Story by NPCC Athletic Communications

North Platte, Neb. – Davion Evans had a season best 26 points to lead three North Platte players in double figures, but Western Nebraska earned the 81-80 victory in overtime on Tuesday night.

Evans led the way to open the extra period, as a 6-2 burst gave the 75-71 advantage to the home team with 2:56 to play. Western Nebraska climbed back within one inside two minutes, before a deep three from JJ Harris put the Cougars out front for the final time.

North Platte finished the game shooting 43.5 percent (30-69) from the field, which included 33.3 percent (7-21) from long range. Western Nebraska forced 19 turnovers in the win, while connecting on 38.8 percent (31-80) of their shots from the floor

North Platte jumped out to an early 24-14 lead behind seven points from Bryce Baez. Evans joined the perimeter shooting parade to stretch the margin to 27-14, but a late rally narrowed the margin to six inside the final four minutes.

Evans ignited the offense with a mid-range jumper to end the rally with 3:35 remaining in the half. North Platte continued to match the Cougars down the stretch and took a 44-33 lead into the halftime break.

A 14-2 run in the early minutes of the second half helped the Cougars erase the double-digit halftime deficit. North Platte responded to knot the game up with 3:02 to play, before a quick 4-0 burst pushed the Knights lead to 69-65. The Cougars responded in the final minute to force the overtime period.

Knights (9-9, 1-3 Region IX South) continue Region IX South play on Saturday against Northeastern Junior College. Tip is set for 5 p.m. at the Bank of Colorado Event Center in Sterling.

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsNorth Platte, Neb. – Davion Evans had a season best 26 points to lead three North Platte players in double figures, but Western Nebraska earned the 81-80 victory in overtime on Tuesday night.Evans led the way to open the extra period, as a 6-2 burst gave the 75-71 advantage to the home team with 2:56 to play. Western Nebraska climbed back within one inside two minutes, before a deep three from JJ Harris put the Cougars out front for the final time.North Platte finished the game shooting 43.5 percent (30-69) from the field, which included 33.3 percent (7-21) from long range. Western Nebraska forced 19 turnovers in the win, while connecting on 38.8 percent (31-80) of their shots from the floorNorth Platte jumped out to an early 24-14 lead behind seven points from Bryce Baez. Evans joined the perimeter shooting parade to stretch the margin to 27-14, but a late rally narrowed the margin to six inside the final four minutes.Evans ignited the offense with a mid-range jumper to end the rally with 3:35 remaining in the half. North Platte continued to match the Cougars down the stretch and took a 44-33 lead into the halftime break.A 14-2 run in the early minutes of the second half helped the Cougars erase the double-digit halftime deficit. North Platte responded to knot the game up with 3:02 to play, before a quick 4-0 burst pushed the Knights lead to 69-65. The Cougars responded in the final minute to force the overtime period.Knights (9-9, 1-3 Region IX South) continue Region IX South play on Saturday against Northeastern Junior College. Tip is set for 5 p.m. at the Bank of Colorado Event Center in Sterling.

Knights lose heartbreaker in overtime

A roster full of newcomers will make for a fun and fresh season for the North Platte Community College Knights Softball Team.

The Knights have only five returners this spring: hometown girl Juliana Ortiz, Amya Blake-Cosper, Sasha Strandberg, April Grace and Nancy Martinez-Sanchez, leaving 10 freshmen who will look to them for guidance and leadership.

“We have two returning pitchers in our sophomore class and three utility athletes,” said NPCC Head Softball Coach Janelle Higgins. “Nancy Martinez-Sanchez was the region’s defensive player of the year, so she is looking to repeat that honor. Our freshman class brings depth to our pitching circle for sure, but everyone is a utility player, so making a lineup is pretty fun as there are so many options to choose from.”

The freshmen include three players from Texas, two of whom are from San Antonio and who came highly recommended by Martinez-Sanchez.

Juliana is one of three athletes with a last name of Ortiz, and no, they’re not related.

The Knights look to build on the success of last year when they made it to the second round of the NJCAA Region 9 Tournament and scored an All-American selection in Elena Montoya.

In addition to Martinez-Sanchez’s defensive player of the year recognition, Ortiz and Grace were each selected as Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar Athletes.

“Expectations are always high,” Higgins said. “Like any year, our main focus is to be great humans, have fun and win some games.”

<a>The Knights kick off the season with a triangular in Arkansas City, Kan. Feb. 2. They will take on Seminole State College in a doubleheader beginning at noon.</a>

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsA roster full of newcomers will make for a fun and fresh season for the North Platte Community College Knights Softball Team.The Knights have only five returners this spring: hometown girl Juliana Ortiz, Amya Blake-Cosper, Sasha Strandberg, April Grace and Nancy Martinez-Sanchez, leaving 10 freshmen who will look to them for guidance and leadership.“We have two returning pitchers in our sophomore class and three utility athletes,” said NPCC Head Softball Coach Janelle Higgins. “Nancy Martinez-Sanchez was the region’s defensive player of the year, so she is looking to repeat that honor. Our freshman class brings depth to our pitching circle for sure, but everyone is a utility player, so making a lineup is pretty fun as there are so many options to choose from.”The freshmen include three players from Texas, two of whom are from San Antonio and who came highly recommended by Martinez-Sanchez.Juliana is one of three athletes with a last name of Ortiz, and no, they’re not related.The incoming athletes are:<ul>
 <li>Jesusita Ruiz, of Imperial</li><li>Sherea Ortiz, of Commerce City, Colo.</li><li>Hailey Ortiz, of San Antonio, Texas</li><li>Sarah Perez, of San Antonio, Texas</li><li>Colby Keckler, of Nampa, Idaho</li><li>Jessica Ureste, of Hereford, Texas</li><li>MiaKoda Whitehorse, of Page, Ariz.</li><li>Serena Jimenez, of Littleton, Colo.</li><li>Eden Shimaoka, of Waimānalo, Hawaii</li><li>Madison Chamberlain, of Kingman, Ariz.</li>
 </ul>The Knights look to build on the success of last year when they made it to the second round of the NJCAA Region 9 Tournament and scored an All-American selection in Elena Montoya.In addition to Martinez-Sanchez’s defensive player of the year recognition, Ortiz and Grace were each selected as Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar Athletes.“Expectations are always high,” Higgins said. “Like any year, our main focus is to be great humans, have fun and win some games.”<a>The Knights kick off the season with a triangular in Arkansas City, Kan. Feb. 2. They will take on Seminole State College in a doubleheader beginning at noon.</a>

NPCC Softball full of new talent

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706107096063.png" alt="'23-24 RPAC Girls BB Tourney Bracket (Qtr Finals)" />
 <figcaption>'23-24 RPAC Girls BB Tourney Bracket (Qtr Finals)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706107125885.png" alt="'23-24 RPAC Boys BB Tourney Bracket (Qtr Finals)" />
 <figcaption>'23-24 RPAC Boys BB Tourney Bracket (Qtr Finals)</figcaption>
 </figure>

RPAC Tournament  Quarter Final Results and update

Story by NU Athletic Communications

The Nebraska men's basketball team finishes a two-game homestand on Tuesday night, as the Huskers play host to Ohio State. Tipoff at Pinnacle Bank Arena is set for 6 p.m., and the game will be streamed on Peacock and carried on the Huskers Radio Network.

Some 300 Level tickets are available for Tuesday's game and can be purchased by visiting Huskers.com/Tickets, calling 800-8-BIGRED during business hours (Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) or at PBA beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.&nbsp;Tuesday's game is part of the American Cancer Society's Coaches vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers Week, as the Husker coaches will be in suits and sneakers to raise awareness for cancer research. For more info on Suits and Sneakers Week, visit cancer.org

Nebraska (14-5, 4-4 Big Ten) comes off a gutty 75-69 win over Northwestern on Saturday. The Huskers, who were short-handed without Juwan Gary because of a calf injury, shot a season-best 55.3 percent from the floor and put five players in double figures. Josiah Allick moved into the starting lineup and led NU with 15 points while Keisei Tominaga had seven of his 14 points in a closing 10-4 run after Northwestern tied it at 65 with less than four minutes remaining.&nbsp;

Allick has stepped up in recent weeks, averaging 8.1 points per game on 77 percent shooting, 5.1 rebounds and nearly two assists per game over the last eight contests. &nbsp;The 6-foot-8 forward has led NU in scoring in two of the past three games. He also helped hold Northwestern to 38.1 percent shooting, its second-lowest total of the season, on Saturday.Ohio State (13-5, 3-4) snapped a three-game losing streak with a 79-67 win over Penn State on Saturday. The Buckeyes jumped out to a 16-0 lead and never trailed in holding Penn State to just 37.1 percent shooting. Evan Mahaffey and Roddy Gayle Jr. led OSU with 16 points apiece.

