Story by NU Athletic Communications

Lincoln – Nebraska Men’s Basketball Coach Fred Hoiberg announced Saturday morning that senior guard Connor Essegian will be sidelined the remainder of the season with an ankle injury suffered in Tuesday’s 80-73 win over Winthrop.

Essegian left the game midway through the second half and tests following the game revealed a significant right ankle injury. According to Men’s Basketball Athletic Trainer Andrew McCabe, the recovery time for an injury as significant as Essegian’s is between two and three months.

“I feel awful for Connor because of all the work he puts in and things he provides our team both on and off the court.” Hoiberg said. “With an injury like this, we don’t want to rush Connor back without him being 100 percent, so we have made the decision to shut him down for the rest of the season, and he will apply for a medical hardship. While he won’t be playing, Connor will find ways to lead and help our program. I am confident that Connor will make the most of this setback and come back stronger from it.”

Essegian has played in all seven games this season and is averaging 5.4 ppg, including a pair of double-figure performances. In 2024-25, Essegian averaged 10.7 ppg and led the Huskers with 78 3-pointers, the most by a Husker since 2019. &nbsp;For his career, the 6-foot-4 senior has 929 career points in 110 games.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsLincoln – Nebraska Men’s Basketball Coach Fred Hoiberg announced Saturday morning that senior guard Connor Essegian will be sidelined the remainder of the season with an ankle injury suffered in Tuesday’s 80-73 win over Winthrop.Essegian left the game midway through the second half and tests following the game revealed a significant right ankle injury. According to Men’s Basketball Athletic Trainer Andrew McCabe, the recovery time for an injury as significant as Essegian’s is between two and three months.“I feel awful for Connor because of all the work he puts in and things he provides our team both on and off the court.” Hoiberg said. “With an injury like this, we don’t want to rush Connor back without him being 100 percent, so we have made the decision to shut him down for the rest of the season, and he will apply for a medical hardship. While he won’t be playing, Connor will find ways to lead and help our program. I am confident that Connor will make the most of this setback and come back stronger from it.”Essegian has played in all seven games this season and is averaging 5.4 ppg, including a pair of double-figure performances. In 2024-25, Essegian averaged 10.7 ppg and led the Huskers with 78 3-pointers, the most by a Husker since 2019. &nbsp;For his career, the 6-foot-4 senior has 929 career points in 110 games.

Essegian sidelined by Ankle injury for remainder of season

LINCOLN, Neb. - The No. 1 Nebraska volleyball team moved one step closer to an unbeaten regular season with a 25-14, 25-11, 25-14 sweep of No. 25 Penn State in front of a crowd of 8,537 wearing black at John Cook Arena at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Friday night.&nbsp;

On a night when the Huskers celebrated their third straight Big Ten Championship, the Big Red (29-0, 19-0 Big Ten) swept Penn State (17-12, 11-8 Big Ten) twice in the same season for the first time ever. In the six sets played this season, Penn State never passed 15 points.

Nebraska will look to finish a perfect regular season on Saturday night against Ohio State for the third time in school history (1994 and 2000).&nbsp;

Harper Murray had 11 kills, seven digs and four blocks and hit .476. Rebekah Allick had nine kills and hit .750 with four blocks. Andi Jackson had six kills and hit .357 with four blocks. Virginia Adriano posted five kills and served two aces, and Taylor Landfair added five kills.&nbsp;

Bergen Reilly finished with 29 assists, 12 digs and two aces, while Laney Choboy recorded 11 digs.&nbsp;

Nebraska dominated in every facet of the game. The Huskers hit .385 to .011 for Penn State. NU had more kills (39-23), blocks (9-2), digs (41-23) and aces (7-0). Nebraska sided out 36-of-41 rallies (87.8 percent). &nbsp; &nbsp;

Set 1: Landfair and Allick had back-to-back kills for a 6-3 lead. Murray added two kills and a block with Jackson to help NU go up 13-8. The Big Red led 16-9 after a kill by Allick and block by Allick and Reilly. Landfair added two kills and an ace to extend the lead to 21-11, and a Murray kill, Choboy ace and Jackson kill earned set point. NU finished it off, 25-14, on a block by Jackson and Reilly.&nbsp;

Set 2: Teraya Sigler served an early ace, and Adriano had back-to-back aces after two kills by Murray for a 6-2 lead. Jackson, Reilly and Landfair recorded kills, and a block by Allick and back-to-back Reilly aces made it 14-5. After a Penn State timeout, Adriano and Allick posted a block, Allick and Murray terminated kills, and the Huskers led 18-5 after the 8-0 run served by Reilly. Murray and Manaia Ogbechie combined for a block before PSU hit out twice for a 22-6 lead. NU went on to win 25-11 after two kills by Adriano and one by Sigler. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Set 3: Jackson had three kills and two blocks as the Huskers built a 7-3 lead. Allick and Murray had kills to double up the Nittany Lions, 14-7. Reilly and Allick tallied kills to take the lead to 21-11. The Big Red finished the sweep, 25-14. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Up Next: The Huskers end the regular season against Ohio State on Saturday at 8 p.m. at John Cook Arena at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. The Huskers will honor their four seniors - Rebekah Allick, Maisie Boesiger, Taylor Landfair and Allie Sczech - after the match.&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsLINCOLN, Neb. - The No. 1 Nebraska volleyball team moved one step closer to an unbeaten regular season with a 25-14, 25-11, 25-14 sweep of No. 25 Penn State in front of a crowd of 8,537 wearing black at John Cook Arena at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Friday night.&nbsp;On a night when the Huskers celebrated their third straight Big Ten Championship, the Big Red (29-0, 19-0 Big Ten) swept Penn State (17-12, 11-8 Big Ten) twice in the same season for the first time ever. In the six sets played this season, Penn State never passed 15 points.Nebraska will look to finish a perfect regular season on Saturday night against Ohio State for the third time in school history (1994 and 2000).&nbsp;Harper Murray had 11 kills, seven digs and four blocks and hit .476. Rebekah Allick had nine kills and hit .750 with four blocks. Andi Jackson had six kills and hit .357 with four blocks. Virginia Adriano posted five kills and served two aces, and Taylor Landfair added five kills.&nbsp;Bergen Reilly finished with 29 assists, 12 digs and two aces, while Laney Choboy recorded 11 digs.&nbsp;Nebraska dominated in every facet of the game. The Huskers hit .385 to .011 for Penn State. NU had more kills (39-23), blocks (9-2), digs (41-23) and aces (7-0). Nebraska sided out 36-of-41 rallies (87.8 percent). &nbsp; &nbsp;Set 1: Landfair and Allick had back-to-back kills for a 6-3 lead. Murray added two kills and a block with Jackson to help NU go up 13-8. The Big Red led 16-9 after a kill by Allick and block by Allick and Reilly. Landfair added two kills and an ace to extend the lead to 21-11, and a Murray kill, Choboy ace and Jackson kill earned set point. NU finished it off, 25-14, on a block by Jackson and Reilly.&nbsp;Set 2: Teraya Sigler served an early ace, and Adriano had back-to-back aces after two kills by Murray for a 6-2 lead. Jackson, Reilly and Landfair recorded kills, and a block by Allick and back-to-back Reilly aces made it 14-5. After a Penn State timeout, Adriano and Allick posted a block, Allick and Murray terminated kills, and the Huskers led 18-5 after the 8-0 run served by Reilly. Murray and Manaia Ogbechie combined for a block before PSU hit out twice for a 22-6 lead. NU went on to win 25-11 after two kills by Adriano and one by Sigler. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Set 3: Jackson had three kills and two blocks as the Huskers built a 7-3 lead. Allick and Murray had kills to double up the Nittany Lions, 14-7. Reilly and Allick tallied kills to take the lead to 21-11. The Big Red finished the sweep, 25-14. &nbsp;&nbsp;Up Next: The Huskers end the regular season against Ohio State on Saturday at 8 p.m. at John Cook Arena at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. The Huskers will honor their four seniors - Rebekah Allick, Maisie Boesiger, Taylor Landfair and Allie Sczech - after the match.&nbsp;

Huskers blank No. 25 Penn State in blackout at the Bob

CSC Head Coach Jay Long breaks down the playoff game at Pitt State, highlights an all-time SR class and RMAC award winners, and discusses the new realities of life in D2 college football among the transfer portal and finances.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666116284028.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>CSC Head Coach Jay Long breaks down the playoff game at Pitt State, highlights an all-time SR class and RMAC award winners, and discusses the new realities of life in D2 college football among the transfer portal and finances.<div><iframe title="Jay Long Show - 11/25/25" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=dg34e-19d11f7-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=c73a3a" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎙 PODCAST: Jay Long Show - 11/25/25

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA —&nbsp;Nebraska and Iowa will meet Friday in Lincoln for the 15th annual Heroes Game, presented by Pioneer Seeds. As part of the rivalry game, citizen heroes were selected from each state, with Ashley De La Cruz-Martin chosen as Nebraska’s Hero and Jayce Koob selected as Iowa’s Hero. Both will be recognized Friday, November 28 at Memorial Stadium.

The Heroes Game was created to honor the rich football traditions of the University of Iowa and the University of Nebraska football programs while also annually honoring community heroes in both states. The 2025 citizen heroes have positively impacted the community and stand as an inspiration to others.

Ashley De La Cruz-Martin, a 16-year-old from Columbus, Nebraska, was on her way into the Pawnee Plunge Water Park in late July, when she witnessed a man collapse in the parking lot. Drawing on her recent CPR training, Ashley immediately recognized the life-threatening situation and began administering CPR until paramedics arrived. Her quick thinking and decisive action saved the gentleman’s life.

“We are proud to recognize the life-saving act by Ashley De La Cruz-Martin and honor her as this year’s Nebraska Pioneer Hero. Ashley’s actions are representative of what this honor entails and make her a true citizen hero,” said Troy Dannen, Nebraska’s Director of Athletics. “The Pioneer Heroes Game reminds us all that life is much bigger than a three-hour football game. We are proud to partner with Pioneer and the University of Iowa each year to continue this great tradition on Thanksgiving weekend.”

