. I think one of the crown jewels, one of the key recruiters for us is the city of Lincoln. I think when people come here they’re blown away. We could put them at the Kindler Hotel, or show them the Scarlet Hotel, we can take them to eat at J.T.K, or Casa Bovina, or all of the other places we utilize. To me it makes coming to Nebraska that much more real, so I’m grateful. Our fans. As we all know, our fanbase is second to none. It’s something that I think our families feel. It’s hard to send your kid from Florida to Nebraska. It’s hard to send your kid from all across the country. One of the major questions I get is ‘Coach, how is my son going to be treated here?’ When people come on visits and when they get to the airport, or when they walk into a game, they feel so welcome. They feel so welcome for the right reasons. It makes it that much easier to send their kids here, and I’m unbelievably, unbelievably grateful. I want to thank a lot of former players. Too many to name, but just the way that they’ve reached out and sent name in. I’m just really proud of the fact that there’s six players who are legacies. Really proud of the fact that we have one player whose brother is on the team. One player in Eric Ingwerson whose uncle played here, and the fact that Nebraska means that much to them, and that they believe in what we’re doing, that they want to send their sons here. I want to thank Coach Osborne. One of our best recruiters. Put someone in a room with Coach Osborne and give me the credit, I’ll take that all day, but it’s really Coach (Osborne). I want to thank Governor (Jim) Pillen. It’s not very often that the Governor is willing to, not recruit, but build relationships, and tell people what life is really like here, so very grateful to him. Some specific former players that have really gone out of their way; Abdul Mohammad has really laid the groundwork for us as we want to recruit this state. Really proud of the fact that we have eight scholarship kids from Nebraska for the second year in a row. Want to thank Vershan Jackson and Steve Warren, Damon Benning, and others. Without them, I wouldn’t have some of the names that I’ve got, and I’m really grateful for that. I want to thank Tommie Frazier and Eric Crouch. Being willing to come on campus and meet with players. Jay Foreman, Doak Ostergard, those guys have gone way out of their way. Many others have done a lot but I want to make sure I thank them. And then finally, I think having this type of signing class is indicative of what’s happening in our athletic department. When your women’s soccer team is Big Ten champs, you see what the basketball team is doing, it might not seem like a lot, but when you’re trying to find things to talk about with guys, you can say ‘Hey, did you see us beat Michigan State?’, or taking Dylan Raiola and going to watch Jaz (Shelley) score 25 on Sunday. Those things matter. On a personal note, I want to thank Coach Cook and our women's volleyball team. What they did this year was awesome, and for Coach Cook to do that with such a young team, I know it’s brought my family and me closer. I had Baker Mayfield call me from Tampa, and he was like ‘Hey, I’m going to the game on Thursday, bro’. There’s people from all across the country talking about our women’s volleyball team, and to do it so young. I loved what Harper (Murray) said after the game. We took the staff yesterday to see Day By Day. I wasn’t there, Trev (Alberts) can maybe talk about it more than I can, but I don’t know that if ‘94 and ‘95 don’t happen if ‘92 and ‘93 doesn’t. I don’t know that ‘97 doesn’t happen if it’s not for ‘96.I just love being a part of this level of excellence in so many areas of our athletic department. I think it’s part of why you look across the country and people are getting so excited about Nebraska football. Finally, I have to thank 1890. They have backed these athletes, they have backed these players. For us to sit here, I know you’re going to ask me about the transfer portal. We have our own portal. We got Bryce Benhart out of that portal. We got Ben Scott out of that portal. Giff (Isaac Gifford) deciding to come back, even though he’s probably going to get drafted. Ty Robinson, passing on the chance to get drafted to come back. That’s unbelievable. John Bullock coming back. I’m just very grateful for the experience these guys are having, whether it’s Dennis (LeBlanc) or Keith Zimmer in life skills. Also, the way our student athletes have been supported by the Peed family (Tom and Shawn Peed), by Matt Davison, by all the people who have donated. Thank you so much, because this is the modern world of athletics. We are being supported by an organization that’s run the right way and doing things the right way. That comes across to us each and every time we talk to a student-athlete. And finally, our players. Our players are our best recruiters. When they tell recruits what it’s like here, recruits listen. The feedback has been excellent. I think you guys have seen that by the lack of guys going into the transfer portal. People are excited about being part of this program, and that’s why we’ve been able to sign so many guys. I know that was long, but I am extremely grateful for them. I know you guys have a lot of questions, so I’m happy to answer them.”

On the path of Dylan Raiola and possible transfer QBs:&nbsp;“I’m always going to explore everything, but at the end of the day, as I said to you guys, I was never really interested in one-year quarterbacks. I believe in doing due diligence. I don’t believe in just making statements. I always look at those, but it’s really important to me that Chubba (Purdy) and Heinrich (Haarberg) have earned the chance to go compete in the spring without someone coming in that’s a year ahead of them. That was first and foremost. We looked at some things, but didn’t make any offers to anybody. I just wanted to stay true to that message that we had from the end of the year. Daniel Kaelin has been loyal to us from the very beginning. We believe in Daniel, we believe in his skill set, his processing, how quickly he sees it. I love the fact that even this past weekend, he had an opportunity. He just wants to compete and be a Husker. As I sat there and watched that show yesterday and they talked about Tommie Frazier and Brook Berringer, just ‘hey, I want to be here and I want to compete.’ I appreciate that about him. Dylan called last Sunday and said, ‘hey, Coach, my heart is telling me to come to Nebraska. Can I come take another look?’ I challenged him, like ‘hey, make sure you’re serious about this. I don’t want this to be something that isn’t right for you,’ and he said ‘my life has greater purpose than just being the top recruit. I know what Nebraska means to my family, I know what it’s meant to me and I’d like to come there.’ I think in the end, to have a player of Dylan’s caliber, not of his recruiting, but of his caliber. His arm talent, his ability to see the field, but probably more than anything, his work ethic and how much he cares about the game. We obviously took that. I feel great about our quarterback room, we have four players that we believe in. With the young players, with the two freshmen, I think it’s really important that they follow the right trajectory. It’s not about coming in and scripting success. It’s about teaching them to play quarterback the way we want our quarterbacks to play. That’s why I didn’t want a quick fix. I want to build this thing with guys who have been in the program, who learn our way of thinking, our way of seeing the field, our way of viewing defenses, our way of calling protections, our way of training. I think as we move forward, everything will be earned and nothing will be given. It will be great competition. It’ll be great learning and great development. We have some pretty special players in that room.”

On the QB coaching staff: “Yeah, I'm not talking about that today. With all that diversity, today is all about the recruits. When I'm back, if there's anything to talk about it I will but today is about them.”&nbsp;

On how Dylan Raiola changes what the offense is able to do:&nbsp;“You know I think that’s a great question because we would love to be a very diverse offense like the 49ers but somewhat translated to college. When you get players like Carter (Nelson), the ability to stretch the field and throw the ball, we want accuracy, we want guys who are going to protect the football. We love guys who can move, but also the ability to push the ball down the field and throw the ball 55-60 yards down the field at times and be accurate is something that helps those types of offenses. I think after spending a year in the Big Ten and in the weather that we play in, having big quarterbacks with big hands who can spin the ball is vital, and so I think Dylan certainly gives us that. Seeing the throws he was throwing this year in high school, a lot of the same throws that were gonna ask him to throw, he was able to throw them at a really high level. I had the chance to see him throw live last year. He’s got so much arm talent and not many people have that, but again this game comes down to way more than just arm talent. To us, it’s just about how you teach things with process so that he can play fast and free. It’s the same thing we’ll do with Daniel (Kaelin) and continue to do with Heinrich (Haarberg) and Chubba (Purdy).”

On Dylan Raiola ‘tangible wise’: “Well, you know it’s hard for me to sit here and talk very much about a lot of these guys when I’ve met them three or four times. So a lot of it is second hand, what I will say is anytime in my past that I’ve had a chance to take a quarterback or a player whose dad played, usually they’ve grown up in a house where dad’s been harder on them than they have. When I was in the NFL we drafted Jaycee Horn. Talking about a first round pick, his dad Joe Horn was one of the great players to play the game. He probably grew up after every game being told, ‘yeah you did that great, but.’ So, I think that Dylan probably has a lot of intangibles that I haven’t met yet. What I’ve loved about Dylan is he loves football, he loves to talk football, he’s unbelievably kind. You watch him at the basketball game the other day, he’s taking pictures with kids, and not in a selfish way, but in a caring way. It’s the same intangibles I see with a lot of the guys we have. We want to recruit really good people who love football. This is not a ‘what’s in it for me’ type place. You’ve got to come here wanting to be great at football, wanting to be great in the community and wanting to be great in school. Your parents have to want that, you have to want that. I see all that from Dylan. To me it’s the beginning of a journey, this is not the end, this is the very very beginning and that’s my message to all the players. This is not a culmination, this is the start of something, so just take it day by day.”

On managing the quarterback position last week: “Yeah, I think we tried to be as honest as possible. As things come you’re talking in real time. I’m never going to apologize for bringing in good players. I’m never going to apologize for bringing in good competition. We live in a day in age where everyone is trying to find the best situation. I think you should try to find the place where you can get developed the best because no one knows how things are going to work out. So, as long as I’m not taking away your scholarship, I’m not going to apologize to you if I’m bringing someone else in. And I want players who want that, like, ‘I want to be the best, so I have to probably play with the best and compete against the best.’ That’s why I respect Daniel (Kaelin) so much for the decision he made. Obviously the thing with Dylan happened, and it was really honest and transparent. In terms of transfer players and things like that, sometimes you have to have difficult conversations. Sometimes the narrative out there is different than what is actually happening, and that can be difficult. None of these young men ran from competition, no one said, ‘I don’t want to go there.’ Some people were asking me that, and I felt bad about it. Really, at the end of the day, we made a decision, we’re going to go young, we’re going to go with the guys we have and the two freshmen, and build. I don’t mind disappointing people, I hate it, but I don’t want anyone ever to say I lied to you. I try to be honest and say ‘here’s how we see it.’ Sometimes people disagree with it. It’s hard at Quarterback because only one can play. There’s going to be a lot of quarterbacks that went in the portal that don’t find places to go. I always say, ‘go somewhere where you’re being developed. Go somewhere where you’re growing as a quarterback, growing as a person.’ Eventually, things happen, you’ll have your chance to get on the field, and when you get on the field, crush it. We played three quarterbacks this year. Odds would say that most teams would probably play one or two moving forward.”

On if he stayed connected with Dylan Raiola: “Once Dylan committed to Georgia, I didn’t recruit him anymore. I still talked to him, they came to the Michigan game, hugged him, ‘good to see you, how’s things going?’ I don’t really recruit guys after they commit somewhere very often. I won’t say not always, but I think in that decision, it was like go ahead, I appreciate it. Obviously he has a unique perspective in that his uncle is on staff. So, in recruiting everyone is the same way everyday. This year we started off 0-2, you got to see us what we were like at 0-2, then we won three in a row – ‘what are they like after they won three in a row.’ Kind of yoyo the season. Probably found out a little bit more about us from his uncle, ‘what are they like when things are going good, when things aren’t going well.’ Again that’s why I point to the guys that want to come back and play their sixth year, doesn’t happen everywhere. But yeah, in terms of the relationship, he’d shoot me a text, ‘hey, good win coach,’ or something like that. But I’m really respectful of Georgia and Coach Smart’s program. To me, this wasn’t about Georgia, this was about a kid who grew up a Husker fan that his heart wanted to come back and be a Husker.”&nbsp;On Grant Brix:“When I first got here, Donovan (Raiola) told me ‘hey, there’s this guy that came to our camp last year, he’s really special.’ I love, besides the person and the person that he is and the family, I love his versatility. I’ve seen him wrestle, I’ve seen him play in the band, I’ve seen him play football. He can do a little bit of everything. I love his hat speed. There’s a lot of big offensive lineman, there’s not many that are as explosive and athletic as Grant is. I’ve really enjoyed my relationship with him and his family. Again, it’s about an hour and fifteen, an hour and twenty from his house to here. There’s a lot of really great players in this area. The ability to have him want to come here and join us, despite all the offers that he had, was big for us. Again, we want to grow the offensive line the same way. We want to grow it the hard way – through recruiting, through development. He has a lot of talent that, if developed properly, we think could be an awesome player.”