Worth Noting&nbsp;• Nebraska enters Tuesday's game with a 14-5 mark which is NU's best 19-game record since joining the Big Ten. The last time NU had a better record after 19 games was in 1995-96 (15-4). A win on Tuesday would be the best 20-game start since the 1990-91 team opened with an 18-2 record.

• Nebraska has snapped several long streaks this season. Saturday's win over Northwestern snapped a seven-game losing streak to the Wildcats dating back to 2019. NU had previously already ended losing streaks to Michigan State (11 games), Kansas State (seven games) and Indiana (seven games) during the 2023-24 campaign.

• Nebraska enters the Ohio State game averaging 78.3 points per game. It is NU's highest points per game average since averaging 80.2 points per game in the 1995-96 season and on pace to finish in the top 10 in single-season scoring average. &nbsp;It is also more than 12 points per game higher than NU's average at the 18-game mark last season (66.4 ppg). &nbsp;NU has climbed from 149th to 29th nationally in offensive efficiency in KenPom as of Jan. 21. In six January games, NU is averaging 79.8 points per game.&nbsp;

• The Huskers are 12-1 at Pinnacle Bank Arena this season, the most home wins since the 2018-19 campaign.&nbsp;

• &nbsp;C.J. Wilcher has been on a roll in recent weeks, averaging 11.8 points per game on 58 percent shooting over the last eight contests to raise his season average to 8.5 ppg. He is 19-of-35 from 3-point range (.543) in that stretch with six double-figure efforts.

• &nbsp;Keisei Tominaga enters the OSU game needing just three 3-pointers to break into NU's top-10 career chart. Tominaga, who leads NU with 40 3-pointers, has 142 for his career. Tominaga, who is fourth in the Big Ten in 3-pointers per game, is five behind Tyronn Lue (145, 1996-98) for 10th place. He has made three or more 3-pointers in four of the past six games dating back to Jan. 3.

• &nbsp;The Huskers are 20-8 over the last 28 games dating back to Feb. 1, 2023, which ranks second in winning percentage as of Jan. 20. Nebraska closed the 2022-23 season with six wins in their final nine conference contests. A big reason for that is NU's offense, as NU has averaged 77.1 ppg on 47 percent shooting in that stretch.

• The Huskers are now 24-5 under Fred Hoiberg when scoring at least 80 points, including 19-2 over the last three seasons. Both losses have come in overtime (104-100 in 4OT at NC State on Dec. 1, 2021; 87-82 in OT at Rutgers on Jan. 17, 2024). NU had won its last 17 games when reaching the 80-point plateau before the OT loss at Rutgers.

• One strength of the Huskers has been getting to the free throw line. NU has shot more free throws in 15 of 19 games in 2023-24 and its +91 differential is fourth in the Big Ten as of Jan. 21. Nebraska has made nearly as many free throws (299) as opponents have had attempts (304). NU allows just 16.0 free throw attempts per game to rank fourth in the Big Ten as of Jan. 22

• Nebraska enters Tuesday's game ranked second in the Big Ten in free throw shooting at 75.7 percent. &nbsp;It is on pace to be one of NU's highest season percentages. NU has not shot over 74 percent from the foul line since the 2011-12 season when NU shot a school-record 76.6 percent.&nbsp;

• Nebraska's bench has provided a spark, averaging 23.9 points per game. The Huskers' leading scorer has come from the bench six times (Hoiberg-Lindenwood; Wilcher-Rider, North Dakota and South Carolina State; Gary-Stony Brook; Allick-Iowa) and NU has had 18 double-figure efforts from its bench in 2023-24.&nbsp;

• Nebraska won its first seven games by 10 or more points. It was just the second time in over 100 years - the other was from Dec. 3-30, 1990 - that the Huskers won seven straight games by double figures.

• The Huskers finished non-conference action with a 10-1 mark, matching their best non-conference record since joining the Big Ten (also 2018-19). &nbsp;

Numbers to Know17 - Nebraska has won its last 17 games when scoring at least 80 points before the streak was broken in Wednesday's overtime loss. Over the past three seasons, NU is 19-2 when scoring 80+ points with both losses coming in overtime (at NC State, 2021; at Rutgers, 2024).

9.3 - NU leads the Big Ten with 9.3 3-pointers per game as of Jan. 22, an average which is on pace to challenge the single-season school record for 3-pointers per game (9.5/gm, 2001-02). The Huskers are 8-2 this season when hitting at least 10 3-pointers.

17 - Nebraska has held 17 of 19 opponents under 50 percent shooting. Dating back to last season, NU has held 22 of its last 26 opponents to under 50 percent shooting.&nbsp;

4 - Nebraska's 2023-24 roster features four career 1,000-point scorers (Josiah Allick, Jarron Coleman, Rienk Mast and Brice Williams). Williams became the most recent member of the 1,000-point club at Wisconsin on Jan. 6.

1.41 - Nebraska's assist-to-turnover ratio this season, which is sixth in the Big Ten as of Jan. 22. &nbsp;Over the last decade, NU's best assist-to-turnover ratio is 1.32, set in the 2018-19 season. Nebraska's 16.0 assists per game is the program's highest average since 1995-96 (17.37 apg).

About Ohio StateUnder the direction of seventh-year coach Chris Holtmann, Ohio State is 13-5 on the season and 3-4 in Big Ten play following Saturday's win over Penn State. Holtmann guided OSU to five 20-win seasons and four NCAA Tournament appearances before the streak was snapped last season as OSU went 16-19.

OSU is led by a trio of sophomores who returned after playing significant roles in 2022-23. Bruce Thornton leads the Buckeye attack, as he is averaging 16.0 points and 4.4 assists per outing while posting a 4.4 assist-to-turnover ratio. &nbsp;Roddy Gayle Jr. is averaging 14.2 ppg and 5.1 rebounds per game while Felix Okpara is at 6.6 ppg along with team highs in both rebounds (7.6 rpg) and blocked shots (2.6 bpg) per game . Minnesota transfer Jamison Battle has given the Buckeyes an elite shooting threat, as he is averaging 14.4 ppg while shooting 45 percent from 3-point range.&nbsp;

Series History: Ohio State leads the all-time series, 20-6, in a series that dates back to 1936. The Buckeyes are 16-4 against the Huskers since Nebraska joined the Big Ten in 2011-12, but Nebraska has won the last two matchups. Tuesday's game will be just the seventh time in 21 meetings that OSU has not been ranked at game time against the Huskers since Nebraska joined the Big Ten.

Last Meeting: Sam Griesel scored 10 of his game-high 15 points in the second half, while Nebraska held Ohio State to 36 percent shooting in a 63-60 victory at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Jan. 18, 2023.