Jayce Koob, a 12-year-old 6th&nbsp;grader from MOC-Floyd Valley Community School District, awoke in the middle of the night to heavy smoke and alarms, but he managed to get out of the burning house.&nbsp; With no phone and alone, Jayce traveled almost a mile to alert neighbors in rural Sioux county to call for help.&nbsp; The tragedy claimed the lives of three teenagers, but his heroic efforts saved a 4th teen inside the house.

“Jayce Koob exemplifies the very essence of courage and selflessness that we strive to celebrate through the Pioneer Heroes program. His quick thinking and bravery in the face of unimaginable tragedy saved a life and reminds us all of the power of resilience and compassion. We are honored to recognize Jayce as an Iowa Pioneer Hero,” said Beth Goetz, the Henry B. And Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair. “Thank you to Pioneer for shining a light on Jayce’s incredible story and for your continued commitment to honoring true heroes in our communities.”

“Pioneer is incredibly grateful to honor both Ashley and Jayce for their heroic and impactful efforts in our Midwest communities,” said Jeremy Renz, Pioneer Vice President of Sales. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping and honoring farmers throughout the U.S. and we are excited to keep that tradition going by honoring local heroes that live and work in the communities we serve every day. This partnership is one small way we can express our sincere gratitude for those heroes.”

Cruz-Martin and Koob will attend the game as special guests of the teams, receive on-field recognition at halftime, and have their names inscribed on the game trophy.

Pioneer, a current partner of both the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Iowa Hawkeyes, is a multi-year title sponsor of the Heroes Game. The ongoing relationship between Pioneer and Nebraska is overseen by Husker Athletic Partners, a Playfly Sports Property, the university’s athletics multimedia rightsholder. The ongoing relationship between Pioneer and Iowa is overseen by Learfield’s Hawkeye Sports Properties, the University’s athletics multimedia rightsholder and locally based team.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsLINCOLN, NEBRASKA —&nbsp;Nebraska and Iowa will meet Friday in Lincoln for the 15th annual Heroes Game, presented by Pioneer Seeds. As part of the rivalry game, citizen heroes were selected from each state, with Ashley De La Cruz-Martin chosen as Nebraska’s Hero and Jayce Koob selected as Iowa’s Hero. Both will be recognized Friday, November 28 at Memorial Stadium.The Heroes Game was created to honor the rich football traditions of the University of Iowa and the University of Nebraska football programs while also annually honoring community heroes in both states. The 2025 citizen heroes have positively impacted the community and stand as an inspiration to others.Ashley De La Cruz-Martin, a 16-year-old from Columbus, Nebraska, was on her way into the Pawnee Plunge Water Park in late July, when she witnessed a man collapse in the parking lot. Drawing on her recent CPR training, Ashley immediately recognized the life-threatening situation and began administering CPR until paramedics arrived. Her quick thinking and decisive action saved the gentleman’s life.“We are proud to recognize the life-saving act by Ashley De La Cruz-Martin and honor her as this year’s Nebraska Pioneer Hero. Ashley’s actions are representative of what this honor entails and make her a true citizen hero,” said Troy Dannen, Nebraska’s Director of Athletics. “The Pioneer Heroes Game reminds us all that life is much bigger than a three-hour football game. We are proud to partner with Pioneer and the University of Iowa each year to continue this great tradition on Thanksgiving weekend.”Jayce Koob, a 12-year-old 6th&nbsp;grader from MOC-Floyd Valley Community School District, awoke in the middle of the night to heavy smoke and alarms, but he managed to get out of the burning house.&nbsp; With no phone and alone, Jayce traveled almost a mile to alert neighbors in rural Sioux county to call for help.&nbsp; The tragedy claimed the lives of three teenagers, but his heroic efforts saved a 4th teen inside the house.“Jayce Koob exemplifies the very essence of courage and selflessness that we strive to celebrate through the Pioneer Heroes program. His quick thinking and bravery in the face of unimaginable tragedy saved a life and reminds us all of the power of resilience and compassion. We are honored to recognize Jayce as an Iowa Pioneer Hero,” said Beth Goetz, the Henry B. And Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair. “Thank you to Pioneer for shining a light on Jayce’s incredible story and for your continued commitment to honoring true heroes in our communities.”“Pioneer is incredibly grateful to honor both Ashley and Jayce for their heroic and impactful efforts in our Midwest communities,” said Jeremy Renz, Pioneer Vice President of Sales. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping and honoring farmers throughout the U.S. and we are excited to keep that tradition going by honoring local heroes that live and work in the communities we serve every day. This partnership is one small way we can express our sincere gratitude for those heroes.”Cruz-Martin and Koob will attend the game as special guests of the teams, receive on-field recognition at halftime, and have their names inscribed on the game trophy.Pioneer, a current partner of both the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Iowa Hawkeyes, is a multi-year title sponsor of the Heroes Game. The ongoing relationship between Pioneer and Nebraska is overseen by Husker Athletic Partners, a Playfly Sports Property, the university’s athletics multimedia rightsholder. The ongoing relationship between Pioneer and Iowa is overseen by Learfield’s Hawkeye Sports Properties, the University’s athletics multimedia rightsholder and locally based team.

Nebraska and Iowa Heroes to be Honored at Friday's game

By: Con Marshall CSC Sports Information

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Chadron State men's basketball endured a difficult afternoon against the 2023-24 Division II national champions, falling to Minnesota State by an 81-52 score to conclude play at the University of Sioux Falls Classic.

The Eagles received 13 points and eight rebounds from Blessing Adesipe, but shot 31.6 percent from the field overall, making just two of 16 three-point attempts. An exception was at the free throw line, where they sank 14 of 15. 

Chadron State got off to a solid start, tying the score 12-12 on a pair of free throws by Adesipe midway in the first half.  But the Mavericks outscored the Eagles 18-4 in the next seven minutes to take a 30-16 lead. Minnesota State led 39-24 at halftime, then outscored the Eagles 42-28 in the second half.

The Mavericks, now 5-2, didn't burn the nets, shooting 41.2% overall from the field, but helped pull away from their opponent by making 12 of 31 shots from behind the arc. The winners also out-rebounded CSC 48-34.

Behind Adesipe, point guard Mack Keighran added 12 points while going 8-of-9 at the free throw line. Senior Zach Smith, who hit the winning 3-pointer with less than 10 second remaining earlier in the week when the Eagles nipped the Mary Marauders from Bismarck 83-82, added 11 points.

Arhman Lewis, also a senior guard, paced the Minnesota team with 16 points while making 4-of-5 treys and all four of his free shots.  Malcolm Jones contributed 13 points, Traijan Sain 11 and Colton Benson 10.  

Caden Kirkman added eight points and grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds. Jones came away with nine caroms.  Both Kirkman and Jones are 6-8. 

Now 1-4 for the season, the Eagles will be busy next weekend.  They'll host Northern State of Aberdeen, S.D., at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 and Colorado Christian at 1:30 the next day.         

Minnesota State—Arhman Lewis 16, Malcolm Jones 13, Traijan Sain 11, Colton Benson 10, Caden Kirkman 8, Dave Harmon 7, Will Opsahl 6. Carson Schweim 5, Joe Buchanan 3, Chase Bartlett 2. Totals: 26-68 FG (12-31 3PT) 13-18 FT. 81 points, 48 rebounds, 15 assists, 8 turnovers.

Chadron State—Blessing Adesipe 13, Mack Keighran 12, Zach Smith 11, Luka Djurovic 8, Ethan Russell 4, Isaiah Randolph 4. Totals: 18-57 FG (2-16 3PT) 14-15 FT. 52 points, 34 rebounds, 7 assists, 13 turnovers.

By: Con Marshall CSC Sports InformationSIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Chadron State men's basketball endured a difficult afternoon against the 2023-24 Division II national champions, falling to Minnesota State by an 81-52 score to conclude play at the University of Sioux Falls Classic.The Eagles received 13 points and eight rebounds from Blessing Adesipe, but shot 31.6 percent from the field overall, making just two of 16 three-point attempts. An exception was at the free throw line, where they sank 14 of 15. Chadron State got off to a solid start, tying the score 12-12 on a pair of free throws by Adesipe midway in the first half. But the Mavericks outscored the Eagles 18-4 in the next seven minutes to take a 30-16 lead. Minnesota State led 39-24 at halftime, then outscored the Eagles 42-28 in the second half.The Mavericks, now 5-2, didn't burn the nets, shooting 41.2% overall from the field, but helped pull away from their opponent by making 12 of 31 shots from behind the arc. The winners also out-rebounded CSC 48-34.Behind Adesipe, point guard Mack Keighran added 12 points while going 8-of-9 at the free throw line. Senior Zach Smith, who hit the winning 3-pointer with less than 10 second remaining earlier in the week when the Eagles nipped the Mary Marauders from Bismarck 83-82, added 11 points.Arhman Lewis, also a senior guard, paced the Minnesota team with 16 points while making 4-of-5 treys and all four of his free shots. Malcolm Jones contributed 13 points, Traijan Sain 11 and Colton Benson 10. Caden Kirkman added eight points and grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds. Jones came away with nine caroms. Both Kirkman and Jones are 6-8. Now 1-4 for the season, the Eagles will be busy next weekend. They'll host Northern State of Aberdeen, S.D., at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 and Colorado Christian at 1:30 the next day. Minnesota State—Arhman Lewis 16, Malcolm Jones 13, Traijan Sain 11, Colton Benson 10, Caden Kirkman 8, Dave Harmon 7, Will Opsahl 6. Carson Schweim 5, Joe Buchanan 3, Chase Bartlett 2. Totals: 26-68 FG (12-31 3PT) 13-18 FT. 81 points, 48 rebounds, 15 assists, 8 turnovers.Chadron State—Blessing Adesipe 13, Mack Keighran 12, Zach Smith 11, Luka Djurovic 8, Ethan Russell 4, Isaiah Randolph 4. Totals: 18-57 FG (2-16 3PT) 14-15 FT. 52 points, 34 rebounds, 7 assists, 13 turnovers.