On competing for the quarterback starting spot: “Everybody does, yeah. We’re a team that started multiple non-scholarship players last year. Competition is king. Nothing is handed to anybody. Nothing is handed to anybody.”

On his approach with the transfer portal: “I think because as we retained our guys and guys came back, that affected that. If Bryce Benhart and Ben Scott, two honorable-mention All-Big Ten players, went in the portal right now, they would be getting top everything. People would be fighting for them. So, when they wanted to come back, it alleviated some of the ‘hey, let’s go find an older player.’ Obviously, we visited one or two guys. The portal is still open so things could change, but Blye (Hill) was a unique deal to us. We really saw that 6’3” corner that can run. His dad is an NFL player, mom is a great athlete. We think he has years to develop in our system and can be a really good player. We’ll recruit a couple more guys for sure, but a lot of it is just our numbers. We’ve recruited a lot of high school kids the last two years. That was important to me, to have a strong base of high school players, not knowing how many we would lose. Well, we really haven’t lost many guys. This will be a smaller class this year, this next high school recruiting class. Again, I’m not against the portal at all. When everyone comes here, I want them coming here for the right reasons and to fill a role and have a vision. We have a vision for Blye. We might have one for one or two other ones as we move forward.”

On recruiting in Miami: “I think, obviously, Coop (Evan Cooper) is the one that goes down. Evan is an excellent recruiter and he’s from Miami. People know him. Phil Simpson – Phil played for me 100 years ago and was a really successful high school coach in Miami, so as we go down into Dade county, their experience here speaks volumes to people. When they speak, people listen and the guys on our team, when they come up and see Dwight Bootle or are talking to those guys and they’re having a good experience – those guys that flipped today, they came in last weekend and it was 26 degrees. There’s no tricks, there’s no gimmicks. I said ‘hey, walk around. This is what it feels like.’ They recognize real and they recognize what’s transparent and they’re coming for the right reasons. That was a big day for us today, to get a player of Willis McGahee’s talent and ability level and the way his brain works and an unbelievable family. To get Amare (Sanders), to get Larry (Tarver), to have Vincent (Shavers) just kind of flip over now, those things are all really big things for us.”&nbsp;

On recruiting in-state: “People have been unbelievable since the day we got here. We go to a clinic, people are there. I think the high school football here is really, really strong. You think about it, we go on national shows and they’re like ‘well, you signed eight guys.’ Notre Dame signed a player out of here, Illinois signed a player out of here, so it’s not like we got every one. There’s 10, 11, 12 Division I players here. What I would say was really special about us this year was, because of our camps, we have a lot of guys that we think are scholarship-worthy players that came in as non-scholarship players. They turned down Division I offers to come here. I think the high school coaches have been great. Hopefully our camps will continue to catch on. A lot of players thought you had to be invited to camp. No, we want everybody. I want, by the time you’re a senior, for you to come to my camps since you were in sixth grade. You know me and I know you. This has been your dream. That’s kind of my goal. As we go around the state, you brought up Ainsworth. I’ve been there three times. We had the time of our lives on Saturday in Ainsworth, just unbelievable people. We went to the high school football game, the playoff game a month ago. Unbelievable people. It’s when you go to those towns and you meet those people and those little kids come up to you and you’re not sure what they’re going to say to you – a kid walks up and says ‘I’m glad you ran a fake punt for once.’ I say ‘thanks, bro.’ You just realize – I say this a lot – we have such a responsibility to produce a winner because people are really counting on it. Going back into those towns and those people reciprocating the feelling and welcoming us, is awesome and it makes recruiting in Nebraska a lot of fun.”

On Carter Nelson:&nbsp;“When I talk about that, kind of that model that San Francisco type model, the college version of that. Guys like Carter (Nelson) are imperative, unique, position-less players. You go watch him play, he’s playing quarterback. He’s playing tailback. He’s a wideout, He’s playing tight end. I told him we’re going to hand him the ball like Walter Peyton on fourth and one and let him dive over the top. I said that’s our goal for him, a position-less player and we signed Jacory Barney Jr.. Jacory plays wideout and then all of a sudden he’s playing quarterback for his team. You have a bunch of guys that can do things with the ball and watch how the offense comes alive. We’re kind of a position-less defense, we’d like to be a position-less offense. I think Carter has all the talent in the world and I think it’s really cool that someone from Nebraska can go anywhere in the country. He could’ve flipped anywhere and they would’ve taken him, and he wants to come here. I think it sends a great message.”&nbsp;

On Bryant Rhule coming to Nebraska: “My son? The best part is, I can’t even say it, my wife I’ll get in trouble. I’m very fired up the have Bryant on board. We tried to get him into South Dakota State, Lawrence, some great schools, Wayne State. I wanted him to go live his own journey, but that summer in Selleck dorm, that month in Selleck, pranking coaches with Malachi (Coleman) and those guys he was locked, he was in.”&nbsp;

On former football players sending their sons here: “What’s really interesting is that none of them were overly involved. You’re talking to Dom Raiola, you’re talking to Damon Benning, you’re talking to Neil Smith, guys you did a ton of stuff here. They’re not overbearing, it’s about their kids and I think it’s why their kids are happy and successful and going to have a lot of success and so they all earned it, some of them came to camp. Kamdyn (Koch) came to camp and punted in front of us. I didn’t put the connection together at the time, Ed (Foley) had. We said, ‘Hey we’d love to have him here.’ Quinn (Clark) is a unique story. His father has passed. I had been sent this tape. I want to say Vershan Jackson sent it to me and Damon Benning sent it to me and I get sent a lot of tapes and I was like, ‘Who is this big kid?’ and I was like ‘Man he’s a good player. He’ll have to come to camp though because I don’t really know what football’s like in Bozeman.’ So he comes to camp and he runs the 40 and he’s out there playing this and playing that and camp’s over and I say ‘Is your mom here?’ and his mom’s there and we offer him on the field. If there was any way to incorporate his father into it, maybe doing it in Memorial Stadium or on the field would have been some way to honor him so a lot of really cool things. The fact that they had such a good experience here and this place means so much to them and that they want their sons to be here, I think is important and also they see some good things in us as a coaching staff that we’re doing it the right way. Damon (Benning) has had a lot of a look into who we are and what we do. Obviously Caleb (Benning)’s mom Tanya played soccer here so when Mario Buford, when his parents say, ‘Yes we’re going to let him come here’ and here’s Marques (Buford Jr.) and he’s been through the adversity of a torn ACL and they want him to come play for us. That’s important to me because I think that speaks louder than anything else you can do in recruiting is how people who have been through the program feel.”

On recruiting in Texas: “We went down and did the summer camps in Texas. We found some players, I think a lot of people go to Texas and they think like, ‘airport recruit.’ They’ll fly to DFW and they’ll drive within 40 minutes and then they’ll go back to the airport, and they fly out. As much as we love Hudl here. Hudl hurts teams like us that want to outwork everybody, because now you can watch everyone’s film. Shoutout to them for changing the industry, but we still can go places people don’t want to go. We get to Houston and people stay, our coaches work in a different way. Coop (Evan Cooper), Omar (Hales) and those guys find Roger Gradney and we drive out to Rice Consolidated. Unbelievable program, great high school coach, great talent, here’s this young man that I believe will be a great player here. You go to camps and you see Braylen Prude is 6’ 4, gets up and on my watch he runs a 4.42 and you’re like ‘run that again,’ he runs it again. Part of it is finding the big name recruits that everyone knows. Part of it is working the camps and finding the guys that fit us, we’ll be there every year. We’re going to keep recruiting Florida. We’re going to keep recruiting Texas. We’re going to keep recruiting this area and try to be really consistent with it. If we can get five to six players a year from Texas, then all of a sudden you have 30 players from Texas on your team. We’ve all had a good experience.”&nbsp;

On NIL playing a role in recruiting: “I don’t know, I really don’t. I don’t have any NIL conversations with anybody, that’s other people. I legitimately don’t have those. I don’t want to be talking to you about that. If there’s ever a day where it’s done differently then I will, but it’s done the right way. Is it changing the landscape in recruiting? I've read some of the things people say, ‘more guys going different places,’ so maybe there’s some merit to that, but I don’t know that. A player can walk into my office that’s on our team and say, ‘hey coach I just got offered this amount of money,’ and trust me players have. Players have said on the first day, ‘coach this quarterback from this school called me and offered me this amount.’ And that player doesn’t even know if that’s real. In the NFL there were contracts and there were agents, no one knows what’s real and what’s not real. Thankfully our players are so loyal they all came and let us know and they’re all here. They all stayed, but I don't even know what’s real. People have called me and said it’s going to take this for this guy, some of those numbers are out there. The one thing in the NFL was if an agent told you, Sam McKewon, the Dolphins just offered me three years, $4.2 (million), and then you found out later he signed for less and he lied to you, you’d never deal with that agent again. So everyone is very very very straight up. Seems like a good deal, Sam. As I’ve said there’s just no system, so. With all that being said, I can’t really comment too much, I don’t have a great feel, I just know some of the high end guys are getting some big numbers. Some things aren’t as inflated as they say. I’m looking forward to the day this is all streamlined, so it’s got a bit more of a system to it.”&nbsp;

On describing the recruiting class: “I think that concept of a position-less player is really something that we tried to focus on. We took a lot of guys from our camps and we will continue to take guys from our camps that maybe might seem unrecruited, but we believe in our coaching ability. We believe in height, weight, speed, traits. When we look at a player, it might list him as a safety, but we think some day they might rush the passer. Or it might be him as a wideout, but we think someday they are going to do this. As long as we have players that believe in that process and get here and get with Corey (Campbell) and Christian (Ellsworth), our development and staff here I think can do wonders with players. I don’t sign a player unless I believe they have a chance of playing in the NFL. I look at them and ask if they have the height, weight and speed. So I think that leads some people to ask, ‘hey you signed seven DBs.’ I’m like, ‘yeah.’ I think he’ll play here and he’ll play here. Last year, we signed Jeremiah Charles as a wideout and we think he’d be an unbelievable corner. Sometimes they need to get here. I think a reemergence on the offensive line. We signed a couple guys that came to our camp that to me remind you of what a Nebraska offensive line should be, explosive, powerful, and as they get bigger, going to be really tough, hard-nosed players. And we just signed a couple tackles that we are excited about. It’s hard to find tackles nowadays.” &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

On addressing the running back position:&nbsp;“Yeah, we have four scholarship ones, and we have a couple who’ve walked on that we feel good about so we weren't gonna reach. We could always look in the portal if our numbers allowed us to, but we feel so good about Kwinten Ives. I loved what Emmett Johnson did this year. I think Emmett has a bright future ahead, three more years for us. We get Gabe (Ervin Jr.) back, we get Rahmir (Johnson) back, again we talk a lot about Kwinten, but we like the room. We always look and talk to some other guys but the big thing is with next year's class is that you talk about ‘hey what positions are you gonna target as a staff’ and ya know, running backs should want to come here and play. We kind of revamped the way we play and we ran the ball well this year, so we'll go and try to find a tailback that will really help us in next year's class but if one comes along before then, let's do it.”