While Griesel kept the Huskers within striking distance early, it was some unsung heroes that gave Nebraska a hard-fought win. The Huskers trailed 49-47 with 8:55 remaining before Denim Dawson's basket keyed a decisive 8-0 run for the hosts. Jamarques Lawrence's 3-pointer gave NU a 52-49 lead it wouldn't relinquish before an Emmanuel Bandoumel basket and a Wilhelm Breidenbach free throw put NU up 55-49 with 5:14 left.&nbsp;

The game featured 13 lead changes and eight ties as neither team led by more than six points the entire evening. The&nbsp; Huskers held OSU without a field goal for over six and half minutes down the stretch and hit just enough free throws in the final two minutes to earn a second straight win over the Buckeyes. OSU closed to within 62-60 with 12.7 seconds remaining after a pair of free throws from Sean McNeil. C.J. Wilcher split a pair of free throws with 12.2 seconds remaining and the Huskers held on for a crucial home win.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska men's basketball team finishes a two-game homestand on Tuesday night, as the Huskers play host to Ohio State. Tipoff at Pinnacle Bank Arena is set for 6 p.m., and the game will be streamed on Peacock and carried on the Huskers Radio Network.Some 300 Level tickets are available for Tuesday's game and can be purchased by visiting Huskers.com/Tickets, calling 800-8-BIGRED during business hours (Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) or at PBA beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.&nbsp;Tuesday's game is part of the American Cancer Society's Coaches vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers Week, as the Husker coaches will be in suits and sneakers to raise awareness for cancer research. For more info on Suits and Sneakers Week, visit cancer.orgNebraska (14-5, 4-4 Big Ten) comes off a gutty 75-69 win over Northwestern on Saturday. The Huskers, who were short-handed without Juwan Gary because of a calf injury, shot a season-best 55.3 percent from the floor and put five players in double figures. Josiah Allick moved into the starting lineup and led NU with 15 points while Keisei Tominaga had seven of his 14 points in a closing 10-4 run after Northwestern tied it at 65 with less than four minutes remaining.&nbsp;Allick has stepped up in recent weeks, averaging 8.1 points per game on 77 percent shooting, 5.1 rebounds and nearly two assists per game over the last eight contests. &nbsp;The 6-foot-8 forward has led NU in scoring in two of the past three games. He also helped hold Northwestern to 38.1 percent shooting, its second-lowest total of the season, on Saturday.Ohio State (13-5, 3-4) snapped a three-game losing streak with a 79-67 win over Penn State on Saturday. The Buckeyes jumped out to a 16-0 lead and never trailed in holding Penn State to just 37.1 percent shooting. Evan Mahaffey and Roddy Gayle Jr. led OSU with 16 points apiece.Worth Noting&nbsp;• Nebraska enters Tuesday's game with a 14-5 mark which is NU's best 19-game record since joining the Big Ten. The last time NU had a better record after 19 games was in 1995-96 (15-4). A win on Tuesday would be the best 20-game start since the 1990-91 team opened with an 18-2 record.• Nebraska has snapped several long streaks this season. Saturday's win over Northwestern snapped a seven-game losing streak to the Wildcats dating back to 2019. NU had previously already ended losing streaks to Michigan State (11 games), Kansas State (seven games) and Indiana (seven games) during the 2023-24 campaign.• Nebraska enters the Ohio State game averaging 78.3 points per game. It is NU's highest points per game average since averaging 80.2 points per game in the 1995-96 season and on pace to finish in the top 10 in single-season scoring average. &nbsp;It is also more than 12 points per game higher than NU's average at the 18-game mark last season (66.4 ppg). &nbsp;NU has climbed from 149th to 29th nationally in offensive efficiency in KenPom as of Jan. 21. In six January games, NU is averaging 79.8 points per game.&nbsp;• The Huskers are 12-1 at Pinnacle Bank Arena this season, the most home wins since the 2018-19 campaign.&nbsp;• &nbsp;C.J. Wilcher has been on a roll in recent weeks, averaging 11.8 points per game on 58 percent shooting over the last eight contests to raise his season average to 8.5 ppg. He is 19-of-35 from 3-point range (.543) in that stretch with six double-figure efforts.• &nbsp;Keisei Tominaga enters the OSU game needing just three 3-pointers to break into NU's top-10 career chart. Tominaga, who leads NU with 40 3-pointers, has 142 for his career. Tominaga, who is fourth in the Big Ten in 3-pointers per game, is five behind Tyronn Lue (145, 1996-98) for 10th place. He has made three or more 3-pointers in four of the past six games dating back to Jan. 3.• &nbsp;The Huskers are 20-8 over the last 28 games dating back to Feb. 1, 2023, which ranks second in winning percentage as of Jan. 20. Nebraska closed the 2022-23 season with six wins in their final nine conference contests. A big reason for that is NU's offense, as NU has averaged 77.1 ppg on 47 percent shooting in that stretch.• The Huskers are now 24-5 under Fred Hoiberg when scoring at least 80 points, including 19-2 over the last three seasons. Both losses have come in overtime (104-100 in 4OT at NC State on Dec. 1, 2021; 87-82 in OT at Rutgers on Jan. 17, 2024). NU had won its last 17 games when reaching the 80-point plateau before the OT loss at Rutgers.• One strength of the Huskers has been getting to the free throw line. NU has shot more free throws in 15 of 19 games in 2023-24 and its +91 differential is fourth in the Big Ten as of Jan. 21. Nebraska has made nearly as many free throws (299) as opponents have had attempts (304). NU allows just 16.0 free throw attempts per game to rank fourth in the Big Ten as of Jan. 22• Nebraska enters Tuesday's game ranked second in the Big Ten in free throw shooting at 75.7 percent. &nbsp;It is on pace to be one of NU's highest season percentages. NU has not shot over 74 percent from the foul line since the 2011-12 season when NU shot a school-record 76.6 percent.&nbsp;• Nebraska's bench has provided a spark, averaging 23.9 points per game. The Huskers' leading scorer has come from the bench six times (Hoiberg-Lindenwood; Wilcher-Rider, North Dakota and South Carolina State; Gary-Stony Brook; Allick-Iowa) and NU has had 18 double-figure efforts from its bench in 2023-24.&nbsp;• Nebraska won its first seven games by 10 or more points. It was just the second time in over 100 years - the other was from Dec. 3-30, 1990 - that the Huskers won seven straight games by double figures.• The Huskers finished non-conference action with a 10-1 mark, matching their best non-conference record since joining the Big Ten (also 2018-19). &nbsp;Numbers to Know17 - Nebraska has won its last 17 games when scoring at least 80 points before the streak was broken in Wednesday's overtime loss. Over the past three seasons, NU is 19-2 when scoring 80+ points with both losses coming in overtime (at NC State, 2021; at Rutgers, 2024).9.3 - NU leads the Big Ten with 9.3 3-pointers per game as of Jan. 22, an average which is on pace to challenge the single-season school record for 3-pointers per game (9.5/gm, 2001-02). The Huskers are 8-2 this season when hitting at least 10 3-pointers.17 - Nebraska has held 17 of 19 opponents under 50 percent shooting. Dating back to last season, NU has held 22 of its last 26 opponents to under 50 percent shooting.&nbsp;4 - Nebraska's 2023-24 roster features four career 1,000-point scorers (Josiah Allick, Jarron Coleman, Rienk Mast and Brice Williams). Williams became the most recent member of the 1,000-point club at Wisconsin on Jan. 6.1.41 - Nebraska's assist-to-turnover ratio this season, which is sixth in the Big Ten as of Jan. 22. &nbsp;Over the last decade, NU's best assist-to-turnover ratio is 1.32, set in the 2018-19 season. Nebraska's 16.0 assists per game is the program's highest average since 1995-96 (17.37 apg).About Ohio StateUnder the direction of seventh-year coach Chris Holtmann, Ohio State is 13-5 on the season and 3-4 in Big Ten play following Saturday's win over Penn State. Holtmann guided OSU to five 20-win seasons and four NCAA Tournament appearances before the streak was snapped last season as OSU went 16-19.OSU is led by a trio of sophomores who returned after playing significant roles in 2022-23. Bruce Thornton leads the Buckeye attack, as he is averaging 16.0 points and 4.4 assists per outing while posting a 4.4 assist-to-turnover ratio. &nbsp;Roddy Gayle Jr. is averaging 14.2 ppg and 5.1 rebounds per game while Felix Okpara is at 6.6 ppg along with team highs in both rebounds (7.6 rpg) and blocked shots (2.6 bpg) per game . Minnesota transfer Jamison Battle has given the Buckeyes an elite shooting threat, as he is averaging 14.4 ppg while shooting 45 percent from 3-point range.&nbsp;Series History: Ohio State leads the all-time series, 20-6, in a series that dates back to 1936. The Buckeyes are 16-4 against the Huskers since Nebraska joined the Big Ten in 2011-12, but Nebraska has won the last two matchups. Tuesday's game will be just the seventh time in 21 meetings that OSU has not been ranked at game time against the Huskers since Nebraska joined the Big Ten.Last Meeting: Sam Griesel scored 10 of his game-high 15 points in the second half, while Nebraska held Ohio State to 36 percent shooting in a 63-60 victory at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Jan. 18, 2023.While Griesel kept the Huskers within striking distance early, it was some unsung heroes that gave Nebraska a hard-fought win. The Huskers trailed 49-47 with 8:55 remaining before Denim Dawson's basket keyed a decisive 8-0 run for the hosts. Jamarques Lawrence's 3-pointer gave NU a 52-49 lead it wouldn't relinquish before an Emmanuel Bandoumel basket and a Wilhelm Breidenbach free throw put NU up 55-49 with 5:14 left.&nbsp;The game featured 13 lead changes and eight ties as neither team led by more than six points the entire evening. The&nbsp; Huskers held OSU without a field goal for over six and half minutes down the stretch and hit just enough free throws in the final two minutes to earn a second straight win over the Buckeyes. OSU closed to within 62-60 with 12.7 seconds remaining after a pair of free throws from Sean McNeil. C.J. Wilcher split a pair of free throws with 12.2 seconds remaining and the Huskers held on for a crucial home win.