Defending D2 Nat'l Champs top Chadron State at Sioux Falls Classic

By: Paxton Ritchie CSC Sports Information Director

PITTSBURG, Kan. – Chadron State briefly took the lead in the fourth quarter, but Pittsburg State scored with seven-and-a-half minutes remaining and held off the Eagles by a 21-17 score in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Division II playoffs. 

Wide receiver and First Team All-RMAC selection Tommy Thomas caught five passes for 87 yards, including his 15th receiving touchdown of the 2025 season, to give the Fort Collins native 195 career receptions and break the program's all-time record, which formerly was 192 and held by CSC alum Cole Thurness. 

The result ends the Eagles' season at 8-4 overall, with the program's first trip to the postseason since 2012. The matchup with Pitt State was CSC's third consecutive game against an opponent ranked in the top five in one or both major Division II voting polls, and all three games were decided by one score. 

"I am so proud of our guys," head coach Jay Long said. "This year, we played eight road games, two overtime games and four games against nationally ranked opponents. Our kids never flinched and played their hearts out for one another. They will forever be Eagles."

The Gorillas ran the opening kickoff back for a touchdown and led 14-3 at halftime, but the Eagles were once again resilient. Timely stops, big plays in the pass game and three missed field goals by Pitt State helped ensure the Eagles would not go away quietly.

A pair of CSC touchdowns, one late in the third quarter and one midway through the fourth, gave the Eagles the lead for the first time at 17-14 with 10:10 left in the game. Pitt State re-took the lead on its next possession, however, and the Eagles' final two drives ended in fourth-down interceptions – one by the punter on an attempted trick play and one by the quarterback on a desperation attempt in the final seconds. 

Chadron State narrowly outgained Pitt State, 308 to 306, on the same number of plays (60). The Eagles outpaced Pitt State through the air, collecting 233 passing yards to PSU's 177, while the home team outrushed the Eagles 129-75.

Quarterback DJ Ralph, making his third consecutive start, completed 15 of 24 passes for 233 yards, throwing one touchdown and two interceptions. The bulk of those yards went to Thomas, who hauled in a seven-yard touchdown pass and broke the receptions record on a 66-yard deep ball over the top, and Devon Sundgren, who caught two passes for 64 yards.

Daytuawn Pearson was the team's leading rusher with 32 yards on eight carries while reigning RMAC Special Teams Player of the Week Chase Nelson added 47 yards of kick returns, highlighted by a 39-yard runback. 

Defensively, Cooper Walton spearheaded the Eagle effort with 15 tackles (five solo) while senior safety Dax Yeradi had 10 (seven solo). CSC had two sacks, one by Walton and one by Ryder True and Logan O'Brien, and forced one fumble that Pitt State was able to recover.

The home team started the game as well as possible, with TyJuan Atkins, Jr. taking the opening kickoff at the one-yard line and racing down the left side line for a 99-yard return touchdown to give the Gorillas an instant lead. 

Chadron State's offense responded, with Ralph hitting Garet Schlabs and Rollin George III for 13-yard gains and using four Ryker carries for 19 yards to set up a 47-yard field goal from Wilson Yee to cut the deficit to 7-3. 

Pitt State's next two drives ended in missed field goals, with MIAA Special Teams Player of the Year Austin Schmitt missing from 36 yards and then from 54 yards after a Pitt State interception. 

The Gorillas took up much of the second quarter on a 14-play, 94-yard drive that took 6:52 off the clock and ended in a four-yard rushing TD for Cleo Chandler, Jr. as the home team took a 14-3 lead into the halftime locker room. 

Chadron State, which managed 107 total yards in the first half, swung the momentum in an instant with a long pass to Thomas, who fought through a pass interference penalty against him to make the catch and race down the sideline for a 66-yard gain. 

A 10-yard pass to Garet Schlabs gave the Eagles first-and-goal from the Pitt State two. It took the Eagles until fourth-and-goal to score, but Ralph threw to the back corner pylon for Thomas, who made a lunging, contesting catch that was ruled inbounds on the field and upheld after a replay challenge by Pitt State. CSC went for two in the hopes of cutting the deficit to three points, but Ralph's pass intended for Rollin George III was incomplete.

Chadron State got a big stop on the other end when the Gorillas attempted to fake a punt with an end-around rush that was snuffed out by Evan Cherry. The Eagles immediately hit for a big play when Ralph connected with Devon Sundgren on a deep ball to put the Eagles down to the PSU 16-yard line. Six rushing plays later, Daytuawn Pearson punched it in from two yards out, and Ralph found tight end Koye Gilbert for the two-point conversion to give CSC a 17-14 lead.

Pitt State went down the field and re-took the lead on two deep passes, the first of which was a pass interference call against CSC and the second of which was a 28-yard touchdown. 

On its next possession, Chadron State found itself in 4th-and-5 from their own 25 yard line, and tried to have punter Brodie Eisenbraun throw a pass, which was intercepted. The score remained a four-point margin after Schmitt missed his third kick of the day, this time from only 24 yards out, setting the stage for CSC's final possession with the Eagles out of timeouts. 

After a 25-yard throw to Sundgren, the Eagles threw two incomplete passes and a four-yard rush to set up a do-or-die 4th-and-6. Ralph bought time and rolled to his right, but his pass thrown 25 yards down the field was picked off, allowing Pitt State to kneel it out.

Pittsburg State, which improves to 10-2, will advance to face No. 1 regional seed Harding in the second round. Harding defeated Northwest Missouri State 38-16 on Saturday. 

While both Harding and Pitt State won as higher seeds, the other Super Region Four second-round matchup will feature a pair of teams who toppled their higher-seeded opponents in UT Permian Basin (who defeated region No. 3 CSU Pueblo 37-24) and Western Colorado (who defeated region No. 2 Central Washington 27-20).

By: Paxton Ritchie CSC Sports Information DirectorPITTSBURG, Kan. – Chadron State briefly took the lead in the fourth quarter, but Pittsburg State scored with seven-and-a-half minutes remaining and held off the Eagles by a 21-17 score in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Division II playoffs. Wide receiver and First Team All-RMAC selection Tommy Thomas caught five passes for 87 yards, including his 15th receiving touchdown of the 2025 season, to give the Fort Collins native 195 career receptions and break the program's all-time record, which formerly was 192 and held by CSC alum Cole Thurness. The result ends the Eagles' season at 8-4 overall, with the program's first trip to the postseason since 2012. The matchup with Pitt State was CSC's third consecutive game against an opponent ranked in the top five in one or both major Division II voting polls, and all three games were decided by one score. "I am so proud of our guys," head coach Jay Long said. "This year, we played eight road games, two overtime games and four games against nationally ranked opponents. Our kids never flinched and played their hearts out for one another. They will forever be Eagles."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763949089786.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Gorillas ran the opening kickoff back for a touchdown and led 14-3 at halftime, but the Eagles were once again resilient. Timely stops, big plays in the pass game and three missed field goals by Pitt State helped ensure the Eagles would not go away quietly.A pair of CSC touchdowns, one late in the third quarter and one midway through the fourth, gave the Eagles the lead for the first time at 17-14 with 10:10 left in the game. Pitt State re-took the lead on its next possession, however, and the Eagles' final two drives ended in fourth-down interceptions – one by the punter on an attempted trick play and one by the quarterback on a desperation attempt in the final seconds. Chadron State narrowly outgained Pitt State, 308 to 306, on the same number of plays (60). The Eagles outpaced Pitt State through the air, collecting 233 passing yards to PSU's 177, while the home team outrushed the Eagles 129-75.Quarterback DJ Ralph, making his third consecutive start, completed 15 of 24 passes for 233 yards, throwing one touchdown and two interceptions. The bulk of those yards went to Thomas, who hauled in a seven-yard touchdown pass and broke the receptions record on a 66-yard deep ball over the top, and Devon Sundgren, who caught two passes for 64 yards.Daytuawn Pearson was the team's leading rusher with 32 yards on eight carries while reigning RMAC Special Teams Player of the Week Chase Nelson added 47 yards of kick returns, highlighted by a 39-yard runback. Defensively, Cooper Walton spearheaded the Eagle effort with 15 tackles (five solo) while senior safety Dax Yeradi had 10 (seven solo). CSC had two sacks, one by Walton and one by Ryder True and Logan O'Brien, and forced one fumble that Pitt State was able to recover.The home team started the game as well as possible, with TyJuan Atkins, Jr. taking the opening kickoff at the one-yard line and racing down the left side line for a 99-yard return touchdown to give the Gorillas an instant lead. Chadron State's offense responded, with Ralph hitting Garet Schlabs and Rollin George III for 13-yard gains and using four Ryker carries for 19 yards to set up a 47-yard field goal from Wilson Yee to cut the deficit to 7-3. Pitt State's next two drives ended in missed field goals, with MIAA Special Teams Player of the Year Austin Schmitt missing from 36 yards and then from 54 yards after a Pitt State interception. The Gorillas took up much of the second quarter on a 14-play, 94-yard drive that took 6:52 off the clock and ended in a four-yard rushing TD for Cleo Chandler, Jr. as the home team took a 14-3 lead into the halftime locker room. Chadron State, which managed 107 total yards in the first half, swung the momentum in an instant with a long pass to Thomas, who fought through a pass interference penalty against him to make the catch and race down the sideline for a 66-yard gain. A 10-yard pass to Garet Schlabs gave the Eagles first-and-goal from the Pitt State two. It took the Eagles until fourth-and-goal to score, but Ralph threw to the back corner pylon for Thomas, who made a lunging, contesting catch that was ruled inbounds on the field and upheld after a replay challenge by Pitt State. CSC went for two in the hopes of cutting the deficit to three points, but Ralph's pass intended for Rollin George III was incomplete.Chadron State got a big stop on the other end when the Gorillas attempted to fake a punt with an end-around rush that was snuffed out by Evan Cherry. The Eagles immediately hit for a big play when Ralph connected with Devon Sundgren on a deep ball to put the Eagles down to the PSU 16-yard line. Six rushing plays later, Daytuawn Pearson punched it in from two yards out, and Ralph found tight end Koye Gilbert for the two-point conversion to give CSC a 17-14 lead.Pitt State went down the field and re-took the lead on two deep passes, the first of which was a pass interference call against CSC and the second of which was a 28-yard touchdown. On its next possession, Chadron State found itself in 4th-and-5 from their own 25 yard line, and tried to have punter Brodie Eisenbraun throw a pass, which was intercepted. The score remained a four-point margin after Schmitt missed his third kick of the day, this time from only 24 yards out, setting the stage for CSC's final possession with the Eagles out of timeouts. After a 25-yard throw to Sundgren, the Eagles threw two incomplete passes and a four-yard rush to set up a do-or-die 4th-and-6. Ralph bought time and rolled to his right, but his pass thrown 25 yards down the field was picked off, allowing Pitt State to kneel it out.Pittsburg State, which improves to 10-2, will advance to face No. 1 regional seed Harding in the second round. Harding defeated Northwest Missouri State 38-16 on Saturday. While both Harding and Pitt State won as higher seeds, the other Super Region Four second-round matchup will feature a pair of teams who toppled their higher-seeded opponents in UT Permian Basin (who defeated region No. 3 CSU Pueblo 37-24) and Western Colorado (who defeated region No. 2 Central Washington 27-20).