On injuries or departures: “We had the young men go in the portal. We had the three scholarship players go in the portal. Nick walked on senior day, right? In terms of scholarship players, Ethan Piper, Garrett Snodgrass, he’s not gonna play anymore, he’s gonna go do his Ag (Agriculture) masters. I think Ethan is just kind of taking it slow and waiting to see. I told him, he’s finishing his degree. He’s either gonna coach for us or play for us but he can’t do anything in the spring. He’s just gonna take his time on it, so i’m not sure where we’ll end up on it, but he’s kinda taking his time.”&nbsp;

On if there’s anyone outside of Ethan Piper and Garrett Snodgrass:&nbsp;“Eric Fields is no longer with us. Eric Fields went home. He’s just home.”

On talking to recruits right before they sign: “As the players sign or sometimes right before, those guys hop on a Facetime and just welcome them to the family. Some guys were laying in bed, some guys were at school and then we also do a lot of 2025s today too. Let them know that, ‘Hey a year from now, this will be your day.’ I hope that today is a wonderful, wonderful moment in their lives and a day that they will remember, a day that their lives change. Where they had a chance to come to the University of Nebraska and earn an amazing degree and meet wonderful people, have great experiences and eventually win a championship and hopefully go get drafted someday. I always remind them that this is just the beginning. There is no linear path to greatness. There’s ups and downs and ups and downs. The key I've learned in life is that you want your highs to be higher than your previous highs and your lows to be higher than your previous lows. When young people understand that life kind of goes like this, you have a chance and they have a chance so I’m really grateful for this group. I think it’s a great group. I think the group we signed last year was awesome. A lot of them played and if this group is as good as last year’s group plus the guys we have coming back, I expect us to have a good team.”

Nebraska Football National Signing Day Press Conference 

Lawrence, Kan.&nbsp;- Alexis Markowski produced her seventh double-double of the year with game highs of 19 points and 11 rebounds, but it was not enough to overcome a big first half from Kansas in Nebraska's 69-52 women's basketball loss at Allen Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.

With the setback, Nebraska closed non-conference play with a 9-3 overall record including a 1-0 start to Big Ten play, while Kansas improved to 7-4 on the season.

Markowski, whose production came against fellow Lisa Leslie award candidate Taiyanna Jackson, was the only Husker to score in double figures as Nebraska struggled through its worst offensive performance of the season.

The Huskers shot just 28.6 percent (18-63) from the field, including 5-for-24 (.208) from three-point range. Nebraska did outwork the Jayhawks on the glass, 43-36, including 19 offensive rebounds. The Big Red was plus-15 on the glass in the second half alone, while also winning the turnover battle, 15-14, for the game.

Kansas used a big second quarter to outscore Nebraska 21-8 in the period and build a 32-17 halftime lead. The Huskers struggled offensively against a tenacious Jayhawk defense in the first 20 minutes. Nebraska entered the contest averaging 81 points per game but managed just 17 in the first half. KU held Nebraska to just 7-for-25 (.280) shooting in the half, including 3-for-12 from behind the arc.&nbsp;

After trailing 11-9 after one quarter an Annika Stewarter three-pointer for the Huskers tied the game at 14 early in the second. KU then took control with an 11-0 run. The Jayhawks closed the half on an 18-3 surge, as the Big Red got only a Maddie Krull three-pointer the rest of the half.

Markowski led Nebraska with four points and six rebounds in the half, but she was strapped with foul trouble, picking up her third foul midway through the second quarter.&nbsp;

Jackson led KU with six points and six boards in the half, but most of the second-quarter surge for the Jayhawks came with Jackson off the floor. Zakiyah Franklin added six first-half points on a pair of threes, while Holly Kersgieter added five points and guards Wyvette Mayberry and S'Mya Nichols both pitched in four points.

In the half, KU hit 13-of-31 shots (.419), including 4-of-11 threes. Kansas won the battle of the boards 22-14 in the first 20 minutes.

Nebraska came out fighting in the second half, getting the first four points from Natalie Potts and Markowski to trim the margin to 32-21. Another Markowski basket cut the margin to 10 at 35-25 with 6:53 left in the third. The lead remained at 10 points at 42-32, but the Huskers were never able to pull within single digits.

Potts finished with six points and four rebounds, while Krull, Jaz Shelley and Callin Hake each managed five points on the night.

Jackson finished with 12 points and nine rebounds, while Franklin led the Jayhawks with 16 points. Nichols added 13 points, while Mayberry contributed a dozen to put four in double figures for the beaks in blue.

KU hit 43.6 percent (24-55) of its shots for the game, including 6-for-21 threes (.286), while hitting 15-of-17 free throws.

Nebraska will take 10 days off from competition before returning to Big Ten home action against Maryland on New Year's Eve. Tip-off between the Huskers and Terrapins at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Sunday, Dec. 31 is set for 1:30 p.m. (CT). Tickets are available now at Huskers.com and live broadcast can be heard across the Huskers Radio Network. The game will be televised live by the Big Ten Network.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsLawrence, Kan.&nbsp;- Alexis Markowski produced her seventh double-double of the year with game highs of 19 points and 11 rebounds, but it was not enough to overcome a big first half from Kansas in Nebraska's 69-52 women's basketball loss at Allen Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.With the setback, Nebraska closed non-conference play with a 9-3 overall record including a 1-0 start to Big Ten play, while Kansas improved to 7-4 on the season.Markowski, whose production came against fellow Lisa Leslie award candidate Taiyanna Jackson, was the only Husker to score in double figures as Nebraska struggled through its worst offensive performance of the season.The Huskers shot just 28.6 percent (18-63) from the field, including 5-for-24 (.208) from three-point range. Nebraska did outwork the Jayhawks on the glass, 43-36, including 19 offensive rebounds. The Big Red was plus-15 on the glass in the second half alone, while also winning the turnover battle, 15-14, for the game.Kansas used a big second quarter to outscore Nebraska 21-8 in the period and build a 32-17 halftime lead. The Huskers struggled offensively against a tenacious Jayhawk defense in the first 20 minutes. Nebraska entered the contest averaging 81 points per game but managed just 17 in the first half. KU held Nebraska to just 7-for-25 (.280) shooting in the half, including 3-for-12 from behind the arc.&nbsp;After trailing 11-9 after one quarter an Annika Stewarter three-pointer for the Huskers tied the game at 14 early in the second. KU then took control with an 11-0 run. The Jayhawks closed the half on an 18-3 surge, as the Big Red got only a Maddie Krull three-pointer the rest of the half.Markowski led Nebraska with four points and six rebounds in the half, but she was strapped with foul trouble, picking up her third foul midway through the second quarter.&nbsp;Jackson led KU with six points and six boards in the half, but most of the second-quarter surge for the Jayhawks came with Jackson off the floor. Zakiyah Franklin added six first-half points on a pair of threes, while Holly Kersgieter added five points and guards Wyvette Mayberry and S'Mya Nichols both pitched in four points.In the half, KU hit 13-of-31 shots (.419), including 4-of-11 threes. Kansas won the battle of the boards 22-14 in the first 20 minutes.Nebraska came out fighting in the second half, getting the first four points from Natalie Potts and Markowski to trim the margin to 32-21. Another Markowski basket cut the margin to 10 at 35-25 with 6:53 left in the third. The lead remained at 10 points at 42-32, but the Huskers were never able to pull within single digits.Potts finished with six points and four rebounds, while Krull, Jaz Shelley and Callin Hake each managed five points on the night.Jackson finished with 12 points and nine rebounds, while Franklin led the Jayhawks with 16 points. Nichols added 13 points, while Mayberry contributed a dozen to put four in double figures for the beaks in blue.KU hit 43.6 percent (24-55) of its shots for the game, including 6-for-21 threes (.286), while hitting 15-of-17 free throws.Nebraska will take 10 days off from competition before returning to Big Ten home action against Maryland on New Year's Eve. Tip-off between the Huskers and Terrapins at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Sunday, Dec. 31 is set for 1:30 p.m. (CT). Tickets are available now at Huskers.com and live broadcast can be heard across the Huskers Radio Network. The game will be televised live by the Big Ten Network.

Markowski double-double not enough at Kansas

Story by Pro Volleyball Federation

COLUMBUS, Ohio / FRISCO, Texas –&nbsp;Pro Volleyball Federation – the premier women’s volleyball league in North America – has announced an agreement with CBS Sports to become an official television partner of Pro Volleyball Federation. With the agreement, Pro Volleyball Federation joins CBS Sports’ deep lineup of women’s sports programming. &nbsp;

“This is another groundbreaking day in the history of Pro Volleyball Federation,” touted Pro Volleyball Federation co-founder Dave Whinham. “In CBS Sports we have a great partner that believes in the growth of women’s professional volleyball in North America. We are very proud of this relationship and excited about the dynamic new ways we will be able to present our matches within the CBS Sports platform.”&nbsp;

CBS Sports is the first partner to be announced as part of Pro Volleyball Federation’s media rights package, which is expected to include both domestic and international rights. The multi-year CBS Sports agreement includes a minimum of 10 matches to be aired in 2024, plus the semifinals and championship match of Pro Volleyball Federation’s championship weekend.&nbsp;

The CBS Sports matches will be aired primarily on CBS Sports Network in 2024, with opportunities for matches to also be aired on CBS throughout the term of the partnership. The League’s complete national broadcast schedule, along with additional media rights partners, will be announced at a later date. &nbsp;

ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION&nbsp;

Pro Volleyball Federation is&nbsp;REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL&nbsp;and the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. Pro Volleyball Federation will begin play in January 2024 with world class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players and elite players from around the world. Our entire focus is on ensuring that our level and quality of play, our treatment of players, the quality of our event presentations, and our day-to-day fan experience is world class and the very best offered in North America. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.provolleyball.com/" target="_blank">ProVolleyball.com</a>.&nbsp;

CBS Sports Network, the 24-hour home of CBS Sports, is widely available through all major cable, satellite and telco distributors as well as via OTT streaming service providers YouTube TV, fuboTV, DirecTV and Hulu. Additionally, a live CBS Sports Network stream is available through CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports App by authenticating with select providers. For more information, including a full programming schedule, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cbssportsnetwork.com/" target="_blank">cbssportsnetwork.com</a>. &nbsp;

Story by Pro Volleyball FederationCOLUMBUS, Ohio / FRISCO, Texas –&nbsp;Pro Volleyball Federation – the premier women’s volleyball league in North America – has announced an agreement with CBS Sports to become an official television partner of Pro Volleyball Federation. With the agreement, Pro Volleyball Federation joins CBS Sports’ deep lineup of women’s sports programming. &nbsp;“This is another groundbreaking day in the history of Pro Volleyball Federation,” touted Pro Volleyball Federation co-founder Dave Whinham. “In CBS Sports we have a great partner that believes in the growth of women’s professional volleyball in North America. We are very proud of this relationship and excited about the dynamic new ways we will be able to present our matches within the CBS Sports platform.”&nbsp;CBS Sports is the first partner to be announced as part of Pro Volleyball Federation’s media rights package, which is expected to include both domestic and international rights. The multi-year CBS Sports agreement includes a minimum of 10 matches to be aired in 2024, plus the semifinals and championship match of Pro Volleyball Federation’s championship weekend.&nbsp;The CBS Sports matches will be aired primarily on CBS Sports Network in 2024, with opportunities for matches to also be aired on CBS throughout the term of the partnership. The League’s complete national broadcast schedule, along with additional media rights partners, will be announced at a later date. &nbsp;ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION&nbsp;Pro Volleyball Federation is&nbsp;REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL&nbsp;and the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. Pro Volleyball Federation will begin play in January 2024 with world class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players and elite players from around the world. Our entire focus is on ensuring that our level and quality of play, our treatment of players, the quality of our event presentations, and our day-to-day fan experience is world class and the very best offered in North America. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.provolleyball.com/" target="_blank">ProVolleyball.com</a>.&nbsp;ABOUT CBS SPORTS NETWORK&nbsp;CBS Sports Network, the 24-hour home of CBS Sports, is widely available through all major cable, satellite and telco distributors as well as via OTT streaming service providers YouTube TV, fuboTV, DirecTV and Hulu. Additionally, a live CBS Sports Network stream is available through CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports App by authenticating with select providers. For more information, including a full programming schedule, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cbssportsnetwork.com/" target="_blank">cbssportsnetwork.com</a>. &nbsp;