Huskers host Ohio State Tuesday night at PBA

OGALLALA- The Ogallala Indians are ready to kick off the 2024 Southwest Conference Tournament tonight in at Prairie View Gym in Ogallala. Live coverage of tonight's games will be on Flatrock 100.7 or&nbsp;<a href="https://flatrock1007.com/">click here</a>&nbsp;for online.

The girls will be taking on Ainsworth and the boys will battle with Valentine. We will carry all of Ogallala's games in the winner's bracket. Tonight's game can be heard on Flatrock 100.7 with&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/home">Canon Rath</a>.&nbsp;

Sandhills PostOGALLALA- The Ogallala Indians are ready to kick off the 2024 Southwest Conference Tournament tonight in at Prairie View Gym in Ogallala. Live coverage of tonight's games will be on Flatrock 100.7 or&nbsp;<a href="https://flatrock1007.com/">click here</a>&nbsp;for online.The girls will be taking on Ainsworth and the boys will battle with Valentine. We will carry all of Ogallala's games in the winner's bracket. Tonight's game can be heard on Flatrock 100.7 with&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/home">Canon Rath</a>.&nbsp;

Ogallala Southwest Conference basketball radio coverage

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706019716499.png" alt="Winter 2023-23 Western Conference Tournament Girls" />
 <figcaption>Winter 2023-23 Western Conference Tournament Girls</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706019758360.png" alt="Winter 2023-24 Western Conference Tournament Boys" />
 <figcaption>Winter 2023-24 Western Conference Tournament Boys</figcaption>
 </figure>

Western Conference Invitational Tournament 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706019233519.png" alt="'23-24 RPAC Girls BB Tourney Bracket (Qtr Finals)" />
 <figcaption>'23-24 RPAC Girls BB Tourney Bracket (Qtr Finals)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706019254928.png" alt="'23-24 RPAC Boys BB Tourney Bracket (Qtr Finals)" />
 <figcaption>'23-24 RPAC Boys BB Tourney Bracket (Qtr Finals)</figcaption>
 </figure>

RPAC Tournament Quarterfinals bracket

Girls Wrestling Invite at Hemingford&nbsp;

Girls Wrestling Invite at Hemingford&nbsp;110 — Ariel Patten 3rd190 — Haley Dunn 2ndBoys Wrestling Invite at Bayard106 — Tanner Paintin 4th138 — Mason Toner 2nd144 — Jacob Hatcher 3rd150 — Henry Taylor 2nd190 — Ernie Perez 3rd285 — Issiah Dunn 4th285 — Brecken Uehling 3rd285 — Juan Perez 1st&nbsp;&nbsp;

Perkins County boys and girls wrestling results from Friday

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Cheer gets 2nd place at the Heartland Dance Competition at Lincoln Christian High School! <a href="https://t.co/Qiy26Y45MX">pic.twitter.com/Qiy26Y45MX</a>&mdash; nphs_bulldogs (@nphs_bulldogs) <a href="https://twitter.com/nphs_bulldogs/status/1749219429668307028?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

NPHS Cheer get 2nd at Heartland Dance Competition

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705930110902.png" alt="cotter 2024 final results" />
 <figcaption>cotter 2024 final results</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705930126653.png" alt="cotter 2024 final results" />
 <figcaption>cotter 2024 final results</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705930147712.png" alt="cotter 2024 final results" />
 <figcaption>cotter 2024 final results</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705930163305.png" alt="cotter 2024 final results" />
 <figcaption>cotter 2024 final results</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705930253275.png" alt="cotter 2024 final results" />
 <figcaption>cotter 2024 final results</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705930267414.png" alt="cotter 2024 final results" />
 <figcaption>cotter 2024 final results</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705930283975.png" alt="cotter 2024 final results" />
 <figcaption>cotter 2024 final results</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705930401204.png" alt="cotter 2024 final results" />
 <figcaption>cotter 2024 final results</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705930421236.png" alt="cotter 2024 final results" />
 <figcaption>cotter 2024 final results</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705930438509.png" alt="cotter 2024 final results" />
 <figcaption>cotter 2024 final results</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705930455151.png" alt="cotter 2024 final results" />
 <figcaption>cotter 2024 final results</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705930469441.png" alt="cotter 2024 final results" />
 <figcaption>cotter 2024 final results</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705930489239.png" alt="cotter 2024 final results" />
 <figcaption>cotter 2024 final results</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705930508079.png" alt="cotter 2024 final results" />
 <figcaption>cotter 2024 final results</figcaption>
 </figure>

Cotter Invite Swim results

New Castle, Del.&nbsp;– The Nebraska bowling team claimed a fifth-place finish at the Northeast Classic on Sunday and finished with an 10-3 overall record.

After five baker total pinfall matches and five traditional matches on Friday and Saturday, the Huskers bowled three best four-of-seven baker matches on Sunday for a chance to repeat as tournament champions after taking the crown last year.

In the first round of bracket play, the Huskers faced No. 3 Youngstown State with a starting lineup of Desiree Buchert, Lani Breedlove, Breanna Hartzler, Kayla Verstraete and Jillian Martin. The Penguins took two of the first three games of the contest, despite the Huskers winning game two (204-187). NU then grabbed game four (247-235) and game five (255-178) to take a 3-2 overall advantage in the match. However, Youngstown State responded with victories in game six (177-215) and game seven (188-245) as the Huskers fell, 3-4, to the Penguins before moving onto the second round of match play.&nbsp;

NU then met No. 6 Arkansas State in another best four-of-seven baker match. Arkansas State took the first game (178-237) and the second game (176-189). NU came back in game three with a 212-170 victory before the Red Wolves won game four (242-161) to take a 3-1 overall lead. The Huskers won the next game, 266-178, but fell 4-2 to Arkansas State (183-238) to secure a spot in the fifth-place game.

In the fifth-place game, the Huskers took on No. 5 Tulane. Nebraska took the first game (257-246) but the Green Wave responded with a victory in the second game (184-226). NU came back with wins in game three (227-188) and game four (186-183) to grab a 3-1 lead. Tulane won the next two games, 214-225, 159-213, to force a winner take all seventh game where NU battled and defeated Tulane (215-184) to finish fifth.

Individually, Buchert led the way for the Huskers with a 4th place finish and an average of 223.0. Verstraete was 10th (219.8), Breedlove finished 33rd (205.8), Hartzler was 41st (203.0) and Martin rounded out the group with a 195.4 average.

Up next, the Huskers travel to Arlington, Texas, on Friday, Jan. 26 through Sunday, Jan. 28, for the Prairie View A&amp;M Invite.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNew Castle, Del.&nbsp;– The Nebraska bowling team claimed a fifth-place finish at the Northeast Classic on Sunday and finished with an 10-3 overall record.After five baker total pinfall matches and five traditional matches on Friday and Saturday, the Huskers bowled three best four-of-seven baker matches on Sunday for a chance to repeat as tournament champions after taking the crown last year.In the first round of bracket play, the Huskers faced No. 3 Youngstown State with a starting lineup of Desiree Buchert, Lani Breedlove, Breanna Hartzler, Kayla Verstraete and Jillian Martin. The Penguins took two of the first three games of the contest, despite the Huskers winning game two (204-187). NU then grabbed game four (247-235) and game five (255-178) to take a 3-2 overall advantage in the match. However, Youngstown State responded with victories in game six (177-215) and game seven (188-245) as the Huskers fell, 3-4, to the Penguins before moving onto the second round of match play.&nbsp;NU then met No. 6 Arkansas State in another best four-of-seven baker match. Arkansas State took the first game (178-237) and the second game (176-189). NU came back in game three with a 212-170 victory before the Red Wolves won game four (242-161) to take a 3-1 overall lead. The Huskers won the next game, 266-178, but fell 4-2 to Arkansas State (183-238) to secure a spot in the fifth-place game.In the fifth-place game, the Huskers took on No. 5 Tulane. Nebraska took the first game (257-246) but the Green Wave responded with a victory in the second game (184-226). NU came back with wins in game three (227-188) and game four (186-183) to grab a 3-1 lead. Tulane won the next two games, 214-225, 159-213, to force a winner take all seventh game where NU battled and defeated Tulane (215-184) to finish fifth.Individually, Buchert led the way for the Huskers with a 4th place finish and an average of 223.0. Verstraete was 10th (219.8), Breedlove finished 33rd (205.8), Hartzler was 41st (203.0) and Martin rounded out the group with a 195.4 average.Up next, the Huskers travel to Arlington, Texas, on Friday, Jan. 26 through Sunday, Jan. 28, for the Prairie View A&amp;M Invite.