(4) Pitt State overcomes Chadron State in 4th quarter to advance in NCAA D2 playoffs

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(Video) NPCC WBB vs. Central Wyoming

LINCOLN, Neb. - The No. 1 Nebraska volleyball team swept Iowa 25-15, 25-21, 25-18 in front of 8,662 fans at John Cook Arena at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Thursday night.&nbsp;

Nebraska (27-0, 17-0 Big Ten) clinched a share of the Big Ten title with the win. The Huskers have three Big Ten matches remaining and need only one more win to clinch the outright Big Ten title. NU's first chance to do so will be Saturday at No. 17 Indiana at 5 p.m. (CT).&nbsp;

The Huskers clinched their 37th overall conference title and sixth in the Big Ten. It marks the first time the Huskers have won three consecutive conference titles since 2004-08 in the Big 12.&nbsp;

Nebraska head coach Dani Busboom Kelly became the first volleyball coach in Big Ten history to win a conference title in the first year of being head coach at a school. John Cook won a Big Ten title at Nebraska in his first year in the conference in 2011, but it was his 12th season as head coach at Nebraska at the time.

At 27-0, the Huskers have matched their record to start the 2023 season, which is tied for the fourth-best start to a season in school history in the NCAA era.&nbsp;

Celebrating their 350th consecutive regular-season sellout, the Huskers hit .384 and held Iowa to .073. The Big Red had the edge in kills (45-29), blocks (9-4), digs (34-26) and aces (6-3).&nbsp;

Harper Murray had 11 kills and six digs, while Andi Jackson had 10 kills (.571) and three blocks. Virginia Adriano tallied nine kills (.500) and had three blocks and three aces. Taylor Landfair added seven kills (.438) to surpass 1,500 for her career. Rebekah Allick notched five kills and six blocks.

Bergen Reilly dished out 34 assists with seven digs, four blocks and two kills.

Iowa (14-15, 5-12 Big Ten) got eight kills from Alyssa Worden.&nbsp;

Set 1: NU bolted to an 11-3 lead with aces by Murray and Jackson and kills by six different players. Jackson had two kills around an ace by Adriano for a 17-8 lead. Landfair contributed three kills and a block with Allick, and Skyler Pierce finished out a 25-15 win with a kill.&nbsp;

Set 2: Adriano pounded a kill and served her second ace for a 4-2 start. Jackson and Murray each tallied three kills as the Huskers held on to a 15-13 lead, but the Hawkeyes leveled the score at 16-16. Adriano answered with a kill, and Landfair served an ace to make it 18-16. Iowa came back again to tie the score at 19-19 and 20-20, but Murray answered with kills each time. Murray tipped another kill to make it 22-20, and Jackson and Reilly teamed up for a block and a 23-20 lead. Jackson added a kill as the Huskers held on for a 25-21 win.&nbsp;

Set 3: A tightly contested third set saw Iowa with a 12-11 lead before an Adriano kill and a block by Jackson and Reilly put NU in front, 13-12. Another Jackson kill and three Iowa errors helped NU take a 17-13 lead. Murray and Landfair tacked on kills before a block by Allick and Adriano made it 22-17. The Huskers completed the sweep, 25-18, on Jackson's 11th kill. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Up Next: The Huskers play their final road match of the regular season at No. 17 Indiana on Saturday at 5 p.m. (CT). The match will be streamed on B1G+.&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsLINCOLN, Neb. - The No. 1 Nebraska volleyball team swept Iowa 25-15, 25-21, 25-18 in front of 8,662 fans at John Cook Arena at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Thursday night.&nbsp;Nebraska (27-0, 17-0 Big Ten) clinched a share of the Big Ten title with the win. The Huskers have three Big Ten matches remaining and need only one more win to clinch the outright Big Ten title. NU's first chance to do so will be Saturday at No. 17 Indiana at 5 p.m. (CT).&nbsp;The Huskers clinched their 37th overall conference title and sixth in the Big Ten. It marks the first time the Huskers have won three consecutive conference titles since 2004-08 in the Big 12.&nbsp;Nebraska head coach Dani Busboom Kelly became the first volleyball coach in Big Ten history to win a conference title in the first year of being head coach at a school. John Cook won a Big Ten title at Nebraska in his first year in the conference in 2011, but it was his 12th season as head coach at Nebraska at the time.At 27-0, the Huskers have matched their record to start the 2023 season, which is tied for the fourth-best start to a season in school history in the NCAA era.&nbsp;Celebrating their 350th consecutive regular-season sellout, the Huskers hit .384 and held Iowa to .073. The Big Red had the edge in kills (45-29), blocks (9-4), digs (34-26) and aces (6-3).&nbsp;Harper Murray had 11 kills and six digs, while Andi Jackson had 10 kills (.571) and three blocks. Virginia Adriano tallied nine kills (.500) and had three blocks and three aces. Taylor Landfair added seven kills (.438) to surpass 1,500 for her career. Rebekah Allick notched five kills and six blocks.Bergen Reilly dished out 34 assists with seven digs, four blocks and two kills.Iowa (14-15, 5-12 Big Ten) got eight kills from Alyssa Worden.&nbsp;Set 1: NU bolted to an 11-3 lead with aces by Murray and Jackson and kills by six different players. Jackson had two kills around an ace by Adriano for a 17-8 lead. Landfair contributed three kills and a block with Allick, and Skyler Pierce finished out a 25-15 win with a kill.&nbsp;Set 2: Adriano pounded a kill and served her second ace for a 4-2 start. Jackson and Murray each tallied three kills as the Huskers held on to a 15-13 lead, but the Hawkeyes leveled the score at 16-16. Adriano answered with a kill, and Landfair served an ace to make it 18-16. Iowa came back again to tie the score at 19-19 and 20-20, but Murray answered with kills each time. Murray tipped another kill to make it 22-20, and Jackson and Reilly teamed up for a block and a 23-20 lead. Jackson added a kill as the Huskers held on for a 25-21 win.&nbsp;Set 3: A tightly contested third set saw Iowa with a 12-11 lead before an Adriano kill and a block by Jackson and Reilly put NU in front, 13-12. Another Jackson kill and three Iowa errors helped NU take a 17-13 lead. Murray and Landfair tacked on kills before a block by Allick and Adriano made it 22-17. The Huskers completed the sweep, 25-18, on Jackson's 11th kill. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Up Next: The Huskers play their final road match of the regular season at No. 17 Indiana on Saturday at 5 p.m. (CT). The match will be streamed on B1G+.&nbsp;

NU Volleyball clinches share of Big Ten Title in sweep of Iowa

The Nebraska men's basketball team looks for a tournament title, as the Huskers will face Kansas State in the title game of the Hall of Fame Classic in Kansas City. Tipoff between the Huskers and Wildcats at the T-Mobile Center is set for 8:30 p.m. and the game will be carried online at Peacock and carried on the Huskers Radio Network, as well as Huskers.com and on the Huskers app. Tickets for Friday's game are available at t-mobilecenter.com.

Nebraska is in the Hall of Fame Classic title game for the second time and first since 2018, as the Huskers look to become the first Big Ten team to win the event since Maryland in 2014.

The Huskers (5-0) reached the title game with an 84-72 win over New Mexico Thursday evening. Jamarques Lawrence had a career-high 21 points, while Braden Frager added 20 points and eight rebounds off the bench.

The Huskers, who never trailed, jumped out to a 22-5 lead and withstood a second-half rally from New Mexico before pulling away down the stretch. Nebraska hit 13 3-pointers, including four each from Lawrence and Frager. With his 21-point night, Lawrence became the fourth different Husker to post a 20-point game this season.

Kansas State (5-0) advanced to Friday's matchup with a 98-77 win over Mississippi State in the nightcap. PJ Haggerty led the Wildcats with 37 points, seven rebounds and eight assists to pace three KSU players in double figures. The Wildcats pulled away by shooting 57 percent, including 8-of-15 from 3-point range, in the second half.

Friday's title game features a pair of high-scoring offenses, as Nebraska averages 88.0 ppg and have four players averaging double figures, led by Pryce Sandfort (15.6 ppg) and Rienk Mast (15.4 ppg). KSU averages 94.4 ppg and has five players in double figures led by PJ Haggerty's 28.2 ppg.

The two long-time conference rivals will meet for the 224th time Friday night as K-State leads the all-time series, 129-94 in a series that dates back to 1906. Nebraska won the most recent meeting, 62-46, in Manhattan on Dec. 17, 2023.&nbsp;

Numbers to Know9 - Nebraska has won nine straight games dating back to last season's College Basketball Crown. It is the nation's longest active winning streak and NU's longest win streak since winning 11 straight games during the 2010-11 season.