Pro Volleyball Federation announces CBS Sports as first media rights partner 

Elm Creek 43, North Platte St. Patrick's 31

Maywood-Hayes Center 50, Garden County 23

South Loup (Callaway/Arnold) 51, Sandhills Valley 16

Wauneta-Palisade 44, Dundy County Stratton 35

Dundy County Stratton 64, Wauneta-Palisade 24

Maywood-Hayes Center 64, Garden County 47

North Platte St. Patrick's 52, Elm Creek 41

South Loup (Callaway/Arnold) 64, Sandhills Valley 25

<h2>Girls Basketball</h2>Brady 43, Maxwell 38Broken Bow 63, Hershey 39Elm Creek 43, North Platte St. Patrick's 31Gothenburg 53, Amherst 23Leyton 48, Arthur County 31Maywood-Hayes Center 50, Garden County 23Northwest 45, Ogallala 38Paxton 34, Mullen 22South Loup (Callaway/Arnold) 51, Sandhills Valley 16Southern Valley 44, Southwest 27North Platte 59, Grand Island 29Wauneta-Palisade 44, Dundy County Stratton 35<h2>Boys Basketball</h2>Arthur County 47, Leyton 46Dundy County Stratton 64, Wauneta-Palisade 24Gothenburg 56, Amherst 49 (OT)Maywood-Hayes Center 64, Garden County 47North Platte St. Patrick's 52, Elm Creek 41South Loup (Callaway/Arnold) 64, Sandhills Valley 25South Platte 63, Sutherland 36Southern Valley 52, Southwest 40Grand Island 62, North Platte 34Hershey 62, Broken Bow 41South Platte 63, Sutherland 36

Area High School Basketball scores

High School Basketball - North Platte High School @ Grand Island

The Ogallala GBB team is making a trip out east to Grand Island to take on the Grand Island Northwest Vikings in a girls varsity game. The Indians are 6-1 on the season while the Vikings are 4-3.

Sandhills PostThe Ogallala GBB team is making a trip out east to Grand Island to take on the Grand Island Northwest Vikings in a girls varsity game. The Indians are 6-1 on the season while the Vikings are 4-3.

Ogallala GBB radio coverage tonight vs GINW

Quarterback Dylan Raiola, one of the top high school football recruits in the country, announced Monday he will sign with Nebraska after months of being a verbal commitment to Georgia.

Raiola, whose father played for Nebraska and uncle is a current assistant coach, made his announcement with a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RaiolaDylan/status/1736881334641918211?s=20">poem posted to social media.</a>

“No longer a cog in some powerhouse machine, But a quarterback, with an even grander ambition unseen,” Raiola wrote in his post.

The early signing period of high school recruits starts Wednesday, when Raiola and other recruits can make their college decisions official by signing a national letter of intent.

When Raiola signs, he will become one of the highest-rated recruits to ever join Nebraska. He has played high school football in Texas and Arizona before transferring to Georgia this year and playing at Buford High School, a traditional power northwest of Atlanta.

Nebraska is the third commitment for Raiola, who initially pledged to Ohio State in 2022 before switching to Georgia in May.

Raiola's father, Dominic, was a star offensive lineman for Nebraska in the late 1990s who started more than 200 NFL games with the Detroit Lions. Raiola's uncle, Donovan, is the current offensive line coach for Nebraska under head coach Matt Rhule.

Nebraska, a program that claims five national titles, has not even qualified for a bowl game since 2016.

The Cornhuskers went 5-7 last season, with one of the worst offenses in the country.

Nebraska ranked 129th in the country in passing offense.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702989773367.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Associated PressQuarterback Dylan Raiola, one of the top high school football recruits in the country, announced Monday he will sign with Nebraska after months of being a verbal commitment to Georgia.Raiola, whose father played for Nebraska and uncle is a current assistant coach, made his announcement with a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RaiolaDylan/status/1736881334641918211?s=20">poem posted to social media.</a>“No longer a cog in some powerhouse machine, But a quarterback, with an even grander ambition unseen,” Raiola wrote in his post.The early signing period of high school recruits starts Wednesday, when Raiola and other recruits can make their college decisions official by signing a national letter of intent.When Raiola signs, he will become one of the highest-rated recruits to ever join Nebraska. He has played high school football in Texas and Arizona before transferring to Georgia this year and playing at Buford High School, a traditional power northwest of Atlanta.Nebraska is the third commitment for Raiola, who initially pledged to Ohio State in 2022 before switching to Georgia in May.Raiola's father, Dominic, was a star offensive lineman for Nebraska in the late 1990s who started more than 200 NFL games with the Detroit Lions. Raiola's uncle, Donovan, is the current offensive line coach for Nebraska under head coach Matt Rhule.Nebraska, a program that claims five national titles, has not even qualified for a bowl game since 2016.The Cornhuskers went 5-7 last season, with one of the worst offenses in the country.Nebraska ranked 129th in the country in passing offense.

Highly touted QB recruit Dylan Raiola flips commitment from Georgia to Nebraska, where father played

Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Lincoln Southeast (5-1), NR; Papillion-LaVista (4-2, RV).

Comments:&nbsp;A few more shakeups after Bellevue West lost to Class B, No. 1 Elkhorn North and Minnesota AAA unbeaten Totino-Grace Catholic last week. Most teams off until the respective Metro and HAC tourneys, save a big one with Southwest and Pius on Tuesday night.&nbsp;

Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Blair (5-1), RV; York (3-2), 9.

Comments:&nbsp;Just a few changes as Waverly and Norris jump back ahead of Seward after the Titans beat the Jays on Saturday. Elkhorn enters for the first time off a 40-22 win over York, who drops out this week. Some big crossover games this week: Adams Central at York, Seward at GICC and Minden at Beatrice. Skutt will play in the Nike Tournamenr of Champions in Arizona.

Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Platteview (3-3), 8; Raymond Central (5-1).

Comments:&nbsp;Lincoln Christian is the first team to hold the top spot for more than a week, which included a dominant 74-42 win over new No. 10 GICC. Malcolm tumbles after an 0-3 week with losses to Northwest, Beatrice and Raymond Central. The cross class matchups above could also impact these rankings.&nbsp;

Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Laurel-Concord-Coleridge (5-1), NR; Lourdes Central Catholic (3-1), NR; Superior (5-2), RV.&nbsp;

Comments:&nbsp;The Class C-2 picture is clearing up just a little bit as nine of the ranked teams from last week stay in the poll. Cross County flips with Elmwood-Murdock after an impressive 52-39 win over Class C-1, No. 5 Adams Central.

Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Deshler (6-0), RV.

Comments:&nbsp;The only change this week is another flip with Southern Valley and GACC, after SV lost to Gothenburg last week. Holiday tournaments and the upcoming Nebraska Girls Basketball Showcase will really help sort this class out in early January.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Howells-Dodge (4-4), 10; Parkview Christian (5-1), RV: Stuart (4-3), RV.

Comments:&nbsp;The top-four seem daily locked in at this point. There will be some litmus test holiday tournaments, however. Paxton enters off a 5-1 start to the season.&nbsp;

Story by NebprepsClass A (Record), Previous<ol>
 <li>Millard West (6-0), 1</li><li>Millard North (4-1), 3</li><li>Lincoln North Star (4-1), 4</li><li>Lincoln Pius X (3-1), 6</li><li>Omaha Central (8-0), 5</li><li>Bellevue West (3-3), 2</li><li>Lincoln Southwest (5-0), 7</li><li>Lincoln Northeast (5-1), 8</li><li>Omaha Marian (5-1), 9</li><li>Omaha Benson (3-2), NR</li>
 </ol>Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Lincoln Southeast (5-1), NR; Papillion-LaVista (4-2, RV).Comments:&nbsp;A few more shakeups after Bellevue West lost to Class B, No. 1 Elkhorn North and Minnesota AAA unbeaten Totino-Grace Catholic last week. Most teams off until the respective Metro and HAC tourneys, save a big one with Southwest and Pius on Tuesday night.&nbsp;Class B (Record), Previous<ol>
 <li>Elkhorn North (5-0), 1</li><li>Skutt Catholic (3-0), 2</li><li>Beatrice (6-0), 3</li><li>Bennington (5-1), 4</li><li>Waverly (3-1), 6</li><li>Norris (4-1), 7</li><li>South Sioux City (5-2), 8</li><li>Seward (4-2), 5</li><li>Elkhorn (4-2), NR</li><li>Gretna East (5-2), 10</li>
 </ol>Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Blair (5-1), RV; York (3-2), 9.Comments:&nbsp;Just a few changes as Waverly and Norris jump back ahead of Seward after the Titans beat the Jays on Saturday. Elkhorn enters for the first time off a 40-22 win over York, who drops out this week. Some big crossover games this week: Adams Central at York, Seward at GICC and Minden at Beatrice. Skutt will play in the Nike Tournamenr of Champions in Arizona.Class C-1 (Record), Previous<ol>
 <li>Lincoln Christian (5-0), 1</li><li>Bridgeport (7-0), 5&nbsp;</li><li>Minden (5-1), 7</li><li>Sidney (6-0), 6&nbsp;</li><li>Adams Central (6-1), 3</li><li>Gothenburg (5-1), 4</li><li>Broken Bow (5-1), 9</li><li>Malcolm (4-3), 2</li><li>Battle Creek (6-0), 10</li><li>GICC (5-1), RV</li>
 </ol>Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Platteview (3-3), 8; Raymond Central (5-1).Comments:&nbsp;Lincoln Christian is the first team to hold the top spot for more than a week, which included a dominant 74-42 win over new No. 10 GICC. Malcolm tumbles after an 0-3 week with losses to Northwest, Beatrice and Raymond Central. The cross class matchups above could also impact these rankings.&nbsp;Class C-2 (Record), Previous<ol>
 <li>Crofton (7-0), 1</li><li>Bishop Neumann (5-0), 2</li><li>Cross County (6-0), 4</li><li>Elmwood-Murdock (6-0), 3</li><li>Hastings St. Cecilia (4-1), 5</li><li>Oakland-Craig (6-2), 6</li><li>Yutan (5-1), 7</li><li>Sutton (5-2), 8</li><li>Freeman (5-1), 10</li><li>Niobrara/Verdigre (4-2), NR</li>
 </ol>Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Laurel-Concord-Coleridge (5-1), NR; Lourdes Central Catholic (3-1), NR; Superior (5-2), RV.&nbsp;Comments:&nbsp;The Class C-2 picture is clearing up just a little bit as nine of the ranked teams from last week stay in the poll. Cross County flips with Elmwood-Murdock after an impressive 52-39 win over Class C-1, No. 5 Adams Central.Class D-1 (Record), Previous<ol>
 <li>Pender (8-0), 1</li><li>Guardian Angels CC (6-1), 3</li><li>Southern Valley (6-1), 2&nbsp;</li><li>O’Neill St. Mary’s (6-0), 4</li><li>Sumner-Eddyville-Miller (8-0), 5</li><li>McCool Junction (5-1), 6</li><li>Elgin Public/Pope John (7-0), 7</li><li>Amherst (5-1), 8</li><li>Centura (5-2), 9</li><li>Johnson-Brock (4-1), 10</li>
 </ol>Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Deshler (6-0), RV.Comments:&nbsp;The only change this week is another flip with Southern Valley and GACC, after SV lost to Gothenburg last week. Holiday tournaments and the upcoming Nebraska Girls Basketball Showcase will really help sort this class out in early January.&nbsp;&nbsp;Class D-2 (Record), Previous<ol>
 <li>Wynot (6-1), 1</li><li>Falls City Sacred Heart (6-0), 2</li><li>Overton (6-1), 3</li><li>Leyton (6-0), 4</li><li>Shelton (4-1), 7</li><li>Sandhills/Thedford (5-1), 8</li><li>Meridian (3-2), 6</li><li>Humphrey St. Francis (4-2), 5</li><li>Cambridge (4-2), 9</li><li>Paxton (5-1), NR</li>
 </ol>Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Howells-Dodge (4-4), 10; Parkview Christian (5-1), RV: Stuart (4-3), RV.Comments:&nbsp;The top-four seem daily locked in at this point. There will be some litmus test holiday tournaments, however. Paxton enters off a 5-1 start to the season.&nbsp;