Huskers finish Fifth at Northeast Classic

John Higgins Invitational Wrestling results

The Nebraska men’s tennis team improved to 4-0 on Sunday as the Huskers defeated Omaha and Creighton in the second double header of the season at Dillon Tennis Center.

The Big Red faced Omaha first, the 46th matchup between NU and Omaha. No. 3 doubles Shunya Maruyama and Leo Linquet got an early lead in their set, up 5-0. After dropping a game to Mavericks Quintan Van Wijk and Mikel Garmendia, the Husker pair took the match-winning game to finish it 6-1. On Court Two, Calvin Mueller and Nikolay Sysoev defeated Omaha’s Gabe Whiston and Ethan Gaubert, 6-2. No. 1 Anton Shepp and Nic Wiedenhorn faced Mavericks Mikhail Korkunov and Bryan Kuntz in an unfinished 5-3 match on Court One.In singles, senior Rudi Christiansen cleaned up on Court Six, defeating Omaha’s Whiston 6-0, 6-0. Next to finish was Linquet in the No. 4 slot, taking down Ethan Gaubert 6-1, 6-2. Shepp took the next singles point on Court Two, where he defeated Quintan Van Wijk 6-3, 6-2. Wiedenhorn took on Maverick Mikel Garmienda and won 6-2, 6-4. Mueller and Maruyama were the last on, competing in the No. 1 and No. 3 slots respectively. Mueller defeated Korkunov 7-5, 6-2, and Maruyama won his match against Bryan Kunta 6-4, 6-2. The Huskers won the dual 7-0, its 36th win in the series.&nbsp;

Next up, the Huskers took on the Creighton Bluejays for the second time in the 2023-24 season. Linquet and Maruyama grabbed a quick 6-3 win on Court Three against CU’s Gandini and Daijima. Court One pushed into a 6-6 tiebreak, where Shepp and Wiedenhorn could not outlast Lanahan and Maline, dropping the seventh game, final score 6-7, [7-9]. Down to Court Two for the doubles point, Mueller and Sysoev secured the win 7-5.

In singles, Shepp took the first singles win in the No. 2 slot against Lanahan. Lanahan’s match against Mueller in the previous matchup between the teams went three sets. Shepp defeated Lanahan 6-4, 6-2. Next to finish was Mueller on Court One, defeating Patel 6-0, 6-2.&nbsp;

With only one point to go for the win, Maruyama competed in the No. 3 slot and took on Bluejay Gandini. After being down 1-4 in the first set, the senior came back to win six games in a row to take a 6-4, 1-0 lead. Maruyama defeated Gandini 6-4, 6-1 to secure the third singles point, and match winning point for the Big Red. NU won the dual 4-0 and improved to 4-0 on the season.&nbsp;

Up next, the Huskers hit the road for the&nbsp;<a href="https://wearecollegetennis.com/championships/ita-kick-off-weekend/#:~:text=The%2015th%20annual%20Intercollegiate%20Tennis,various%20facilities%20across%20the%20country." target="_blank">ITA Kick-Off Weekend</a>&nbsp;held in Lexington, Ky. NU will face Alabama first on Jan. 26, and either #10 Kentucky or Notre Dame the following day. Times are TBA, and more live video and stats information will be shared as it becomes available. Stay tuned to team&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/HuskerMTennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank">social media</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-tennis" target="_blank">Huskers.com</a>&nbsp;for updates and content. The rest of the 2023-24 Nebraska Men’s Tennis Schedule can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-tennis/schedule" target="_blank">here</a>.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska men’s tennis team improved to 4-0 on Sunday as the Huskers defeated Omaha and Creighton in the second double header of the season at Dillon Tennis Center.The Big Red faced Omaha first, the 46th matchup between NU and Omaha. No. 3 doubles Shunya Maruyama and Leo Linquet got an early lead in their set, up 5-0. After dropping a game to Mavericks Quintan Van Wijk and Mikel Garmendia, the Husker pair took the match-winning game to finish it 6-1. On Court Two, Calvin Mueller and Nikolay Sysoev defeated Omaha’s Gabe Whiston and Ethan Gaubert, 6-2. No. 1 Anton Shepp and Nic Wiedenhorn faced Mavericks Mikhail Korkunov and Bryan Kuntz in an unfinished 5-3 match on Court One.In singles, senior Rudi Christiansen cleaned up on Court Six, defeating Omaha’s Whiston 6-0, 6-0. Next to finish was Linquet in the No. 4 slot, taking down Ethan Gaubert 6-1, 6-2. Shepp took the next singles point on Court Two, where he defeated Quintan Van Wijk 6-3, 6-2. Wiedenhorn took on Maverick Mikel Garmienda and won 6-2, 6-4. Mueller and Maruyama were the last on, competing in the No. 1 and No. 3 slots respectively. Mueller defeated Korkunov 7-5, 6-2, and Maruyama won his match against Bryan Kunta 6-4, 6-2. The Huskers won the dual 7-0, its 36th win in the series.&nbsp;Next up, the Huskers took on the Creighton Bluejays for the second time in the 2023-24 season. Linquet and Maruyama grabbed a quick 6-3 win on Court Three against CU’s Gandini and Daijima. Court One pushed into a 6-6 tiebreak, where Shepp and Wiedenhorn could not outlast Lanahan and Maline, dropping the seventh game, final score 6-7, [7-9]. Down to Court Two for the doubles point, Mueller and Sysoev secured the win 7-5.In singles, Shepp took the first singles win in the No. 2 slot against Lanahan. Lanahan’s match against Mueller in the previous matchup between the teams went three sets. Shepp defeated Lanahan 6-4, 6-2. Next to finish was Mueller on Court One, defeating Patel 6-0, 6-2.&nbsp;With only one point to go for the win, Maruyama competed in the No. 3 slot and took on Bluejay Gandini. After being down 1-4 in the first set, the senior came back to win six games in a row to take a 6-4, 1-0 lead. Maruyama defeated Gandini 6-4, 6-1 to secure the third singles point, and match winning point for the Big Red. NU won the dual 4-0 and improved to 4-0 on the season.&nbsp;Up next, the Huskers hit the road for the&nbsp;<a href="https://wearecollegetennis.com/championships/ita-kick-off-weekend/#:~:text=The%2015th%20annual%20Intercollegiate%20Tennis,various%20facilities%20across%20the%20country." target="_blank">ITA Kick-Off Weekend</a>&nbsp;held in Lexington, Ky. NU will face Alabama first on Jan. 26, and either #10 Kentucky or Notre Dame the following day. Times are TBA, and more live video and stats information will be shared as it becomes available. Stay tuned to team&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/HuskerMTennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank">social media</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-tennis" target="_blank">Huskers.com</a>&nbsp;for updates and content. The rest of the 2023-24 Nebraska Men’s Tennis Schedule can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-tennis/schedule" target="_blank">here</a>.

Huskers sweep Omaha, Creighton on Sunday

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705928396399.png" alt="'23-24 RPAC Girls Tourney Bracket (1st Rd)" />
 <figcaption>'23-24 RPAC Girls Tourney Bracket (1st Rd)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705928416897.png" alt="'23-24 RPAC Boys BB Tourney Bracket (1st Rd)" />
 <figcaption>'23-24 RPAC Boys BB Tourney Bracket (1st Rd)</figcaption>
 </figure>

2023-2024 RPAC Tournament update

The Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team will host its annual scholarship banquet on March 2 at Venue 304 in North Platte. The social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by a prime rib dinner at 7 p.m.