12.2 - Nebraska is averaging 12.2 3-pointers per game to rank second in the Big Ten as of Nov. 20. Currently, five Big Ten teams are averaging more than 10.0 3-pointers per game.

3.9 - Over the last nine games dating back to the College Basketball Crown, Sam Hoiberg is averaging 3.7 assists per game with a 3.9-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Hoiberg has double the number of steals (18) than turnovers (nine) in that stretch.

.807 - Nebraska is 42-10 under Fred Hoiberg when scoring 80 or more points, including a 33-7 mark over the last three-plus seasons. Of those seven losses since the start of 2022-23, four were in overtime.

Worth Noting• Nebraska's nine-game win streak is the longest for the Huskers under Fred Hoiberg, bettering the seven-game win streak to start the 2023-24 season. Nebraska is averaging 84.8 ppg on 49 percent shooting during its nine-game win streak and has scored at least 1.00 points per possession in all nine contests.&nbsp;

• Nebraska has now won its last 16 non-conference games dating back to Nov. 22, 2024, which is the nation's longest non-con win streak.

• Nebraska has won three straight against Big Ten teams dating back to the win over the Wildcats in 2023. Last year, the Huskers downed both Arizona State and UCF in the College Basketball Crown.

• A win on Friday vs. KSU would give NU a double-digit win streak for the 11th time in history and the first time since the 2010-11 season.

• The Huskers have been one of the Big Ten's top 3-point shooting teams early in the season. NU is second in the Big Ten in 3-pointers per game (12.2) and fifth in 3-point shooting percentage (.381). Nebraska's 12.2 3-pointers per game is seven more per game more than last season after five games and is the best early-season start for a Fred Hoiberg team at Nebraska.

• Nebraska enters Friday's game with Kansas State averaging 20.6 assists per game, an increase of more than six assists per game from last season (14.2). NU has averaged 20 assists only two times in school history (1990-91 and 1984-85).

• Nebraska comes into Friday's game averaging 88.0 ppg, which is the highest-scoring five-game start under Fred Hoiberg and NU's best five-game total in the Big Ten era. The previous high was 82.0 ppg in 2018-19 and that is the only time in the Big Ten era where the Huskers averaged 80-or-more points per game in the first five contests.

• The Huskers are looking for their second in-season tournament title in as many years, as NU won the Diamond Head Invitational last December. Prior to that tournament win, NU's previous in-season tournament win was the 2000 San Juan Shootout.

• Rienk Mast is one of 17 players nationally averaging 15.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game entering Friday's games. He is averaging 21.5 points per game over the Huskers' last two games. Mast is 27 points away from 1,500 career points.

• Nebraska is 39-15 (.735) over the past three-plus seasons when Sam Hoiberg plays at least 20 minutes. The senior is setting career bests in nearly every category, including scoring (7.4 ppg), rebounding (6.0 rpg), assists (4.0 apg) and steals (2.0 spg). According to stathead, Hoiberg is the only power conference player - and just one of 10 players nationally averaging at least 6+ rebounds, 4+ assists and 2+ steals per game entering Friday's action.

• Pryce Sandfort is averaging 18.8 ppg on 53 percent shooting, 4.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game over the last four contests. He also has a 14-to-1 assists-to-turnover ratio in that span.

• Nebraska has received outstanding play from its bench, averaging 29.6 ppg through the first four contests. The Huskers have gotten six double-figure efforts from their bench in the first five games (Braden Frager-3; Connor Essegian-2; Cale Jacobsen-1).

• Frager's 20-point game against New Mexico was his second 20-point game of the season, and he joins Connor Essegian has the only Huskers under Hoiberg with multiple 20-point games off the bench in a season. Frager is one of 11 players nationally to have multiple 20-point efforts off the bench.

• Rienk Mast, Jamarques Lawrence and Sam Hoiberg all played in the 2023 meeting in Manhattan. Mast had 19 points and 12 rebounds as one of two Huskers (also Juwan Gary) to post double-doubles in that contest.

• Big Ten teams are a combined 78-5 (.939) entering Friday's action following a 6-0 showing on Thursday.

• Nebraska has had eight double-digit scoring runs over the first five contests, including three each against West Georgia and FIU.

• Nebraska Coach Fred Hoiberg won a pair of conference tournament titles in the T-Mobile Center during his tenure at Iowa State (2014-15).&nbsp; Hoiberg is 7-7 in his coaching career against Kansas State (6-5 at ISU; 1-2 at NEB).Last Night vs. New MexicoJamarques Lawrence and Braden Frager combined for 41 points as Nebraska used a blistering start and made enough plays down the stretch for an 84-72 win over New Mexico Thursday night at the Hall of Fame Classic.

Lawrence had a career-high 21 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including four 3-pointers for his second career 20-point effort while Frager came off the bench and provided a spark with 20 points, including 4-of-5 from 3-point range, and a team-high eight rebounds as Nebraska won its ninth straight game dating back to last season.

The Huskers jumped on the Lobos, getting out to a 11-2 lead in the first three minutes and hit nine of their first 13 shots from the field to extend the margin to 22-5 after two straight 3-pointers from Connor Essegian. NU shot 52 percent, including 9-of-19 from distance, in the opening 20 minutes to build a 43-25 halftime lead.

New Mexico came out firing in the second half, hitting 8-of-15 shots, including 6-of-10 from long range, to cut the Huskers’ 18-point lead to 51-47 on a 3-pointer from Luke Haupt with 12:31 left.&nbsp; The Lobos were within 59-53 at the under-eight timeout before the Huskers regained momentum. Pryce Sandfort’s driving basket started a 7-0 run that gave the Huskers a 66-53 advantage after Sandfort’s 3-pointer with 6:46 remaining. The Lobos would eventually pull within 66-58 on a Jake Hall 3-pointer before Rienk Mast, who had 17 points, keyed a 5-0 run that pushed the lead back to 13 with 2:57 left.

