The Nebraska Cornhuskers men’s basketball team is set to face the Penn State Nittany Lions in a crucial Big Ten matchup. The game, scheduled to tip off at 5:30 p.m. CT at the Bryce Jordan Center, holds significant implications for Nebraska’s NCAA tournament hopes. While the Huskers have been on a solid run lately, they’ll be without one of their key players, Berke Büyüktuncel.
Büyüktuncel, a 6-foot-10 sophomore forward, has been ruled out due to a significant ankle sprain sustained in the final minute of Nebraska’s game against Ohio State on February 9. The injury has already sidelined him for two consecutive games, and head coach Fred Hoiberg confirmed that Büyüktuncel did not travel with the team for this road trip. Instead, he remains in Lincoln to focus on his recovery, with no definitive timetable set for his return.
The Turkish-born forward, who transferred from UCLA, has been a vital contributor for Nebraska this season. In 23 games, Büyüktuncel has averaged 7.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, one steal, and 0.7 blocks per game. His versatility, defensive presence, and ability to stretch the floor have been crucial to the Huskers’ success, making his absence a significant challenge for the team.
Without Büyüktuncel, Nebraska will lean more heavily on players like Brice Williams, Juwan Gary, Connor Essegian, Andrew Morgan, and Rollie Worster. Each of these players has stepped up in recent games, but the Huskers will need a collective effort, particularly in rebounding, an area where they struggled in their recent loss to Northwestern. Nebraska was out-rebounded 46-27 in that game, including a lopsided 23-5 deficit on the offensive glass, highlighting an area of concern that Penn State may seek to exploit.
Penn State, despite enduring a challenging season with 11 losses in their last 12 games, still poses a threat. The Nittany Lions rely on sharpshooter Zach Hicks, who has knocked down 62 three-pointers at nearly 40 percent accuracy, and 7-foot center Yanic Konan Niederhauser, who leads the team with 12.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Nebraska’s defense will need to contain these key players while ensuring they control the boards to avoid giving Penn State second-chance opportunities.
The Huskers’ success will also hinge on their ability to establish an offensive rhythm early. Nebraska has thrived when spreading the floor, moving the ball efficiently, and creating open looks for their shooters. Without Büyüktuncel’s inside presence and ability to facilitate from the high post, the Huskers may look to push the pace and rely more on perimeter shooting.
This game is particularly important for Nebraska’s postseason aspirations. A win would strengthen their NCAA tournament resume, while a loss to a struggling Penn State team could be a setback. As the regular season winds down, each game takes on added significance, and the Huskers will need to show resilience without one of their key contributors.
Fans can catch the game live on the Big Ten Network, with radio coverage provided by the Huskers Radio Network. With both teams eager for a win, this matchup promises to be competitive, and Nebraska will need to dig deep to overcome the absence of Berke Büyüktuncel and keep their tournament dreams alive.
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