The event, which is open to the public, serves as a time to recognize the accomplishments of MPCC’s rodeo athletes while also raising funds for the team.

Activities will include presentations by the coaches and athletes, live and silent auctions and an award ceremony.

Tickets are $75 each or $500 for a table of eight. They can be purchased until Feb. 23 at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.silentauctionpro.com/login.php" target="_blank">silentauctionpro.com/login.php</a>. Anyone who would like to buy a ticket for the banquet or participate in any of the auctions will have to first create an account on the website.

The team will also draw a raffle winner for a Traeger Pro 780 Pellet Grill donated by Mike’s Motorcycle and ATV Repair in North Platte.

Mike’s Motorcycle and ATV Repair also donated a cover for the grill. Bomgaars in North Platte donated the following accessories:

Raffle tickets are $10 each. They can be purchased at the college’s welcome centers in McCook, North Platte, Broken Bow, Imperial, Ogallala and Valentine.

They are also available through the Wranglers booster committee by calling (308) 535-3606 or emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rodeo@mpcc.edu">rodeo@mpcc.edu</a>; by emailing MPCC Rodeo Team coaches&nbsp;Aukai Kaai, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kaaik@mpcc.edu">kaaik@mpcc.edu</a>,&nbsp;or Keeley Vaughan,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:vaughank@mpcc.edu">vaughank@mpcc.edu</a>&nbsp;or by contacting any MPCC Rodeo Team member.

Heather JohnsonMPCCThe Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team will host its annual scholarship banquet on March 2 at Venue 304 in North Platte. The social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by a prime rib dinner at 7 p.m.The event, which is open to the public, serves as a time to recognize the accomplishments of MPCC’s rodeo athletes while also raising funds for the team.Activities will include presentations by the coaches and athletes, live and silent auctions and an award ceremony.Tickets are $75 each or $500 for a table of eight. They can be purchased until Feb. 23 at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.silentauctionpro.com/login.php" target="_blank">silentauctionpro.com/login.php</a>. Anyone who would like to buy a ticket for the banquet or participate in any of the auctions will have to first create an account on the website.The team will also draw a raffle winner for a Traeger Pro 780 Pellet Grill donated by Mike’s Motorcycle and ATV Repair in North Platte.Mike’s Motorcycle and ATV Repair also donated a cover for the grill. Bomgaars in North Platte donated the following accessories:<ul>
 <li>A grill brush</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>A three-piece BBQ tool set - turner, tongs and basting brush</li><li>Three bags of Traeger Premium Pellets in hickory, apple and a maple/cherry blend</li><li>A 5-gallon bucket with lid for storing pellets or marinating meat</li>
 </ul>Raffle tickets are $10 each. They can be purchased at the college’s welcome centers in McCook, North Platte, Broken Bow, Imperial, Ogallala and Valentine.They are also available through the Wranglers booster committee by calling (308) 535-3606 or emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rodeo@mpcc.edu">rodeo@mpcc.edu</a>; by emailing MPCC Rodeo Team coaches&nbsp;Aukai Kaai, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kaaik@mpcc.edu">kaaik@mpcc.edu</a>,&nbsp;or Keeley Vaughan,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:vaughank@mpcc.edu">vaughank@mpcc.edu</a>&nbsp;or by contacting any MPCC Rodeo Team member.

Tickets on sale for MPCC Rodeo Team Scholarship Banquet

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post

On Friday night Alliance and Ogallala girls' and boys' basketball face off in a battle between two competitive schools in Western Nebraska, as there will also be coverage on KCOW and Panhandle Post in Alliance. Our sister station "Flatrock 100. 7 in Ogallala tonight will also be streaming the simulcast of the KCOW broadcast as well.

The girls game features two teams that have played tough schedules and have also played strong defense all season. Alliance is 5-7 after shutting down 9-4 Gordon-Rushville on Tuesday night and will try to contain an Ogallala team that is 7-6 lead by standout athletes all over the court. Certain matchups of intrigue will be the frontcourt of Jaelynne Clarke and CeeCee Hudson, vs.&nbsp; Marlee Ervin &amp; Laney Caskey.

Ogallala is coming off of a tough loss to Scottsbluff on Tuesday, 46-34 and hopes to get back on track against the Bulldogs on Friday.

On the boy's side, Alliance will try to top one of the best teams arguably in the state in Ogallala, as the Indians are 13-1 and Alliance is 5-7. The Bulldogs are coming off a resounding win over Gordon-Rushville 73-18 on Tue, while Ogallala beat 10-4 Scottsbluff 71-65.&nbsp;

Espen Lanik, Tristen Timbers and Seth Meyring provide the leading scoring punch for Alliance, while Ogallala leans on Caden Rezac, Mario Bush, Harry Caskey when healthy, among others.

Coverage begins tonight at approximately 5:30-5:45 with the girl's game, then boys to follow. Listen live in Alliance on KCOW 92.5 and 1400, and online at kcowradio.com.&nbsp;

In Ogallala tonight, tune in on "Flatrock 100. 7.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostOn Friday night Alliance and Ogallala girls' and boys' basketball face off in a battle between two competitive schools in Western Nebraska, as there will also be coverage on KCOW and Panhandle Post in Alliance. Our sister station "Flatrock 100. 7 in Ogallala tonight will also be streaming the simulcast of the KCOW broadcast as well.The girls game features two teams that have played tough schedules and have also played strong defense all season. Alliance is 5-7 after shutting down 9-4 Gordon-Rushville on Tuesday night and will try to contain an Ogallala team that is 7-6 lead by standout athletes all over the court. Certain matchups of intrigue will be the frontcourt of Jaelynne Clarke and CeeCee Hudson, vs.&nbsp; Marlee Ervin &amp; Laney Caskey.Ogallala is coming off of a tough loss to Scottsbluff on Tuesday, 46-34 and hopes to get back on track against the Bulldogs on Friday.On the boy's side, Alliance will try to top one of the best teams arguably in the state in Ogallala, as the Indians are 13-1 and Alliance is 5-7. The Bulldogs are coming off a resounding win over Gordon-Rushville 73-18 on Tue, while Ogallala beat 10-4 Scottsbluff 71-65.&nbsp;Espen Lanik, Tristen Timbers and Seth Meyring provide the leading scoring punch for Alliance, while Ogallala leans on Caden Rezac, Mario Bush, Harry Caskey when healthy, among others.Coverage begins tonight at approximately 5:30-5:45 with the girl's game, then boys to follow. Listen live in Alliance on KCOW 92.5 and 1400, and online at kcowradio.com.&nbsp;In Ogallala tonight, tune in on "Flatrock 100. 7.

Alliance faces tough Ogallala teams in basketball doubleheader tonight

The No. 7 Nebraska rifle team (4-6, 2-1 PRC) will host the Georgia Southern Eagles (10-1, 5-0 SoCon) on Saturday, Jan. 20 starting at 8 a.m. (CT) at the Nebraska Rifle Range. Fans can follow along with live results&nbsp;<a href="https://results.megalink.no/#!/" target="_blank">here</a>. The range is in the basement of the Military and Naval Sciences building and attendance is free.

“The team has worked hard on the problem areas from last week,” Head Coach Mindy Miles said. “If we commit to good performances in those areas, the team scores should follow. It’ll be nice to eliminate travel and focus on a good match at home.”

NU opened its spring season on Jan. 14 against No. 3 Kentucky and lost by a score of 4,723-4,696. Sophomore Emma Rhode grabbed a third-place overall finish with an aggregate score of 1,181 while junior Mackenzie Strauch was sixth (1,176). Rhode also finished fifth in the air rifle and second in the smallbore, while Strauch added a third-place finish in smallbore.

The Eagles are 10-1 on the season and have posted notable wins over No. 6 Ole Miss, No. 10 Murray State and No. 12 Memphis. They average an aggregate score of 4,718.22.