&nbsp;• Jamarques Lawrence finished with a career-high 21 points, his second career 20-point game and first as a Husker. His previous best was 20 against Saint Bonaventure last season while at Rhode Island while his previous high at Nebraska was 19 at Indiana in 2024.• Braden Frager came off the bench and had 20 points on 6-of-8 shooting, including 4-of-6 from 3-point range. It was his second 20-point game of the season, both coming off the bench.• Frager’s 20-point night marked the 13th time a Husker reserve has scored 20 or more points in Fred Hoiberg’s seven seasons. It was also the sixth double-figure effort by a Husker reserve in 2025-26.• With Lawrence (21) and Frager (20) both going over 20 points, marked the 21st time under Hoiberg – and second straight game – that Nebraska had multiple 20-point scorers.• Nebraska finished with 20 assists, the fourth time in five games NU had at least 20 assists in a game.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska men's basketball team looks for a tournament title, as the Huskers will face Kansas State in the title game of the Hall of Fame Classic in Kansas City. Tipoff between the Huskers and Wildcats at the T-Mobile Center is set for 8:30 p.m. and the game will be carried online at Peacock and carried on the Huskers Radio Network, as well as Huskers.com and on the Huskers app. Tickets for Friday's game are available at t-mobilecenter.com.Nebraska is in the Hall of Fame Classic title game for the second time and first since 2018, as the Huskers look to become the first Big Ten team to win the event since Maryland in 2014.The Huskers (5-0) reached the title game with an 84-72 win over New Mexico Thursday evening. Jamarques Lawrence had a career-high 21 points, while Braden Frager added 20 points and eight rebounds off the bench.The Huskers, who never trailed, jumped out to a 22-5 lead and withstood a second-half rally from New Mexico before pulling away down the stretch. Nebraska hit 13 3-pointers, including four each from Lawrence and Frager. With his 21-point night, Lawrence became the fourth different Husker to post a 20-point game this season.Kansas State (5-0) advanced to Friday's matchup with a 98-77 win over Mississippi State in the nightcap. PJ Haggerty led the Wildcats with 37 points, seven rebounds and eight assists to pace three KSU players in double figures. The Wildcats pulled away by shooting 57 percent, including 8-of-15 from 3-point range, in the second half.Friday's title game features a pair of high-scoring offenses, as Nebraska averages 88.0 ppg and have four players averaging double figures, led by Pryce Sandfort (15.6 ppg) and Rienk Mast (15.4 ppg). KSU averages 94.4 ppg and has five players in double figures led by PJ Haggerty's 28.2 ppg.The two long-time conference rivals will meet for the 224th time Friday night as K-State leads the all-time series, 129-94 in a series that dates back to 1906. Nebraska won the most recent meeting, 62-46, in Manhattan on Dec. 17, 2023.&nbsp;Numbers to Know9 - Nebraska has won nine straight games dating back to last season's College Basketball Crown. It is the nation's longest active winning streak and NU's longest win streak since winning 11 straight games during the 2010-11 season.12.2 - Nebraska is averaging 12.2 3-pointers per game to rank second in the Big Ten as of Nov. 20. Currently, five Big Ten teams are averaging more than 10.0 3-pointers per game.3.9 - Over the last nine games dating back to the College Basketball Crown, Sam Hoiberg is averaging 3.7 assists per game with a 3.9-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Hoiberg has double the number of steals (18) than turnovers (nine) in that stretch..807 - Nebraska is 42-10 under Fred Hoiberg when scoring 80 or more points, including a 33-7 mark over the last three-plus seasons. Of those seven losses since the start of 2022-23, four were in overtime.Worth Noting• Nebraska's nine-game win streak is the longest for the Huskers under Fred Hoiberg, bettering the seven-game win streak to start the 2023-24 season. Nebraska is averaging 84.8 ppg on 49 percent shooting during its nine-game win streak and has scored at least 1.00 points per possession in all nine contests.&nbsp;• Nebraska has now won its last 16 non-conference games dating back to Nov. 22, 2024, which is the nation's longest non-con win streak.• Nebraska has won three straight against Big Ten teams dating back to the win over the Wildcats in 2023. Last year, the Huskers downed both Arizona State and UCF in the College Basketball Crown.• A win on Friday vs. KSU would give NU a double-digit win streak for the 11th time in history and the first time since the 2010-11 season.• The Huskers have been one of the Big Ten's top 3-point shooting teams early in the season. NU is second in the Big Ten in 3-pointers per game (12.2) and fifth in 3-point shooting percentage (.381). Nebraska's 12.2 3-pointers per game is seven more per game more than last season after five games and is the best early-season start for a Fred Hoiberg team at Nebraska.• Nebraska enters Friday's game with Kansas State averaging 20.6 assists per game, an increase of more than six assists per game from last season (14.2). NU has averaged 20 assists only two times in school history (1990-91 and 1984-85).• Nebraska comes into Friday's game averaging 88.0 ppg, which is the highest-scoring five-game start under Fred Hoiberg and NU's best five-game total in the Big Ten era. The previous high was 82.0 ppg in 2018-19 and that is the only time in the Big Ten era where the Huskers averaged 80-or-more points per game in the first five contests.• The Huskers are looking for their second in-season tournament title in as many years, as NU won the Diamond Head Invitational last December. Prior to that tournament win, NU's previous in-season tournament win was the 2000 San Juan Shootout.• Rienk Mast is one of 17 players nationally averaging 15.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game entering Friday's games. He is averaging 21.5 points per game over the Huskers' last two games. Mast is 27 points away from 1,500 career points.• Nebraska is 39-15 (.735) over the past three-plus seasons when Sam Hoiberg plays at least 20 minutes. The senior is setting career bests in nearly every category, including scoring (7.4 ppg), rebounding (6.0 rpg), assists (4.0 apg) and steals (2.0 spg). According to stathead, Hoiberg is the only power conference player - and just one of 10 players nationally averaging at least 6+ rebounds, 4+ assists and 2+ steals per game entering Friday's action.• Pryce Sandfort is averaging 18.8 ppg on 53 percent shooting, 4.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game over the last four contests. He also has a 14-to-1 assists-to-turnover ratio in that span.• Nebraska has received outstanding play from its bench, averaging 29.6 ppg through the first four contests. The Huskers have gotten six double-figure efforts from their bench in the first five games (Braden Frager-3; Connor Essegian-2; Cale Jacobsen-1).• Frager's 20-point game against New Mexico was his second 20-point game of the season, and he joins Connor Essegian has the only Huskers under Hoiberg with multiple 20-point games off the bench in a season. Frager is one of 11 players nationally to have multiple 20-point efforts off the bench.• Rienk Mast, Jamarques Lawrence and Sam Hoiberg all played in the 2023 meeting in Manhattan. Mast had 19 points and 12 rebounds as one of two Huskers (also Juwan Gary) to post double-doubles in that contest.• Big Ten teams are a combined 78-5 (.939) entering Friday's action following a 6-0 showing on Thursday.• Nebraska has had eight double-digit scoring runs over the first five contests, including three each against West Georgia and FIU.• Nebraska Coach Fred Hoiberg won a pair of conference tournament titles in the T-Mobile Center during his tenure at Iowa State (2014-15).&nbsp; Hoiberg is 7-7 in his coaching career against Kansas State (6-5 at ISU; 1-2 at NEB).Last Night vs. New MexicoJamarques Lawrence and Braden Frager combined for 41 points as Nebraska used a blistering start and made enough plays down the stretch for an 84-72 win over New Mexico Thursday night at the Hall of Fame Classic.Lawrence had a career-high 21 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including four 3-pointers for his second career 20-point effort while Frager came off the bench and provided a spark with 20 points, including 4-of-5 from 3-point range, and a team-high eight rebounds as Nebraska won its ninth straight game dating back to last season.The Huskers jumped on the Lobos, getting out to a 11-2 lead in the first three minutes and hit nine of their first 13 shots from the field to extend the margin to 22-5 after two straight 3-pointers from Connor Essegian. NU shot 52 percent, including 9-of-19 from distance, in the opening 20 minutes to build a 43-25 halftime lead.New Mexico came out firing in the second half, hitting 8-of-15 shots, including 6-of-10 from long range, to cut the Huskers’ 18-point lead to 51-47 on a 3-pointer from Luke Haupt with 12:31 left.&nbsp; The Lobos were within 59-53 at the under-eight timeout before the Huskers regained momentum. Pryce Sandfort’s driving basket started a 7-0 run that gave the Huskers a 66-53 advantage after Sandfort’s 3-pointer with 6:46 remaining. The Lobos would eventually pull within 66-58 on a Jake Hall 3-pointer before Rienk Mast, who had 17 points, keyed a 5-0 run that pushed the lead back to 13 with 2:57 left.Noting the Win over the Lobos&nbsp;• Jamarques Lawrence finished with a career-high 21 points, his second career 20-point game and first as a Husker. His previous best was 20 against Saint Bonaventure last season while at Rhode Island while his previous high at Nebraska was 19 at Indiana in 2024.• Braden Frager came off the bench and had 20 points on 6-of-8 shooting, including 4-of-6 from 3-point range. It was his second 20-point game of the season, both coming off the bench.• Frager’s 20-point night marked the 13th time a Husker reserve has scored 20 or more points in Fred Hoiberg’s seven seasons. It was also the sixth double-figure effort by a Husker reserve in 2025-26.• With Lawrence (21) and Frager (20) both going over 20 points, marked the 21st time under Hoiberg – and second straight game – that Nebraska had multiple 20-point scorers.• Nebraska finished with 20 assists, the fourth time in five games NU had at least 20 assists in a game.

Huskers battle Wildcats in Hall of Fame Title tilt

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jacob Brandl, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to discuss a tough loss on the road last week against Cloud County Community College, while also touching on what the team needs to focus on to stay consistent as the season continues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="🎙️ Knight's Weekly #7 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=wc8j6-19cb2cc-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jacob Brandl, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to discuss a tough loss on the road last week against Cloud County Community College, while also touching on what the team needs to focus on to stay consistent as the season continues.

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #7 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

By: Paxton Ritchie CSC Sports Information

CHADRON, Neb. – Zach Smith nailed a go-ahead three-pointer with 9.5 seconds remaining and Chadron State's defense blocked two shots in the final seconds to emerge with an 83-82 win over the University of Mary in CSC's home opener Wednesday afternoon at the Chicoine Center. 

A raucous Education Day crowd of over 850 local elementary and middle schoolers were treated to a show, as the Eagles and Marauders combined for 12 ties and 16 lead changes with neither team ever leading by more than seven points.

Jadon Cool poured in a season-high 22 points on 8 of 15 shooting to lead the Eagles offensively, while Smith provided the timely bucket on just his second field goal attempt of the contest. Cool, Jovan Jovanovic and Smith hit two three-pointers apiece.  

Freshman Luka Djurovic scored 13 points and 14 rebounds (both career-highs) for his first college double-double while Blessing Adesipe had 11 rebounds, including four offensive boards. 

The entire game felt as though it was building to the climactic moment that Smith delivered, as there was little to separate the two teams all afternoon. 

Chadron State and UMary finished with the same number of rebounds (42-42) and were within one on assists (CSC 14, Mary 13), turnovers (Mary 13, CSC 12) and free throws (Mary 13-19, CSC 12-18). Chadron State had two more made field goals than the Marauders (31 to 29), but the visitors hit two more three-pointers (11 to 9). 

Overall, the Eagles shot 47 percent from the field (31-66), 37.5 percent from three (9-24) and 66.7 percent from the line (12-18). Mary was 41.4 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from deep and 68.4 percent from the stripe. 

The largest lead of the day for either team came midway through the first half. Out of a 16-16 tie, Smith hit his first of two threes on the night before Ethan Russell and Blessing Adesipe both converted in the paint to put CSC up seven, 23-16. Mary took less than three minutes to erase that lead as back-to-back Marauder threes tied the score at 27-27 with 8:43 until halftime.

Neither team led by more than a basket the rest of the first half, as Mary shot just 5-for-9 from the line in the opening frame to lead by just one at halftime, 38-37. Ethan Russell (nine points) and Jovan Jovanovic (eight points) were CSC's leading scorers at the break, but neither one scored in the second half. 

Instead, the ball gravitated towards Cool, who scored 15 of his 22 points in the second half, as well as Djurovic (11 of 13 points in second half) and Adesipe (7 of 9). The Eagles also got to the free throw line far more as a team, attempting only two foul shots in the first half but shooting 10 of 16 in the second half. 

While the lead seesawed through much of the first and the early second half, UMary held the lead for nearly all of the final 10 minutes. A Relja Nagulic three-pointer gave the visitors a 64-62 lead with 9:18 to go and although CSC tied it twice, the Eagles did not retake the lead until Smith's shot. 

With the Marauders up six with five minutes to go, the Eagles got a three-pointer from Mack Keighran and a Collin Nick layup to cut the deficit to one. Blessing Adesipe went 3-for-4 from the line to eventually tie things up at 78-78 with just over two minutes to play. 

Djurovic, a freshman from Montenegro, came up with three defensive rebounds in the game's final minute and hit a jumper on the other end after the first to pull CSC within a point at 81-80. UMary's Kelton Coleman went 1-for-2 from the line with 23 seconds to play and Djurovic grabbed the miss, setting the stage for Smith's big shot. 

With Chadron State clinging to a one-point lead, Adesipe blocked a drive by Coleman. Nagulic picked up the loose ball for UMary and hoisted a three just before the buzzer, but Cool leaped to catch a piece of the desperation shot in mid-air, and it never reached the hoop.

Chadron State hits the road to face two more NSIC foes, taking on Sioux Falls this Friday and Minnesota State this Mankato, both in Sioux Falls.

​Chadron State—Jadon Cool 22, Luka Djurovic 13, Collin Nick 10, Ethan Russell 9, Blessing Adesipe 9, Jovan Jovanovic 8, Zach Smith 7, Mack Keighran 5. Totals: 31-66 FG (9-24 3PT) 12-18 FT. 83 points, 42 rebounds, 14 assists, 12 turnovers.