Girl's High School Basketball coaches poll 12-18

<h2>District A-1:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Creighton Preparatory SchoolFremontOmaha CentralOmaha WestsidePapillion-LaVista<h2>District A-2:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Elkhorn SouthNorfolkOmaha BurkeOmaha SouthPapillion-LaVista South<h2>District A-3:</h2>Schools Assigned:	ColumbusKearneyLincoln EastMillard NorthOmaha Bryan<h2>District A-4:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Lincoln HighLincoln SoutheastMillard SouthNorth PlatteOmaha Benson<h2>District A-5:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Bellevue WestLincoln NortheastLincoln SouthwestOmaha Buena VistaOmaha NorthSouth Sioux City<h2>District A-6:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Bellevue EastGrand IslandLincoln North StarMillard WestOmaha NorthwestOmaha Westview<h2>District B-1:</h2>Schools Assigned:	BenningtonBlairElkhorn HighElkhorn NorthOmaha Skutt Catholic<h2>District B-2:</h2>Schools Assigned:	GretnaGretna EastPlatteviewPlattsmouthRalston<h2>District B-3:</h2>Schools Assigned:	BeatriceLincoln Pius XLincoln Standing BearNorrisWaverly<h2>District B-4:</h2>Schools Assigned:	CreteLincoln NorthwestNorthwestSewardYork<h2>District B-5:</h2>Schools Assigned:	GeringHastingsLexingtonMcCookScottsbluff<h2>District C1-1:</h2>Schools Assigned:	AuburnFairburyFalls CityNebraska CitySyracuseWilber-Clatonia<h2>District C1-2:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Ashland-GreenwoodBoys TownLouisvilleOmaha Brownell TalbotOmaha Gross CatholicOmaha Roncalli Catholic<h2>District C1-3:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Douglas County WestFort CalhounLogan View/Scribner-Snyder (LVSS)Mount Michael BenedictineOmaha ConcordiaWahoo<h2>District C1-4:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Columbus LakeviewONeillPierceSchuylerScotus Central CatholicWayne<h2>District C1-5:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Adams CentralAuroraCentral CityLincoln ChristianMilford<h2>District C1-6:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Broken BowCozadGothenburgHoldregeMinden<h2>District C1-7:</h2>Schools Assigned:	AllianceChadronChase CountyOgallalaSidney<h2>District C2-1:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Bishop NeumannConestogaLincoln LutheranMalcolmPalmyraRaymond Central<h2>District C2-2:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Aquinas CatholicArchbishop BerganArlingtonNorth Bend CentralTekamah-HermanYutan<h2>District C2-3:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Battle CreekCedar CatholicNorfolk CatholicOakland-CraigPoncaWest Point-Beemer<h2>District C2-4:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Boone CentralCenturaCross CountyGrand Island Central CatholicOrdSt. Paul<h2>District C2-5:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Doniphan-TrumbullFillmore CentralGibbonHastings St. CeciliaSuperiorWood River<h2>District C2-6:</h2>Schools Assigned:	AmherstGordon-RushvilleHersheyKearney CatholicMitchellValentine<h2>District D1-1:</h2>Schools Assigned:	FreemanJohnson County CentralJohnson-BrockLourdes Central CatholicOmaha Christian Academy<h2>District D1-2:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Guardian Angels Central CatholicHomerPenderTCNE (Tri County Northeast)WakefieldWisner-Pilger<h2>District D1-3:</h2>Schools Assigned:	BloomfieldBoyd CountyCroftonHartington-NewcastleNiobrara/VerdigreWausa-Osmond<h2>District D1-4:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Elkhorn ValleyLaurel-Concord-ColeridgeLutheran High NortheastPlainviewStantonSummerland<h2>District D1-5:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Clarkson/LeighDavid CityHumphrey/Lindsay Holy FamilyMadisonNG/SETwin River<h2>District D1-6:</h2>Schools Assigned:	CentennialEast ButlerHeartlandMcCool JunctionMeadShelby-Rising City<h2>District D1-7:</h2>Schools Assigned:	EMFSandy CreekSouthernSuttonThayer CentralTri County<h2>District D1-8:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Arcadia-Loup CityPleasantonRavennaSandhills ValleySouth LoupWest Holt<h2>District D1-9:</h2>Schools Assigned:	AlmaArapahoeDundy County StrattonHi-LineNorth Platte St. Patrick'sSouthern Valley<h2>District D1-10:</h2>Schools Assigned:	BridgeportHemingfordKimballMorrillPerkins CountySutherland<h2>District D2-1:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Cedar BluffsElmwood-MurdockFalls City Sacred HeartHumboldt-Table Rock-SteinauerWeeping Water<h2>District D2-2:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Bancroft-RosalieLyons-Decatur NortheastRandolphWalthillWinsideWynot<h2>District D2-3:</h2>Schools Assigned:	FullertonHowells-DodgeHumphrey St. FrancisNebraska ChristianOsceolaRiverside<h2>District D2-4:</h2>Schools Assigned:	BDSDeshlerGiltnerHigh Plains CommunityLawrence-NelsonNebraska Lutheran<h2>District D2-5:</h2>Schools Assigned:	AxtellBlue HillElm CreekFranklinKenesawWilcox-Hildreth<h2>District D2-6:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Anselmo-MernaBurwellCentral ValleyCWCPalmerTwin Loup<h2>District D2-7:</h2>Schools Assigned:	AinsworthCreightonElgin Public/Pope JohnNeligh-OakdaleNorth CentralSt. Mary's<h2>District D2-8:</h2>Schools Assigned:	BertrandCambridgeHitchcock CountyLoomisMaywood-Hayes CenterOverton<h2>District D2-9:</h2>Schools Assigned:	BayardBradyHyannisMaxwellMullenSandhills/Thedford<h2>District D6-1:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Diller-OdellLewistonParkview ChristianPawnee CitySterling<h2>District D6-2:</h2>Schools Assigned:	DorchesterHarvardMeridianRed CloudSilver Lake<h2>District D6-3:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Ansley-LitchfieldHamptonHeartland LutheranSanteeSheltonStuart<h2>District D6-4:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Medicine ValleyPaxtonSouthwestSumner-Eddyville-MillerWallaceWauneta-Palisade<h2>District D6-5:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Banner CountyCreek ValleyGarden CountyLeytonPotter-DixSouth Platte<h2>District D6-6:</h2>Schools Assigned:	Arthur CountyCody-KilgoreCrawfordHay SpringsMinatareSioux County

2024 & 2025 NSAA Football District Assignments 

The Nebraska women’s basketball team faces Kansas for the third time in the past year when the Huskers take on the Jayhawks in Lawrence on Wednesday night.

Tip-off between the old Big Eight/Big 12 rivals at historic Allen Fieldhouse is set for 6:30 p.m. (CT) with a live video stream available to subscribers of ESPN+.

Nebraska fans can listen across the Huskers Radio Network, including B107.3 FM in Lincoln and 105.9 FM in Omaha, the Huskers App and Huskers.com, as Matt Coatney and Jeff Griesch team up for their 23rd season. Pregame starts at 6 p.m. (CT).&nbsp;

NCAA NET No. 19 Nebraska is riding a five-game winning streak after rolling to a 76-51 win over 2023 SWAC Champion and NCAA Tournament qualifier Southern in Lincoln on Sunday. Alexis Markowski led three Huskers in double figures with a game-high 21 points. Although the two-time Lisa Leslie Award candidate had her string of five consecutive double-doubles snapped, Markowski extended her streak of 11 straight games scoring in double figures while becoming the 38th player in NU history to score 1,000 career points. Markowski leads the Big Ten in rebounding (9.7) and ranks fifth in scoring (17.2 ppg). She also leads the league with six double-doubles.

Two-time Ann Meyers-Drysdale Award candidate Jaz Shelley added 15 points, five rebounds and five assists in a strong effort. The 5-9 guard from Moe (pronounced MOE-ee), Australia, is the first Husker in history to record multiple career triple-doubles after getting 19 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists in a win over UNCW (Dec. 5). Shelley ranks fourth on Nebraska’s career three-point list with 184, after hitting three threes in the win over Southern to move past current WNBA player and 14-year international pro Yvonne Turner.

Three-time Big Ten Freshman-of-the-Week Natalie Potts leads all Big Ten freshmen in both scoring (11.3 ppg) and rebounding (5.7 rpg). The two-time Missouri MaxPreps High School Player of the Year out of Incarnate Word Academy has hit 75.8 percent (44-58) of her two-point field goal attempts. Fellow freshmen Logan Nissley (7.2 ppg), who scored 14 points in the win over Southern, and Jessica Petrie (5.8 ppg) have made significant contributions early in their Husker careers.&nbsp;

Darian White, a four-year starter and three-time All-Big Sky performer at Montana State before transferring to Nebraska as a graduate student, gives Nebraska another potent weapon. The 5-6 guard is averaging 9.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists, which ranks eighth in the Big Ten.&nbsp;

White and Shelley, who ranks seventh in the Big Ten with 4.9 assists per game, have both recorded five or more assists in four consecutive games for Nebraska. Over the last four contests, Shelley is averaging 8.3 assists while White is contributing 5.8 assists per contest.