Nebraska and Georgia Southern have only competed once, which was on October 16, 2023. NU came out with the 4,677-4,628 victory.&nbsp;

Following the match with the Eagles, the Huskers will travel to El Paso, Texas, to take on the UTEP Miners on Jan. 27-28.&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe No. 7 Nebraska rifle team (4-6, 2-1 PRC) will host the Georgia Southern Eagles (10-1, 5-0 SoCon) on Saturday, Jan. 20 starting at 8 a.m. (CT) at the Nebraska Rifle Range. Fans can follow along with live results&nbsp;<a href="https://results.megalink.no/#!/" target="_blank">here</a>. The range is in the basement of the Military and Naval Sciences building and attendance is free.“The team has worked hard on the problem areas from last week,” Head Coach Mindy Miles said. “If we commit to good performances in those areas, the team scores should follow. It’ll be nice to eliminate travel and focus on a good match at home.”NU opened its spring season on Jan. 14 against No. 3 Kentucky and lost by a score of 4,723-4,696. Sophomore Emma Rhode grabbed a third-place overall finish with an aggregate score of 1,181 while junior Mackenzie Strauch was sixth (1,176). Rhode also finished fifth in the air rifle and second in the smallbore, while Strauch added a third-place finish in smallbore.The Eagles are 10-1 on the season and have posted notable wins over No. 6 Ole Miss, No. 10 Murray State and No. 12 Memphis. They average an aggregate score of 4,718.22.Nebraska and Georgia Southern have only competed once, which was on October 16, 2023. NU came out with the 4,677-4,628 victory.&nbsp;Following the match with the Eagles, the Huskers will travel to El Paso, Texas, to take on the UTEP Miners on Jan. 27-28.&nbsp;

Huskers Rifle team return home to face Georgia Southern

Head Coach German Dalmagro and the Nebraska women’s tennis team announced Reya Coe as a new addition to the 2024 squad.&nbsp;

“I am extremely excited to join the Huskers this season,” Coe said. “The facilities are amazing and everyone on the staff and team have been very welcoming from day one. I’m really grateful for this opportunity and to be surrounded by such awesome people.”

Coe, a native of Plano, Texas, and graduate of Lakes Tennis Academy, spent her freshman fall semester at 2023 NCAA Runner-Up NC State, where she posted a 5-6 mark in singles play and a 2-1 record in doubles competition.&nbsp;

“We are really excited to add Reya to our team this spring,” Dalmagro said. “She was great during the recruiting process and she will be a really good fit for our Husker family. Some things that stood out were her passion for tennis, her commitment to get better and her love to compete. Those are things we look for and she’s eager to get to work right away. We look forward to her being a valuable addition to the team and the community.”

Before her freshman season, Coe was a part of the sixth-ranked recruiting class in the nation as she was a five-star recruit and ranked the No. 4 recruit out of the state of Texas and No. 50 overall. Her highest USTA 16s singles ranking was No. 15 and was a singles finalist at the 2021 February and October USTA L2 events. Additionally, she was a 2021 Texas Slam State Championship singles finalist, a singles semifinalist at the 2021 Eddie Herr 16s Championships and a doubles finalist at the 2021 Atlanta ITF J4 and 2021 Jalisco, Mexico, ITF J4 tournaments.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsHead Coach German Dalmagro and the Nebraska women’s tennis team announced Reya Coe as a new addition to the 2024 squad.&nbsp;“I am extremely excited to join the Huskers this season,” Coe said. “The facilities are amazing and everyone on the staff and team have been very welcoming from day one. I’m really grateful for this opportunity and to be surrounded by such awesome people.”Coe, a native of Plano, Texas, and graduate of Lakes Tennis Academy, spent her freshman fall semester at 2023 NCAA Runner-Up NC State, where she posted a 5-6 mark in singles play and a 2-1 record in doubles competition.&nbsp;“We are really excited to add Reya to our team this spring,” Dalmagro said. “She was great during the recruiting process and she will be a really good fit for our Husker family. Some things that stood out were her passion for tennis, her commitment to get better and her love to compete. Those are things we look for and she’s eager to get to work right away. We look forward to her being a valuable addition to the team and the community.”Before her freshman season, Coe was a part of the sixth-ranked recruiting class in the nation as she was a five-star recruit and ranked the No. 4 recruit out of the state of Texas and No. 50 overall. Her highest USTA 16s singles ranking was No. 15 and was a singles finalist at the 2021 February and October USTA L2 events. Additionally, she was a 2021 Texas Slam State Championship singles finalist, a singles semifinalist at the 2021 Eddie Herr 16s Championships and a doubles finalist at the 2021 Atlanta ITF J4 and 2021 Jalisco, Mexico, ITF J4 tournaments.

Huskers Tennis add Transfer Reya Coe

Story by Omaha Supernovas Communication

OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;– The&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CZc8HeIFvlUa9OHoiYvZ9ii8yilgQtM6Wk7FdqbsTzmfytlAraRk11292t0AbW1_fIZY3rHcD_UXeUjA0ivLKkdEWKgzUMgJ_HF1hnmZXFEon84ENe7m439GTYMY3456Ch1PrNv5ypHldxMXMi1qgA==&amp;c=jUJMz1AebBk6MzzVHpx4EvB_C2x2Euc4_NO1mCpljUG0zcR5wHovQA==&amp;ch=nIX4o9wfg7qYwcd4eb_QRaqsYd45Y0KdX7RwQElx3ffw0988wcoYGA==" target="_blank">Omaha Supernovas</a>, Nebraska’s first major league professional volleyball team, reached the Pro Volleyball Federation’s mandatory 18-person roster limit on Wednesday by waiving four players. The following players were waived and are eligible to sign with any team.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Omaha must establish a 14-person active roster by January 22 with two college practice player roles saved for U.S. College draftees.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Supernovas are one week out from hosting the first Pro Volleyball Federation match as Omaha welcomes in the Atlanta Vibe at the CHI Health Center with first serve set for 7 p.m. Both single-match and season tickets are available on&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CZc8HeIFvlUa9OHoiYvZ9ii8yilgQtM6Wk7FdqbsTzmfytlAraRk14kaw6xehbMy9wclP-fp3H5eaDBADuq0Gy4udqAG1EoYvZzkSUUyivgjjoXTEDpP3lvh5N6lSmMgDqNdXs9lZ0zioqnCj7oq2u_MHeBRDYz-9RTpW8w7HRR6lqYAmr7xTA==&amp;c=jUJMz1AebBk6MzzVHpx4EvB_C2x2Euc4_NO1mCpljUG0zcR5wHovQA==&amp;ch=nIX4o9wfg7qYwcd4eb_QRaqsYd45Y0KdX7RwQElx3ffw0988wcoYGA==" target="_blank">Supernovas.com.</a>&nbsp;

REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL&nbsp;competition will officially begin in the United States with the Omaha Supernovas hosting the Atlanta Vibe in the first match in league history at the CHI Health Center in downtown Omaha on January 24, at 7 p.m. CST. Nebraska supports volleyball better than anyone, as evidenced by the more than 92,000 fans that turned out this season for a collegiate match at the Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium in August, setting a new world record for the highest attended women’s sporting event. Several Supernovas were in attendance and recognized at the world record match.&nbsp;

