Nebraska Hoops game day: at Michigan State

After an impressive three-game winning streak, Nebraska faces its next big test in tonight’s Big Ten opener at Michigan State.

Here’s what you need to know ahead of the Huskers’ conference debut in East Lansing…

Who, What, Where, When

Nebraska Cornhuskers (6-1, 0-0 Big Ten) vs. Michigan State Spartans (7-2, 1-0 Big Ten)

Saturday, December 7, 2024 – 11:00 a.m. CT

Breslin Center (15,000)

TV: BTN

Radio: Huskers Radio Network

Internet/Streaming: BTN+

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Nebraska projected starters

Michigan State plans starter

Nebraska projected starters

3 keys to victory

Stay away from a track and field meet

Michigan State may not be playing at the breakneck speed of years past, but that’s still one Tom Izzo team, and the Spartans will continue to run. Fred Hoiberg has been preaching to his team all week about MSU’s offensive tempo, but he still expects Nebraska will have to adjust to it once the game starts. The key for the Huskers is the same as it was a few weeks ago in Creighton. You have to control the tempo on offense and act with maximum efficiency. On defense, they have to come back after every missed shot and turnover to prevent Michigan State from getting the ball rolling with fastbreak opportunities.

Protect the basketball

A critical component to Nebraska keeping the game at its ideal pace is an appreciation for basketball. The Huskers’ ball security has been significantly better in recent games than at the beginning of the year. That includes dishing out 22 assists with a season-low six turnovers in the last game against North Florida. The best way to keep Michigan State out of transition is to eliminate costly giveaways that immediately turn into fastbreak points. The other key is proper shot selection, as forced attempts and blocked shots can boost the Spartans’ tempo just as much.

End possessions

Nebraska’s improved post depth was immediately noticeable this season, but today the team faces its biggest challenge yet. One of Michigan State’s greatest strengths has been cleaning the glass on both ends of the floor. The Spartans rank in the top 60 nationally in rebounding, including 15th in defensive rebounding percentage (23.5). Adding to this concern for NU is the fact that its top rebounder, Berke Buyuktuncel (6.7 RPG), is a game-time decision with a groin injury. If he can’t go, the responsibility falls on everyone else – frontcourt and backfield alike – to make first contact and how Juwan Gary said after every shot: “Be awesome.”

Quotable

“It’s a mindset and if you don’t make the first contact, they get it. They will drive you almost into the support. If you let that happen, it’s going to be a long afternoon.”

Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg on the Huskers’ need to be the attacking force in the game against Michigan State.

forecast

Michigan State (-4.5) 75, Nebraska 68

Robin’s season record: 6-1

Vs. the spread: 3-4

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