Nebraska Cornhuskers (9-2, 1-0 Big Ten)at Kansas Jayhawks (6-4, 0-0 Big 12)Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, 6:30 p.m. (CT)Allen Fieldhouse - Lawrence, KansasLive Video:&nbsp;ESPN+ (subscription)Live Radio:&nbsp;Huskers Radio Network (6 p.m.)Matt Coatney (PBP), Jeff Griesch (Analyst)B107.3 FM (Lincoln), 105.9 FM (Omaha),&nbsp;Huskers.com, Huskers AppLive Stats:&nbsp;Huskers.com

Nebraska Cornhuskers&nbsp;(9-2, 1-0 Big Ten - NCAA NET 19)22 - Natalie Potts - 6-2 - Fr. - F/G - 11.3 ppg, 5.7 rpg40 - Alexis Markowski - 6-3 - Jr. - C/F - 17.2 ppg, 9.7 rpg0 - Darian White - 5-6 - Gr. - G - 9.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg1 - Jaz Shelley - 5-9 - Gr. - G - 13.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg42 - Maddie Krull - 5-9 - Gr. - G - 2.5 ppg, 2.0 rpgOff the Bench14 - Callin Hake - 5-9 - So. - G - 7.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg2 - Logan Nissley - 6-0 - Fr. - G - 7.2 ppg, 2.0 rpg21 - Annika Stewart - 6-3 - Sr. - F - 6.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg12 - Jessica Petrie - 6-2 - Fr. - F - 5.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg32 - Kendall Coley - 6-2 - Jr. - F - 3.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg15 - Kendall Moriarty - 6-1 - Jr. - G - 2.5 ppg, 1.2 rpgHead Coach:&nbsp;Amy Williams (Nebraska, 1998)Eighth Season at Nebraska (123-101);&nbsp;17th Season Overall (316-210)

Kansas Jayhawks&nbsp;(6-4, 0-0 Big 12 - NCAA NET 48)1 - Taiyanna Jackson - 6-6 - 5th - C - 13.2 ppg, 9.9 rpg0 - Wyvette Mayberry - 5-7 - Sr. - G - 9.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg13 - Holly Kersgieter - 5-11 - 5th - G - 10.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg15 - Zakiyah Franklin - 5-8 - 5th - G - 10.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg12 - S’Mya Nichols - 6-0 - Fr. - G - 14.1 ppg, 2.6 rpgOff the Bench5 - Ryan Cobbins - 6-0 - 5th - G/F - 4.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg6 - Laia Conesa - 5-11 - Fr. - G - 3.0 ppg, 1.0 rpg32 - Skyler Gill - 5-10 - Jr. - G/F - 2.9 ppg, 1.4 rpg7 - Paris Gaines - 6-3 - Fr. - C - 2.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg23 - Zsofia Telegdy - 6-3 - So. - F - 1.8 ppg, 1.2 rpg25 - McKenzie Smith - 6-0 - Fr. - G/F - 1.6 ppg, 0.6 rpg14 - Danai Papadopoulou - 6-4 - Jr. - C - 1.6 ppg, 2.8 rpgHead Coach:&nbsp;Brandon Schneider (Wayland Baptist, 1995)Ninth Season at Kansas (113-140);&nbsp;26th Season Overall (514-278)

Kansas Coach Brandon Schneider leads the Jayhawks into Wednesday’s game with a 6-4 record after KU notched its third straight win with a 69-48 victory over Central Arkansas at Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday. KU started the streak with a 79-57 win over Houston Christian (Dec. 6), before running to a 76-56 victory at Wichita State (Dec. 10).

The Jayhawks played a tough early season schedule that included a 71-63 loss to UConn (Nov. 25) and a 59-58 loss to Virginia Tech (Nov. 24) in the Cayman Islands after suffering a 91-85 setback at Penn State (Nov. 13). They also dropped a 63-52 decision at Texas A&amp;M (Dec. 3).

The defending WNIT champions, Kansas is pursuing a third consecutive 20-win season after finishing with a 25-11 mark that included six straight home wins in the WNIT. KU finished 9-9 in the Big 12 last season and closed the year at No. 30 in the NCAA NET rankings.&nbsp;

KU features an experienced starting five led by 6-6 super-senior Taiyanna Jackson. The Lisa Leslie Award candidate has averaged 13.2 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.6 blocks this season. She averaged 15.2 points, 12.7 rebounds and 3.0 blocks as a first-team All-Big 12 choice last year. She is two-time member of the Big 12 All-Defensive Team. She was also one of 10 semifinalists for the Naismith National Defensive Player of the Year award. In two games against NU last year, Jackson totaled 34 points and 33 rebounds.

Super-senior Zakiyah Franklin adds 10.9 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists. The 5-8 senior guard from Lakeland, Fla., has spent more time on the court in a Jayhawks uniform than any other player in school history. She hit a scorching 49.5 percent (48-97) of her three-pointers while leading KU with team bests of 15.7 points and 3.1 assists per game last year. She also hit nearly 88 percent of her free throws. This season, Franklin has hit just 33.3 percent (12-36) from long range. The first-team All-Big 12 guard led Kansas with 27 points last year in a triple-overtime loss at Nebraska.

A third fifth-year senior, Holly Kersgieter has contributed 10.7 points and 4.9 rebounds early this season. The 5-11 guard from Sand Springs, Okla., has hit a team-best 20 three-pointers while shooting at a 42.6 percent clip. An honorable-mention All-Big 12 choice in 2023, Kersgieter averaged 13.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and a team-best 2.0 steals last season.

Senior Wyvette Mayberry gives KU more returning experience. The returning starter is averaging 9.8 points and 2.6 assists. She averaged 11.4 points and 3.0 assists in her first year on the court at KU last year, after spending her first two seasons at Tulsa. She was a second-team All-AAC pick in 2022 after earning a spot on the AAC All-Freshman Team in 2021. In two games against Nebraska last season, Mayberry totaled just two points.

The newcomer to the KU lineup is freshman S’Mya Nichols. The 6-0 guard from Overland Park was a five-star recruit and is a contender for Big Ten Freshman-of-the-Year honors, averaging team bests of 14.1 points and 2.8 assists this season. Nichols has hit 49.5 percent of her shots, including 44.4 percent (12-27) of her three-pointers.

Nichols replaces Chandler Prater, who transferred to Oklahoma State, in the KU starting five. Prater averaged 9.5 points and 6.0 rebounds last year, but had 14 points and 16 rebounds in the WNIT win over the Huskers.

The Jayhawks also feature a new set of reserves led by Alabama transfer Ryan Cobbins. The 6-0 fifth-year wing who started her career at North Dakota State has averaged 4.9 points and 4.6 rebounds with one start in place of Taiyanna Jackson.

Junior transfer Skyler Gill (2.9 ppg, 1.4 rpg) from North Alabama has seen significant time in all 10 games, while freshmen McKenzie Smith and Paris Gaines have had their first tastes of action.

Returning post players Zsofia Telegdy (1.8 ppg, 1.2 rpg) and Danai Papadopoulou (1.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg) round out the regular KU contributors.

Kansas has averaged 70.7 points while allowing 60.8 points per game. KU is shooting 44.5 percent, including an improved 35.8 percent from three-point range. KU has hit 68.9 percent of its free throws, but Jackson has hit just 40.5 percent (15-37). Defensively, the Jayhawks have held opponents to 38.9 percent field goal shooting, including 33.1 percent from long range. KU owns a plus-0.1 rebound margin and a plus-2.9 turnover margin. Last season, KU carried a dominant plus-6.6 rebound margin but took a minus-0.6 turnover margin. Prater had 209 rebounds and 100 turnovers last season.

Nebraska vs. Kansas Series History

The most frequent opponent in Nebraska women’s basketball history, Kansas owns a 51-34 lead in the all-time series with the Huskers.

Although the series is in KU’s favor, Nebraska has dominated since Coach Amy Williams’ senior season as a guard for the Huskers in 1997-98. Beginning with an 84-69 win in Lincoln on Feb. 11, 1998, Nebraska has gone 24-11 against Kansas in the last 35 meetings, including 15-1 in Lincoln.

Before Nebraska’s 1998 win, KU won 40 of the first 50 meetings between the two schools.

The two teams split a pair of close contests last season, including an 85-79 triple-overtime win by the Huskers in Lincoln (Dec. 21, 2022). The rematch occurred in the WNIT Super 16, when Kansas battled its way to a 64-55 win (March 23, 2023). The Huskers played that game without starting guards Sam Haiby (foot injury vs. Missouri State) and Allison Weidner (knee injury vs. Kansas). In the regular-season meeting in Lincoln, Jaz Shelley led Nebraska with 24 points, six rebounds and six assists, while Haiby had 12 points, five boards and three assists off the bench in place of Weidner, who suffered her injury early in the fourth quarter. Alexis Markowski notched a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Maggie Mendelson added a major lift off the bench with nine points and nine rebounds. NU went 10-for-26 from long range while KU hit 5-of-17 three-point attempts.

Zakiyah Franklin led KU with 27 points in 54 minutes, while Taiyanna Jackson contributed 18 points and 21 rebounds. Holly Kersgieter also notched a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

In the WNIT in Lawrence, Jackson had 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Kersgieter contributed 14 points. Chandler Prater, who transferred to Oklahoma State this season, was a key for KU with 14 points and 16 rebounds. Issie Bourne led NU with 17 points, while Jaz Shelley had 12 points and nine assists. The Huskers went just 6-for-26 from three-point range, while KU went 4-for-24.

Nebraska and Kansas have played five times since the Huskers exited the Big 12 Conference for the Big Ten at the start of the 2011-12 season, including a 57-49 Jayhawk win over an injury-riddled Nebraska team in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Little Rock, Ark. (March 18, 2012).

Nebraska owns a 10-game home winning streak in the series, beginning with a 59-48 victory over the Jayhawks at the Devaney Center on Feb. 7, 2004.

NU is 22-14 all-time against Kansas in Lincoln, with the first 34 meetings at the Devaney Center.

White Shines in Starting Role for Huskers

Nebraska has received an immediate boost in the backcourt from three-time first-team All-Big Sky guard Darian White.

Through 11 games, White is averaging 9.5 points and 5.8 rebounds while ranking eighth in the Big Ten with 4.5 assists. She scored a season-high 16 points against TCU (Nov. 25).

The 5-6 graduate student transferred into the Husker program during the summer after averaging 14.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.2 steals over 120 starts in four seasons at Montana State.&nbsp;

The No. 2 scorer in Montana State history, White finished with 1,716 points, 612 rebounds, 449 assists and 260 steals.

White was the 2022 Big Sky Tournament MVP, leading the Bobcats to the conference title and a trip to the 2022 NCAA Tournament.

She was also a two-time Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year (2021, 2022) and the 2020 Big Sky Freshman of the Year.

White was the 2019 Idaho Gatorade High School Player of the Year and joins three-time North Dakota Gatorade Player of the Year Logan Nissley, two-time Missouri MaxPreps Player of the Year Natalie Potts and Australian National Program forward Jessica Petrie in Nebraska’s group of four newcomers for 2023-24.

White produced her first Husker double-double with season highs of 13 points and 10 rebounds against No. 22 Creighton (Nov. 19).

In her Nebraska regular-season debut, White scored 13 points, including six in a 16-0 run to start the game, while adding game highs of nine rebounds and three steals to go along with four assists in Nebraska’s 90-42 win over Northwestern State (Nov. 6).

She was strong in all phases of her first road game as a Husker, contributing 11 points, four rebounds and two assists in a 71-52 victory at Wyoming.

White had 11 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals in a season-low 20 minutes in the win over UNCW (Dec. 5).&nbsp;

She made her Big Ten debut with nine points, six rebounds, five assists and her first blocked shot of the season in an 80-74 win at NCAA NET No. 8 Michigan State (Dec. 9).

White took the court for the first time at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Nebraska’s exhibition win over Dakota Wesleyan (Oct. 29), producing 13 points, seven rebounds and game highs of eight assists and four steals.

Potts Claims Three Big Ten Freshman Awards

Two-time Missouri MaxPreps High School Player of the Year Natalie Potts has made an instant impact on Nebraska’s lineup. The 6-2 forward from O’Fallon, Mo., claimed her third Big Ten Freshman-of-the-Week award (Dec. 11) over the first five weeks of the season after averaging 10.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and an assist in two Husker wins.

Potts capped Nebraska’s four-game winning streak with her fourth straight double-figure scoring effort by getting 10 points, five rebounds and two blocks in the win over NCAA Net No. 8 Michigan State (Dec. 9). She opened the week with 11 points, eight rebounds and two blocks in just 21 minutes in a win over UNCW (Dec. 5).&nbsp;

She won her second Big Ten Freshman award (Nov. 22) after averaging 14.0 points in two games at the St. Pete Showcase. Potts opened the week with a career-high 22 points on 9-of-10 shooting from the field, including a three-pointer, in a 75-61 win over Lamar.