​UMary—Kelton Coleman 13, Relja Nagulic 13, Tshawn Bois 13, Tamarrein Henderson 11, Jackson Ware 11, Andre Austin 10, Cayden Redfield 4, Kenny Gonzalez 3, Amare Jackson 2, Noah Thomas 2. Totals: 29-70 FG (11-33 3PT) 13-19 FT. 82 points, 42 rebounds, 13 assists, 13 turnovers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763652656545.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By: Paxton Ritchie CSC Sports InformationCHADRON, Neb. – Zach Smith nailed a go-ahead three-pointer with 9.5 seconds remaining and Chadron State's defense blocked two shots in the final seconds to emerge with an 83-82 win over the University of Mary in CSC's home opener Wednesday afternoon at the Chicoine Center. A raucous Education Day crowd of over 850 local elementary and middle schoolers were treated to a show, as the Eagles and Marauders combined for 12 ties and 16 lead changes with neither team ever leading by more than seven points.Jadon Cool poured in a season-high 22 points on 8 of 15 shooting to lead the Eagles offensively, while Smith provided the timely bucket on just his second field goal attempt of the contest. Cool, Jovan Jovanovic and Smith hit two three-pointers apiece. Freshman Luka Djurovic scored 13 points and 14 rebounds (both career-highs) for his first college double-double while Blessing Adesipe had 11 rebounds, including four offensive boards. The entire game felt as though it was building to the climactic moment that Smith delivered, as there was little to separate the two teams all afternoon. Chadron State and UMary finished with the same number of rebounds (42-42) and were within one on assists (CSC 14, Mary 13), turnovers (Mary 13, CSC 12) and free throws (Mary 13-19, CSC 12-18). Chadron State had two more made field goals than the Marauders (31 to 29), but the visitors hit two more three-pointers (11 to 9). Overall, the Eagles shot 47 percent from the field (31-66), 37.5 percent from three (9-24) and 66.7 percent from the line (12-18). Mary was 41.4 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from deep and 68.4 percent from the stripe. The largest lead of the day for either team came midway through the first half. Out of a 16-16 tie, Smith hit his first of two threes on the night before Ethan Russell and Blessing Adesipe both converted in the paint to put CSC up seven, 23-16. Mary took less than three minutes to erase that lead as back-to-back Marauder threes tied the score at 27-27 with 8:43 until halftime.Neither team led by more than a basket the rest of the first half, as Mary shot just 5-for-9 from the line in the opening frame to lead by just one at halftime, 38-37. Ethan Russell (nine points) and Jovan Jovanovic (eight points) were CSC's leading scorers at the break, but neither one scored in the second half. Instead, the ball gravitated towards Cool, who scored 15 of his 22 points in the second half, as well as Djurovic (11 of 13 points in second half) and Adesipe (7 of 9). The Eagles also got to the free throw line far more as a team, attempting only two foul shots in the first half but shooting 10 of 16 in the second half. While the lead seesawed through much of the first and the early second half, UMary held the lead for nearly all of the final 10 minutes. A Relja Nagulic three-pointer gave the visitors a 64-62 lead with 9:18 to go and although CSC tied it twice, the Eagles did not retake the lead until Smith's shot. With the Marauders up six with five minutes to go, the Eagles got a three-pointer from Mack Keighran and a Collin Nick layup to cut the deficit to one. Blessing Adesipe went 3-for-4 from the line to eventually tie things up at 78-78 with just over two minutes to play. Djurovic, a freshman from Montenegro, came up with three defensive rebounds in the game's final minute and hit a jumper on the other end after the first to pull CSC within a point at 81-80. UMary's Kelton Coleman went 1-for-2 from the line with 23 seconds to play and Djurovic grabbed the miss, setting the stage for Smith's big shot. With Chadron State clinging to a one-point lead, Adesipe blocked a drive by Coleman. Nagulic picked up the loose ball for UMary and hoisted a three just before the buzzer, but Cool leaped to catch a piece of the desperation shot in mid-air, and it never reached the hoop.Chadron State hits the road to face two more NSIC foes, taking on Sioux Falls this Friday and Minnesota State this Mankato, both in Sioux Falls.​Chadron State—Jadon Cool 22, Luka Djurovic 13, Collin Nick 10, Ethan Russell 9, Blessing Adesipe 9, Jovan Jovanovic 8, Zach Smith 7, Mack Keighran 5. Totals: 31-66 FG (9-24 3PT) 12-18 FT. 83 points, 42 rebounds, 14 assists, 12 turnovers.​UMary—Kelton Coleman 13, Relja Nagulic 13, Tshawn Bois 13, Tamarrein Henderson 11, Jackson Ware 11, Andre Austin 10, Cayden Redfield 4, Kenny Gonzalez 3, Amare Jackson 2, Noah Thomas 2. Totals: 29-70 FG (11-33 3PT) 13-19 FT. 82 points, 42 rebounds, 13 assists, 13 turnovers.

🏀Smith's three in late seconds sends CSC to win over UMary Wednesday

Lincoln&nbsp;- Britt Prince erupted for a career-high 30 points and Nebraska dominated in every phase of the game, as the Huskers rolled to a 103-58 women's basketball win over Oral Roberts on Wednesday night at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Nebraska improved to 5-0 with the win over the 2025 Summit League runners-up, while ORU slipped to 2-4.

Prince, a Nancy Lieberman Award candidate, recorded her first career 30-point game on 13-of-18 shooting, including 4-of-6 three-pointers, while adding five rebounds and four assists. The 5-11 point guard from Omaha reached 30 points with just under six minutes remaining in the game and exited at the five-minute media timeout.

Graduate forward Eliza Maupin added a season-high 17 points to go with five rebounds, three assists and a block in a season-high 20 minutes off the bench.

Junior Jessica Petrie put three Huskers in double figures with 10 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal in just 16 minutes as a starter. It was Petrie's fifth straight game in double figures.

In all, 11 different Huskers scored, 10 notched at least one rebound and eight had multiple assists for a Nebraska team that got 99 minutes (56 points) from its starters and 101 minutes (47 points) from its reserves.

Nebraska finished 51.4 percent (38-74) from the field, including 39.1 percent (9-23) from three-point range, while sinking 94.7 percent (18-19) of it its free throws. The Big Red was a season-best plus-22 on the boards (49-27) and plus-seven in turnovers despite forcing a season-low 18 miscues.

The Huskers raced to a 29-7 first-quarter lead by scoring on 11 consecutive possessions in the final 6:30 of the period.

Prince scored Nebraska's first eight points in the second quarter to help the Huskers take their biggest first-half lead at 50-15 with 2:47 left.

The Big Red took a 55-23 advantage to halftime by hitting 53.8 (21-39) shots from the field, including 4-of-12 threes. Nebraska was also a perfect 9-for-9 at the free throw line in the half.&nbsp;

NU outworked the Golden Eagles, 24-13, on the glass in the half and won the turnover battle, 12-3.

Maupin went 5-for-5 from the floor and hit her only free throw attempt to join Prince in double figures in the half with 11 points, while adding three rebounds, two assists and a block in the first 20 minutes.

Petrie added an outstanding first half with six points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Amiah Hargrove also pitched in six points, two rebounds and two assists in the half.

The Big Red erupted out of the locker room in the second half with Prince again scoring the first eight points of the quarter to spark a 16-0 Nebraska run in the first four minutes to build a 71-24 lead.

After ORU stopped the run with a free throw, Claire Johnson drained Nebraska's fourth three-pointer in five minutes to give the Huskers their biggest lead of the night at 74-24 with 5:18 to play in the third.

Johnson finished with eight points and a pair of threes, as did Callin Hake. Kennadi Williams, who completed a three-point play to cap NU's 16-0 third-quarter run, added seven points along with Logan Nissley off the bench.&nbsp;

Nebraska held ORU to 37.3 percent (22-59) shooting, but the Golden Eagles did connect on 7-of-20 threes (.350). ORU also hit 7-of-13 free throws (.538).

Jalei Oglesby led Oral Roberts with 14 points and five rebounds, while Anna Trusty added a second Golden Eagle in double figures with 13 points.

The Huskers will compete next in the Emerald Coast Classic in Niceville, Fla. (Nov. 24-25). Nebraska opens the two-game tournament against Purdue Fort Wayne on Monday at 5 p.m. (CT) at Raider Arena on the campus of Northwest Florida State. Free live audio from the Huskers Radio Network will be available on Huskers.com and the Huskers App, while a live video stream will be available to subscribers of FloHoops.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsLincoln&nbsp;- Britt Prince erupted for a career-high 30 points and Nebraska dominated in every phase of the game, as the Huskers rolled to a 103-58 women's basketball win over Oral Roberts on Wednesday night at Pinnacle Bank Arena.Nebraska improved to 5-0 with the win over the 2025 Summit League runners-up, while ORU slipped to 2-4.Prince, a Nancy Lieberman Award candidate, recorded her first career 30-point game on 13-of-18 shooting, including 4-of-6 three-pointers, while adding five rebounds and four assists. The 5-11 point guard from Omaha reached 30 points with just under six minutes remaining in the game and exited at the five-minute media timeout.Graduate forward Eliza Maupin added a season-high 17 points to go with five rebounds, three assists and a block in a season-high 20 minutes off the bench.Junior Jessica Petrie put three Huskers in double figures with 10 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal in just 16 minutes as a starter. It was Petrie's fifth straight game in double figures.In all, 11 different Huskers scored, 10 notched at least one rebound and eight had multiple assists for a Nebraska team that got 99 minutes (56 points) from its starters and 101 minutes (47 points) from its reserves.Nebraska finished 51.4 percent (38-74) from the field, including 39.1 percent (9-23) from three-point range, while sinking 94.7 percent (18-19) of it its free throws. The Big Red was a season-best plus-22 on the boards (49-27) and plus-seven in turnovers despite forcing a season-low 18 miscues.The Huskers raced to a 29-7 first-quarter lead by scoring on 11 consecutive possessions in the final 6:30 of the period.Prince scored Nebraska's first eight points in the second quarter to help the Huskers take their biggest first-half lead at 50-15 with 2:47 left.The Big Red took a 55-23 advantage to halftime by hitting 53.8 (21-39) shots from the field, including 4-of-12 threes. Nebraska was also a perfect 9-for-9 at the free throw line in the half.&nbsp;NU outworked the Golden Eagles, 24-13, on the glass in the half and won the turnover battle, 12-3.Maupin went 5-for-5 from the floor and hit her only free throw attempt to join Prince in double figures in the half with 11 points, while adding three rebounds, two assists and a block in the first 20 minutes.Petrie added an outstanding first half with six points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Amiah Hargrove also pitched in six points, two rebounds and two assists in the half.The Big Red erupted out of the locker room in the second half with Prince again scoring the first eight points of the quarter to spark a 16-0 Nebraska run in the first four minutes to build a 71-24 lead.After ORU stopped the run with a free throw, Claire Johnson drained Nebraska's fourth three-pointer in five minutes to give the Huskers their biggest lead of the night at 74-24 with 5:18 to play in the third.Johnson finished with eight points and a pair of threes, as did Callin Hake. Kennadi Williams, who completed a three-point play to cap NU's 16-0 third-quarter run, added seven points along with Logan Nissley off the bench.&nbsp;Nebraska held ORU to 37.3 percent (22-59) shooting, but the Golden Eagles did connect on 7-of-20 threes (.350). ORU also hit 7-of-13 free throws (.538).Jalei Oglesby led Oral Roberts with 14 points and five rebounds, while Anna Trusty added a second Golden Eagle in double figures with 13 points.The Huskers will compete next in the Emerald Coast Classic in Niceville, Fla. (Nov. 24-25). Nebraska opens the two-game tournament against Purdue Fort Wayne on Monday at 5 p.m. (CT) at Raider Arena on the campus of Northwest Florida State. Free live audio from the Huskers Radio Network will be available on Huskers.com and the Huskers App, while a live video stream will be available to subscribers of FloHoops.

Prince's 30 powers Huskers past ORU

By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post

Lincoln, Neb. — University of Nebraska track star Meghan Walker has officially signed a full-time developmental contract with WWE, moving from its NIL “Next In Line” program into the Performance Center/NXT system.&nbsp;

Walker, 21, had been part of WWE’s NIL cohort while competing as a Cornhusker sprinter. According to multiple reports, her new deal means she will now relocate to WWE’s Performance Center in Orlando to train full-time.&nbsp;

In college, Walker competes in the 200m and 400m events and has contributed to relay teams. Before <a href="https://huskers.com/sports/track-and-field/roster/season/2023-24/player/meghan-walker?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Nebraska</a>, she was a two-time state champion in high school track in Brandon, South Dakota.

Her path to WWE included a <a href="https://wrestlingnews.co/wwe-news/university-nebraska-sprinter-meghan-walker-participated-wwe-tryouts-during-summerslam-week/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">tryout </a>during SummerSlam week, a key milestone that insiders say helped solidify her full-time contract. Walker’s signing is part of a broader talent push: she is one of <a href="https://www.ringsidenews.com/wwe-signs-three-new-full-time-nxt-talents/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">three new</a> developmental signees announced by WWE, joining Russian gymnast/pole dancer Jessica Bognadov and former Boise State running back Cyrus Habibi-Likio.&nbsp;

This move underscores WWE’s growing strategy of recruiting high-level collegiate athletes through its NIL program and transitioning them into its developmental system.

By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763606083729.png" alt="Meghan Walker, UNL track star, signs with WWE." />
 <figcaption>Meghan Walker, UNL track star, signs with WWE.</figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln, Neb. — University of Nebraska track star Meghan Walker has officially signed a full-time developmental contract with WWE, moving from its NIL “Next In Line” program into the Performance Center/NXT system.&nbsp;Walker, 21, had been part of WWE’s NIL cohort while competing as a Cornhusker sprinter. According to multiple reports, her new deal means she will now relocate to WWE’s Performance Center in Orlando to train full-time.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DL-h5fGPzw2/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DL-h5fGPzw2/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; 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<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>In college, Walker competes in the 200m and 400m events and has contributed to relay teams. Before <a href="https://huskers.com/sports/track-and-field/roster/season/2023-24/player/meghan-walker?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Nebraska</a>, she was a two-time state champion in high school track in Brandon, South Dakota.Her path to WWE included a <a href="https://wrestlingnews.co/wwe-news/university-nebraska-sprinter-meghan-walker-participated-wwe-tryouts-during-summerslam-week/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">tryout </a>during SummerSlam week, a key milestone that insiders say helped solidify her full-time contract. Walker’s signing is part of a broader talent push: she is one of <a href="https://www.ringsidenews.com/wwe-signs-three-new-full-time-nxt-talents/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">three new</a> developmental signees announced by WWE, joining Russian gymnast/pole dancer Jessica Bognadov and former Boise State running back Cyrus Habibi-Likio.&nbsp;This move underscores WWE’s growing strategy of recruiting high-level collegiate athletes through its NIL program and transitioning them into its developmental system.

Nebraska Sprinter Meghan Walker Signs Full-Time WWE Developmental Deal

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jeff Thurman, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Women's Basketball team, and discussed the opening weeks of basketball and how the team progressed from game to game. Coach Thurman also discussed what he wants to see more of from his team in the future.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt=" " />
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 </figure><div><iframe title="🎙️ Knight's Weekly #5 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Women's Basketball Coach Jeff Thurman" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=bct42-19c98e6-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jeff Thurman, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Women's Basketball team, and discussed the opening weeks of basketball and how the team progressed from game to game. Coach Thurman also discussed what he wants to see more of from his team in the future.&nbsp;

🎙️ Knight's Weekly #5 2025 featuring North Platte Community College Women's Basketball Coach Jeff Thurman

Nebraska returns to Pinnacle Bank Arena Wednesday night hunting for its fifth consecutive win to open the season when the Huskers play host to Oral Roberts.

Tip-off between the Huskers (4-0) and the Golden Eagles (2-3) is set for 7 p.m. (CT) with Starting 5 Mini-Plan and single-game tickets available now at Huskers.com.

Live audio will be available on Huskers.com and the Huskers App from the Huskers Radio Network with Matt Coatney and Jeff Griesch on the call together for their 25th consecutive season. Over the air, fans can find the radio broadcast on 107.3 FM in Lincoln and 1490 AM/97.3 FM/97.7 HD3 in Omaha.

A live video stream will be provided to subscribers of B1G+.

Nebraska improved to 4-0 with an 82-70 win over North Dakota State at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D. on Sunday. Sophomore Amiah Hargrove scored a career-high 17 points to lead four Huskers in double figures against the Bison, who were the preseason pick to finish second in the Summit League in 2026. The 6-2 forward added a team-high seven rebounds while enjoying a perfect shooting night (7-7 FG, 1-1 3FG, 2-2 FT) in the victory. Hargrove is averaging 9.8 points and a team-best 7.0 rebounds off the bench early this season for the unbeaten Big Red.

Nancy Lieberman Award candidate Britt Prince continued her strong play to open her sophomore season with 16 points and three assists against NDSU. Prince has scored at least 15 points in each of NU's first four games while averaging a team-best 19.0 points per contest. The 5-11 point guard out of Elkhorn North High School has added 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists on the year. She is also shooting a team-best 61.2 percent from the field, including 50 percent from three-point range.

Junior Jessica Petrie has joined Prince as the only Huskers to put up double figures in all four victories this season. The 6-2 power forward from Gold Coast, Australia produced 12 points, three rebounds and season highs of four assists and two blocks against the Bison. She erupted for a career-high 20 points in a win over Samford (Nov. 8), while scoring 11 points against both Northwestern State (Nov. 3) and Creighton (Nov. 12). Her effort in the win over the Bluejays included a 70-foot buzzer-beating three-pointer to end the first quarter that made ESPN SportsCenter's No. 3 Top Play. Through four games, Petrie is averaging 13.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.

Sophomore Claire Johnson contributed 10 points off the bench for her third game in double figures as a Husker, including 21 points in a season-opening win over Northwestern State (Nov. 3) and 11 points in the win over Creighton (Nov. 12). The 5-9 guard is one of three Huskers averaging in double figures on the season (10.5 ppg).

While three Huskers - Britt Prince (19.0 ppg), Jessica Petrie (13.5 ppg) and Claire Johnson (10.5 ppg) - are averaging double figures, three more are averaging 9.0 or more points per contest, including Amiah Hargrove (9.8 ppg), Petra Bozan (9.5 ppg) and Callin Hake (9.0 ppg).

Nebraska has scored 80 or more points in each of its first four games this season and is averaging 87.3 points per contest. In Sunday's win over North Dakota State, 10 different Huskers hit the scoring column. It marked the first time since the first four games of 2015-16 that Nebraska has produced 80 or more points in four consecutive contests. The 2015-16 Huskers scored 88 or more in each of the first five games before losing 88-46 at No. 1 UConn in Hartford (Nov. 28, 2015).

4 - Petra Bozan - 6-3 - So. - F - 9.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg

12 - Jessica Petrie - 6-2 - Jr. - F - 13.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg

1 - Hailey Weaver - 6-0 - Gr. - G - 4.8 ppg, 1.8 rpg

14 - Callin Hake - 5-8 - Sr. - G - 9.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg

23 - Britt Prince - 5-11 - So. - G - 19.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg

5 - Claire Johnson - 5-9 - So. - G - 10.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg

33 - Amiah Hargrove - 6-2 - So. - F - 9.8 ppg, 7.0 rpg

21 - Eliza Maupin - 6-3 - Sr. - F - 6.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg

2 - Logan Nissley - 6-0 - Jr. - G - 5.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg

34 - Emily Fisher - 6-0 - Jr. - G/F - 4.5 ppg, 2.0 rpg

15 - Kennadi Williams - 5-4 - RFr. - G - 2.3 ppg, 1.0 rpg

00 - Alanna Neale - 5-10 - Fr. - G - 1.0 ppg, 0.7 rpg

22 - Natalie Potts - 6-2 - RSo. - F - 0.0 ppg, 0.0 rpg