She opened another strong week by notching her first double-double with 12 points and a career-high 12 rebounds in a win over Florida Atlantic (Nov. 29). She followed with 13 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal in a win over Georgia Tech (Dec. 2).

Potts averaged 12.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.0 block to earn her first Big Ten Freshman-of-the-Week award (Nov. 13).

In Nebraska’s 71-52 road win at Wyoming, Potts was a catalyst at both ends of the court, erupting for 15 points on 6-of-7 shooting, while adding two steals and a blocked shot. Potts was a menace defensively, creating easy offensive opportunities with deflections at the front of Nebraska’s press to help turn an early Husker deficit into a double-digit road victory over the Cowgirls.

In her regular-season collegiate debut, Potts added 10 points, five rebounds, an assist, two steals and a block while hitting 5-of-7 shots from the field in a 90-42 win over Northwestern State (Nov. 6).

She backed up her opening-week efforts by averaging 11.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in her second week. Potts capped the week with a then-career-high 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting against No. 22 Creighton (Nov. 19), after getting seven points and career highs of 11 rebounds and three blocks in a win over Alcorn State (Nov. 14).

Potts, who is averaging 11.3 points and 5.7 rebounds through 11 games, leads all Big Ten freshman in scoring and rebounding, while ranking 24th overall in the league on the glass.

Through 11 games, Potts has hit 44-of-58 (.759) two-point field goal attempts. She owns eight double-figure scoring efforts on the season.&nbsp;

•Darian White is two assists away from 500 in her career. Jaz Shelley reached the 500 mark in her college career by notching nine assists at Michigan State (Dec. 9). Shelley has pushed her total to 512. Only five previous Huskers in history had totaled 500 collegiate assists (Lindsey Moore, Meggan Yedsena, Rachel Theriot, Jina Johansen, Nicole Kubik).&nbsp;

•Alexis Markowski is six rebounds away from 700 in her career and just 56 rebounds from 750, which would move her into a tie for No. 10 on the Nebraska career rebound list.

•Annika Stewart is four points away from 500 in her career.

• Maddie Krull is 11 points away from 700 in her career.

• Darian White is 24 rebounds away from 700 in her career.

• Jaz Shelley is 26 rebounds away from 500 in her career.

• Two-time All-Big Ten center Alexis Markowski (Lincoln, Neb.) was the Big Ten’s top rebounder with 322 rebounds in 2022-23. She was the only Big Ten player to average a double-double (12.4 ppg, 10.2 rpg) during regular-season conference play.

• Alexis Markowski is No. 5 on Nebraska’s career double-doubles list (27) after notching her sixth double-double of the season in the win at Michigan State (Dec. 9). She needs six double-doubles to catch Emily Cady at No. 4 (33). The Husker record for career double-doubles is 40 by first-team All-Americans Kelsey Griffin (2006-10) and Jordan Hooper (2011-14).

• Darian White is 180 points away from 2,000 in her college career.

• Natalie Potts reached 100 career points in her eighth career game. She is in line with some of the best Husker freshmen in recent history in the pace of reaching the 100-point mark, including Jordan Hooper (6th game), Kelsey Griffin (7th), Kate Cain (10th), Sam Haiby (10th), Alexis Markowski (12th), Emily Cady (14th), Isabelle Bourne (20th).

• Darian White has scored in double figures 102 times in her college career (97, Montana State; 5, Nebraska). She scored a season-high 16 points against unbeaten TCU (Nov. 25).

Husker Nuggets• Natalie Potts earned her third Big Ten Freshman-of-the-Week award (Dec. 11) in five weeks. She won the first weekly honor (Nov. 13) before adding her second award (Nov. 27). Potts leads Big Ten freshmen in both scoring (11.3 ppg) and rebounding (24th, 5.7 rpg).

• Alexis Markowski was named to the Big Ten Weekly Honor Roll three of the first four weeks of the 2023-24 season. She also earned a spot on the St. Pete Showcase All-Tournament Team after averaging 15.0 points and 9.5 rebounds over two games in Florida.

• Markowski leads the Big Ten in rebounding (9.7 rpg) while ranking fifth in scoring (17.2 ppg) and sixth in field goal percentage (.530).

• Jaz Shelley earned a spot on the Big Ten Weekly Honor Roll (Dec. 11) after averaging 15.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 10.0 assists (Dec. 4-10). Nebraska put a player on the honor roll in four of the first five weeks this season.

• The Huskers had seven players produce double figures in points against UNCW, which is believed to be the first time that has been accomplished in school history. It is the second time this season the Huskers have had six players score in double figures in a game (Northwestern State, Nov. 6).

• The Huskers have hit at least one three in 475 straight games dating back to a loss at UTEP on Dec. 20, 2008. Nebraska has hit at least two threes in 354 consecutive games.

• Nebraska has hit 10 or more threes 33 times in the last 83 games, including six times in 2023-24. The Huskers hit a season-high 16 threes against UNCW (Dec. 5). NU hit 10 threes vs. Northwestern State (Nov. 6), Florida Atlantic (Nov. 29), Georgia Tech (Dec. 2) and Michigan State (Dec. 9), before knocking down 12 vs. Southern (Dec. 17).

• Through the first 20 seasons with the three-point shot in women’s basketball (1988-2007), Nebraska hit 10 threes in a game just six times (591 games).

Huskers return to KU to joust with Jayhawks

The Nebraska men's basketball team looks for its third straight win on Wednesday night, as the Huskers return home to face North Dakota at Pinnacle Bank Arena to begin a three-game homestand.

Tipoff between the Huskers and Fighting Hawks is set for 6:30 p.m. and tickets are available for the matchup by visiting Huskers.com/Tickets, calling 800-8-BIGRED during business hours (Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) or at PBA beginning at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. The game will be carried on the Huskers Radio Network and streamed on B1G+ with Jessica Coody and Erick Strickland on the call.&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska men's basketball team looks for its third straight win on Wednesday night, as the Huskers return home to face North Dakota at Pinnacle Bank Arena to begin a three-game homestand.Tipoff between the Huskers and Fighting Hawks is set for 6:30 p.m. and tickets are available for the matchup by visiting Huskers.com/Tickets, calling 800-8-BIGRED during business hours (Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) or at PBA beginning at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. The game will be carried on the Huskers Radio Network and streamed on B1G+ with Jessica Coody and Erick Strickland on the call.&nbsp;Nebraska (9-2) comes its best defensive effort of the season in a 62-46 win at Kansas State on Sunday. The Huskers held Kansas State to 26.7 percent shooting, the Wildcats' lowest shooting performance since 2017, while KSU's 46 points was nearly 35 points under their season average entering the game. The 46 points allowed marked NU's best defensive effort since the 2018-19 season and its best performance in a road game in the Big Ten era (2011-12 to present).&nbsp;The Huskers relied on the power game, as Juwan Gary and Rienk Mast both posted double-doubles in the win. Gary had 13 points and a career-high 18 rebounds, including 11 offensive boards, while Mast had a team-high 19 points and 12 rebounds. Brice Williams nearly gave the Huskers three players with double doubles with 10 points and nine rebounds, as Nebraska enjoyed a 57-40 advantage on the boards, including 22 offensive rebounds.&nbsp;North Dakota (8-4) comes to Lincoln riding a two-game win streak following a 79-62 win over Utah Tech on Saturday. Treysen Eaglestaff had a game-high 28 points, including six 3-pointers, while B.J. Omot added 20 points as UND used an early 11-0 run to take control and led the final 38 minutes. UND hit 12 3-pointers and enjoyed a 48-29 advantage on the glass.About North DakotaNorth Dakota comes to Lincoln with an 8-4 record following a 79-62 road win at Utah Tech on Saturday night. The 8-4 mark is the program's best start since moving to Division I level. Wednesday's game wraps up a two-game road trip before the Fighting Hawks begin Summit League play on Dec. 29. &nbsp;Head Coach Paul Sather is no stranger to the region, as he is in his fifth season in charge of the North Dakota program. Last season, UND won 13 games after winning just 15 the previous two seasons. &nbsp;Prior to taking the North Dakota job, he spent nine seasons at Northern State, guiding that program to a trio of NCAA Division II Tournaments and a runner-up finish in 2018. His teams won the Northern Sun Conference title in each of the past two seasons.The Fighting Hawks feature a trio of double-figure scorers in B.J. Omot, Treysen Eaglestaff and Tsotne Tsartsidze. Omot averages a team-high 16.2 points per game and has four 20-point games, including a 24-point effort at Iowa in the season opener. Eaglelstaff is at 15.5 ppg and also has four 20-point nights this season. He is shooting 8 percent from 3-point range and averaging nearly three 3-pointers per game. &nbsp;Tsartsidze chips in 10.3 ppg on nearly 48 percent shooting. In addition, Tyree Ihenacho was ruled eligible last week, and the James Madison transfer had nine points and three rebounds in his debut. Ihenacho began his career at UND, where he was the Summit League Freshman of the Year in 2020-21.Series History: Nebraska leads the all-time series, 3-2, in a series that dates back to 1933. North Dakota won 75-74 in the most recent meeting in 2019, as De’Sean Allen-Eikens' free throw with seven seconds left provided the winning margin. Marlon Stewart scored a game-high 23 points in the win, while Cam Mack had 19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists to pace four Huskers in double figures. NU is 77-11 all-time against current members of the Summit League.&nbsp;Numbers to Know11- Juwan Gary's 11 offensive rebounds against Kansas State on Sunday were the most by a power conference player in 2023-24. According to Sports Reference, only two power conference players - Kentucky's Oscar Tshiebwe (vs. Duke in 2021) and Washington's Nate Roberts (vs. Northern Illinois in 2021) - have grabbed more offensive boards in a game over the last five seasons.12- Nebraska allowed 12 second-half points at Kansas State on Sunday, its lowest total since holding Jackson State to nine first-half points on Dec. 19, 2009.&nbsp;15 - Nebraska's win snapped Kansas State's 15-game home winning streak in non-conference games and was the Wildcats' second home loss in 23 home games dating back to the start of the 2022-23 season.2- Number of power conference players averaging at least 10 points, nine rebounds and three assists per game this season as of Dec. 18 - Nebraska's Rienk Mast and Duke's Kyle Filipowski.&nbsp;57 - Nebraska grabbed 57 rebounds in the win at Kansas State, its highest rebounding total since grabbing 60 rebounds against Oral Roberts on Dec. 22, 1999.8.6 - NU ranks second in the Big Ten with 8.6 3-pointers per game as of Dec. 18. &nbsp;NU has averaged more than 8.0 3-pointers/game just twice in program history (2001-02 and 2020-21).13.7 - Nebraska leads the Big Ten and ranks 14th nationally in fewest fouls per game (13.7) entering this week's action. NU also ranked in the top 20 nationally in that category in 2022-23 (14.1, 16th).&nbsp;2 - Nebraska matched a school record with two turnovers in the win over Duquesne on Nov. 22, matching a record originally set in 2013. As of Dec. 18, it ties for the lowest total by a power conference team in 2023-24.1.43 - Nebraska's assist-to-turnover ratio this season, which is sixth in the Big Ten as of Dec. 19. NU's best assist-to-turnover ratio in the last decade is 1.32, set in the 2018-19 season. That season, NU had 9.96 turnovers per game, the lowest average since assists were tracked in 1978-79.Worth Noting<ul>
 <li>Nebraska's 9-2 record matches NU's best 11-game mark since opening the 2003-04 season with a 10-1 mark in its first 11 contests. The Huskers were also 9-2 on five other occasions (2005-06, 2007-08, 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2018-19) since 2003-04. &nbsp;Nebraska opened the season with seven straight wins, marking just the fifth time in program history that Nebraska opened the season with seven straight wins.</li><li>Nebraska held Kansas State to 46 points in holding the Wildcats to its fewest points since the 2020-01 and third-fewest total at home since Bramlage Coliseum opened in 1988. &nbsp;It marked the fewest points NU allowed on the road since joining the Big Ten and was only the second time NU had held an opponent under 50 points on the road since the 2011-12 season. Nebraska allowed just 0.68 points per possession, its lowest total in the Big Ten era.&nbsp;</li><li>C.J. Wilcher graduated over the weekend with a degree in child, youth &amp; family studies but will go through graduation ceremonies during the spring. Wilcher, who began his collegiate career at Xavier before transferring to Nebraska before the 2021-22 season, is a three-time Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Roll member and earned Academic All-Big Ten honors in 2023. He will be the fifth college graduate on the 2023-24 Husker roster, joining Josiah Allick, Jarron Coleman, Rienk Mast and Brice Williams.</li><li>One oddity in Sunday's win was that Nebraska got to the foul line a season-low four times compared to Kansas State's 18 attempts. It marked just the second time this year that an opponent got to the line more than Nebraska. Despite that difference on Sunday, the Huskers have been to the foul line 65 more times than its opponents, a total which ranks third in the Big Ten entering the week. &nbsp;</li><li>The Huskers are 15-5 over the last 20 games dating back to Feb. 1, 2023. A big reason for that is NU's offense, as NU has averaged 75.3 ppg on 46 percent shooting in that stretch. &nbsp;Sunday's win was only the fifth time in the last 20 games NU has been held under 70 points. NU is 2-3 in those contests.&nbsp;</li><li>Nebraska is 20-4 under Hoiberg when scoring at least 80 points, including 15-1 over the last three seasons. The only loss was a 104-100 quadruple overtime game at North Carolina State on Dec. 1, 2021. NU has won its last 13 games when reaching the 80-point plateau.&nbsp;</li><li>Nebraska enters Wednesday's game ranked fourth in the Big Ten in free throw shooting at 74.2 percent. &nbsp;While it is still early in the season, it is on pace to be one of NU's highest season percentages. NU has not shot over 74 percent from the foul line since the 2011-12 season where NU shot a school-record 76.6 percent. Over the last six games, Nebraska is shooting 83.8 percent (83-of-99) from the charity stripe, including the two best totals in Hoiberg's five seasons. &nbsp;NU's 19-of-20 effort against Cal State Fullerton on Nov. 26 was its best percentage (min. 20 att.) since going 20-of-21 (.952) against Minnesota on Nov. 26, 1995.</li><li>Nebraska won its first seven games by 10 or more points. It was just the second time in over 100 years - the other was from Dec. 3-30, 1990 - that the Huskers won seven straight games by double figures.</li><li>Nebraska's bench has provided a spark, averaging 22.5 points per game in the first 11 contests. The Huskers' leading scorer has come from the bench three times (Hoiberg-Lindenwood; Wilcher-Rider; Gary-Stony Brook) and NU has had nine double-figure efforts from its bench in 2023-24.&nbsp; Juwan Gary's 20-point effort against Duquesne on Nov. 22 marked the seventh time under Fred Hoiberg that NU had a player score at least 20 points off the bench.</li>
 </ul>Last Time OutJuwan Gary and Rienk Mast combined for 32 points and 30 rebounds, as Nebraska posted an impressive 62-46 road win over Kansas State on Dec. 17.Gary and Mast both posted double-doubles, as Nebraska overcame a 34-31 halftime deficit by holding the Wildcats to just 12 second-half points on 16 percent shooting.&nbsp;Gary had 13 of his career-high 18 rebounds in the second half, including eight offensive caroms after halftime, as Nebraska doubled up the Wildcats, 34-17, on the glass in the second half.&nbsp;Gary finished with 13 points and 18 rebounds, while Mast tallied 19 points and 12 rebounds on his way to his fourth double-double of the season. Brice Williams also nearly posted a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds, as the Huskers were held to 35 percent shooting, but hit 11 3-pointers in the win.&nbsp;The Huskers set the tone from the start in the final 20 minutes, as Gary had six points and five rebounds – all on the offensive glass - in an 11-4 spurt that put Nebraska up 42-38 after Sam Hoiberg’s 3-pointer with 15:49 remaining.&nbsp;Kansas State, which saw its 15-game non-conference home win streak snapped, pulled to within 42-40 after Macaleab Rich’s basket with 14:45 left but would get no closer. &nbsp;The Huskers went on a 17-1 spurt over nearly a 10-minute span behind Mast, who scored six of his 19 points in the surge that gave NU a 59-41 lead after Keisei Tominaga’s 3-pointer with 5:34 left.&nbsp;Finding BalanceNebraska relied on its depth and balance early in the season. While the Huskers have four players averaging double figures, three others are between 5.5 and 6.4 ppg.<ul>
 <li>Nebraska has four players averaging double figures, which ties for the most in the Big Ten (also Michigan, Indiana and Purdue) entering this week's action.&nbsp;</li><li>Nebraska has had nine different players reach double figures and have six different leading scorers through the first 11 games. Rienk Mast is the only player to lead NU in scoring more than twice in 2023-24.</li><li>No Husker averages more than 29.3 minutes per game, while eight Huskers are averaging at least 15 minutes per game.&nbsp;</li><li>NU has gotten at least one double-figure effort from its bench in nine of 11 contests (all but the Creighton game).&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Tominaga Returns to All-Big Ten FormNebraska's lineup has been boosted by the return of fifth-year senior Keisei Tominaga, who missed NU's first two games with an ankle injury. He is third on the team in scoring at 13.4 points per game while shooting 44 percent from the field and 35 percent from 3-point range.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Tominaga had nine points and set career highs in both assists (four) and steals (five) at Kansas State on Dec. 17. The five steals were the most by a Husker since Sam Griesel had five steals at Penn State last January.&nbsp;</li><li>He has been in double figures five times, most recently a 15-point effort against Michigan State on Dec. 10.&nbsp;</li><li>In a five-game stretch from Nov. 21-Dec. 3, he averaged 16.8 ppg on 58 percent shooting, including 44 percent from 3-point range over his previous five contests.&nbsp;</li><li>He posted his 12th career 20-point game against No. 15 Creighton on Dec. 3, finishing with 20 points on 8-of-16 shooting.&nbsp;</li><li>Tominaga has a season-high 23 points versus Duquesne on Nov. 18, including 9-of-10 from the foul line.&nbsp;</li><li>He had a perfect shooting performance against Cal State Fullerton on Nov. 26, as he went 5-of-5 from the field, including 3-of-3 from 3-point range, and 4-of-4 from the foul line.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>Prior to Tominaga, the last player to have at least 15 points on a perfect shooting night was David Rivers at Michigan State on Jan. 13, 2013 (8-8 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 1-1 FT). &nbsp;According to Sports Reference, only five power conference players have totaled at least 15 points on a perfect shooting night this season as of Dec. 18.</li>
 </ul>Tominaga was named to the preseason All-Big Ten team, becoming just the third Husker to receive the honor since Nebraska joined the conference in the 2011-12 season. &nbsp;Last season, he averaged 13.1 points per game on 53 percent shooting, including 40 percent from 3-point range, while appearing in all 32 contests. &nbsp;Tominaga led the Huskers in 3-pointers with 66 and was one of only six players nationally to average double figures and shoot 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from 3-point range and 85 percent from the foul line.&nbsp;Gary Returns Better than Ever&nbsp;After his 2022-23 season was cut short with a left shoulder injury that required surgery, Juwan Gary has come back playing some of the best basketball of his career. &nbsp;During his rehab, Gary spent extensive time working on his shooting mechanics and the work has paid off.<ul>
 <li>He leads Nebraska in scoring (14.5 ppg) and field goal percentage (.544) since returning to action on Nov. 15. He also tops NU in steals (1.4 spg) and is second in rebounds (6.7 rpg).&nbsp;</li><li>Gary already has seven double-figure games in his first eight contests after having just nine last year and just 20 in 75 career games entering 2023-24.</li><li>Gary was dominant in NU's win at Kansas State on Dec. 17 with 13 points and a career-high 18 rebounds in 30 minutes of work. His 18 boards shattered his previous career high of 11 set three other times, while his 11 offensive boards were the second-highest total by a Division I player this season. &nbsp;</li><li>He recorded his second career 20-point game against Michigan State, hitting 8-of-11 shots from the field and adding three rebounds and three steals in NU's win over the Spartans. He moved into the starting lineup for the first time this year as Josiah Allick missed the game with an injury.&nbsp;</li><li>His performance against MSU marked the third time in seven games that he tied or eclipsed his career high in points.&nbsp;</li><li>Gary collected his first double-double off the bench against Oregon State with 12 points and 10 boards in just 21 minutes of work.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>New Faces, New RolesNebraska made a big splash in the transfer portal, adding five players to the roster, and their impact is already being felt during the early portion of the season. The group of Josiah Allick (New Mexico), Jarron Coleman (Bradley), Rienk Mast (Bradley), Ahron Ulis (Iowa) and Brice Williams (Charlotte) combined for more than 4,300 points, 2,100 rebounds and 800 assists entering this year.<ul>
 <li>Mast is averaging 13.0 points per game while leading the Huskers in rebounding (9.9 rpg) and assists (3.0 apg). &nbsp;Mast currently ranks second in the Big Ten in rebounding and 13th in assists. &nbsp;The 6-foot-10 forward has been in double figures eight times, highlighted by a 20-point, 16-rebound effort against Florida A&amp;M and 19 points and 12 rebounds against Kansas State. He leads NU with four double-doubles and has 24 for his career.</li><li>Williams has started all 11 contests and is second in scoring at 13.6 points per game to rank 22nd in the Big Ten. Williams, who is third on the team in assists per game (2.3 apg) is shooting 44 percent from the field, 40 percent from 3-point range and nearly 85 percent from the foul line. &nbsp;The 6-foot-7 guard has been in double figures eight times this season, highlighted by a 25-point effort in the win against Oregon State on Nov. 17 and had 18 points, six rebounds and four assists at Minnesota on Dec. 6. &nbsp;Williams is 49 points away from the 1,000-point plateau for his career.</li><li>Allick has been a presence inside, averaging 6.4 points per game and 5.0 rebounds per game. &nbsp;Allick has three double-figure efforts this season, including 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists vs. Duquesne. He missed the Michigan State game because of an injury, but returned to action in Sunday's win over Kansas State.</li><li>Coleman has come off the bench in nine contests and is fourth on the team in assists at 2.2 per game while posting a 1.8-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Mast's Massive NightRienk Mast put together a strong performance in Nebraska's win against Florida A&amp;M on Nov. 9. The 6-foot-10 forward had game highs of 20 points and 16 rebounds for his first double-double as a Husker.<ul>
 <li>He became the first Husker in the Big Ten era (2011-12 to present) to have a game with at least 20 points and 15 rebounds, and the first Husker to do so since All-Big 12 performer Aleks Maric in 2008.</li><li>Since 1990, only six Huskers have had games with at least 20 points and 15 rebounds. That list includes Aleks Maric, Kimani Ffriend, Venson Hamilton, Mikki Moore and Eric Piatkowski.</li><li>Mast’s 16 rebounds were the most by a Husker since Yvan Ouedraogo had 19 rebounds against Northwestern on March 1, 2020, and the second-highest rebound total in Hoiberg’s four-plus seasons at Nebraska.</li><li>Mast and Duke's Kyle Filipowski are the only two power conference players averaging 10.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game as of Dec. 18.</li>
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