The Supernovas are one of seven U.S. teams for the 2024 inaugural season: Omaha Supernovas,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CZc8HeIFvlUa9OHoiYvZ9ii8yilgQtM6Wk7FdqbsTzmfytlAraRk11292t0AbW1_lH64xEz_T88buey2SF0OlrTfYwjmV9Yn79IUEqGpKKSSwL7bcQgMRchPUXidMzkUiHXKdyKFSs-a0rV8qhFW4OxQcJt5akm97ZmV3-lz6Ituo_Sh7HlyPfRrpKs_nIaZ&amp;c=jUJMz1AebBk6MzzVHpx4EvB_C2x2Euc4_NO1mCpljUG0zcR5wHovQA==&amp;ch=nIX4o9wfg7qYwcd4eb_QRaqsYd45Y0KdX7RwQElx3ffw0988wcoYGA==" target="_blank">Atlanta Vibe</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CZc8HeIFvlUa9OHoiYvZ9ii8yilgQtM6Wk7FdqbsTzmfytlAraRk11292t0AbW1_UrFQF_mbi60S8BGF11P9fIf-J1GREaHzX21PiQpUzal9zmd73J2xLGyzHIKE0KYklc2abECFQdrM4oxzWdUm-Q==&amp;c=jUJMz1AebBk6MzzVHpx4EvB_C2x2Euc4_NO1mCpljUG0zcR5wHovQA==&amp;ch=nIX4o9wfg7qYwcd4eb_QRaqsYd45Y0KdX7RwQElx3ffw0988wcoYGA==" target="_blank">Orlando Valkyries</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CZc8HeIFvlUa9OHoiYvZ9ii8yilgQtM6Wk7FdqbsTzmfytlAraRk11292t0AbW1_vo20IUz8rhTdDAiqWWn7n3RdtIn9GNUkGNKU1T9M4Fi8NofBGtNyMY3uzHUTqTNqV8GPSE2NJjVy95ypW7RvNQ==&amp;c=jUJMz1AebBk6MzzVHpx4EvB_C2x2Euc4_NO1mCpljUG0zcR5wHovQA==&amp;ch=nIX4o9wfg7qYwcd4eb_QRaqsYd45Y0KdX7RwQElx3ffw0988wcoYGA==" target="_blank">Columbus Fury</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CZc8HeIFvlUa9OHoiYvZ9ii8yilgQtM6Wk7FdqbsTzmfytlAraRk11292t0AbW1_Md-d1xmNQYSu8Z3Z0bkWnL2MuYkR6u5fhtMI429F5K2fJmdOXTrKuIzGsOWeo4u8xUSH7HzJwKFkw1XTOJdqyw==&amp;c=jUJMz1AebBk6MzzVHpx4EvB_C2x2Euc4_NO1mCpljUG0zcR5wHovQA==&amp;ch=nIX4o9wfg7qYwcd4eb_QRaqsYd45Y0KdX7RwQElx3ffw0988wcoYGA==" target="_blank">Grand Rapids Rise</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CZc8HeIFvlUa9OHoiYvZ9ii8yilgQtM6Wk7FdqbsTzmfytlAraRk11292t0AbW1_mynFVxsHJ4-JhTgd2wcUTduzPLh--npDpspknbeZBh6WOGQiDzEj22eJ7OvG_fY9X85fJlPjkNyAd9a8EdRlEw==&amp;c=jUJMz1AebBk6MzzVHpx4EvB_C2x2Euc4_NO1mCpljUG0zcR5wHovQA==&amp;ch=nIX4o9wfg7qYwcd4eb_QRaqsYd45Y0KdX7RwQElx3ffw0988wcoYGA==" target="_blank">San Diego Mojo</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CZc8HeIFvlUa9OHoiYvZ9ii8yilgQtM6Wk7FdqbsTzmfytlAraRk11292t0AbW1_81DNNPqghUfVwxCu3rEmBUs5Vz6KHTb9AFuzrKHgMM66WRibOPXkyrucFawjVsNI5jgbc8olgvc1B7c-YsrRBQ==&amp;c=jUJMz1AebBk6MzzVHpx4EvB_C2x2Euc4_NO1mCpljUG0zcR5wHovQA==&amp;ch=nIX4o9wfg7qYwcd4eb_QRaqsYd45Y0KdX7RwQElx3ffw0988wcoYGA==" target="_blank">Vegas Thrill</a>. Three expansion teams,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CZc8HeIFvlUa9OHoiYvZ9ii8yilgQtM6Wk7FdqbsTzmfytlAraRk11292t0AbW1_AnTOUD67Ed_bS2e8Hh_bg7a2HQPkVxBUuZ6dY5-RzAo3eimXYCXhXdKrREnmPzghiSEdGF1BnU39Tz4YHcejsNsUu_xmBkCH&amp;c=jUJMz1AebBk6MzzVHpx4EvB_C2x2Euc4_NO1mCpljUG0zcR5wHovQA==&amp;ch=nIX4o9wfg7qYwcd4eb_QRaqsYd45Y0KdX7RwQElx3ffw0988wcoYGA==" target="_blank">Dallas Pro Volleyball</a>, Kansas City Pro Volleyball and Indianapolis Pro Volleyball, have been announced for 2025. The Supernovas will have 12 home and 12 away matches as part of a 24-match schedule across a 16-week regular season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At the end of the regular season, the Supernovas aim to&nbsp;be in the final four playoff, chasing the Pro Volleyball Federation Championship in May. The championship's location will be determined and announced later.&nbsp;

The Omaha Supernovas aims to be the premier home of professional volleyball throughout the world. The team is owned by global music sensation&nbsp;Jason Derulo&nbsp;and entrepreneurs&nbsp;Danny White&nbsp;and&nbsp;Chris Erickson, Co-Founders of City+Ventures, an investment and business acceleration organization headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.&nbsp;

Pro Volleyball Federation is&nbsp;REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL&nbsp;and the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. Pro Volleyball Federation will begin play in January 2024 with world class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players and elite players from around the world. Our entire focus is on ensuring that our level and quality of play, our treatment of players, the quality of our event presentations, and our day-to-day fan experience is world class and the very best offered in North America. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CZc8HeIFvlUa9OHoiYvZ9ii8yilgQtM6Wk7FdqbsTzmfytlAraRk11292t0AbW1_qiXouhBaSo1sfIYSblbo0_1yc-jBY6YP_rdGbImJcrM5HRrPrOzzLLSkd7DyDifU77Zn2rjJxnMmvx9yI3j4yA==&amp;c=jUJMz1AebBk6MzzVHpx4EvB_C2x2Euc4_NO1mCpljUG0zcR5wHovQA==&amp;ch=nIX4o9wfg7qYwcd4eb_QRaqsYd45Y0KdX7RwQElx3ffw0988wcoYGA==" target="_blank">ProVolleyball.com</a>.&nbsp;

Story by Omaha Supernovas CommunicationOMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;– The&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CZc8HeIFvlUa9OHoiYvZ9ii8yilgQtM6Wk7FdqbsTzmfytlAraRk11292t0AbW1_fIZY3rHcD_UXeUjA0ivLKkdEWKgzUMgJ_HF1hnmZXFEon84ENe7m439GTYMY3456Ch1PrNv5ypHldxMXMi1qgA==&amp;c=jUJMz1AebBk6MzzVHpx4EvB_C2x2Euc4_NO1mCpljUG0zcR5wHovQA==&amp;ch=nIX4o9wfg7qYwcd4eb_QRaqsYd45Y0KdX7RwQElx3ffw0988wcoYGA==" target="_blank">Omaha Supernovas</a>, Nebraska’s first major league professional volleyball team, reached the Pro Volleyball Federation’s mandatory 18-person roster limit on Wednesday by waiving four players. The following players were waived and are eligible to sign with any team.&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Maggie King, Outside Hitter</li><li>Jazz Schmidt, Opposite&nbsp;</li><li>Maddie Squiers, Setter</li><li>Kristen Tupac, Libero</li>
 </ul>Omaha must establish a 14-person active roster by January 22 with two college practice player roles saved for U.S. College draftees.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Supernovas are one week out from hosting the first Pro Volleyball Federation match as Omaha welcomes in the Atlanta Vibe at the CHI Health Center with first serve set for 7 p.m. Both single-match and season tickets are available on&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CZc8HeIFvlUa9OHoiYvZ9ii8yilgQtM6Wk7FdqbsTzmfytlAraRk14kaw6xehbMy9wclP-fp3H5eaDBADuq0Gy4udqAG1EoYvZzkSUUyivgjjoXTEDpP3lvh5N6lSmMgDqNdXs9lZ0zioqnCj7oq2u_MHeBRDYz-9RTpW8w7HRR6lqYAmr7xTA==&amp;c=jUJMz1AebBk6MzzVHpx4EvB_C2x2Euc4_NO1mCpljUG0zcR5wHovQA==&amp;ch=nIX4o9wfg7qYwcd4eb_QRaqsYd45Y0KdX7RwQElx3ffw0988wcoYGA==" target="_blank">Supernovas.com.</a>&nbsp;REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL&nbsp;competition will officially begin in the United States with the Omaha Supernovas hosting the Atlanta Vibe in the first match in league history at the CHI Health Center in downtown Omaha on January 24, at 7 p.m. CST. Nebraska supports volleyball better than anyone, as evidenced by the more than 92,000 fans that turned out this season for a collegiate match at the Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium in August, setting a new world record for the highest attended women’s sporting event. Several Supernovas were in attendance and recognized at the world record match.&nbsp;The Supernovas are one of seven U.S. teams for the 2024 inaugural season: Omaha Supernovas,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CZc8HeIFvlUa9OHoiYvZ9ii8yilgQtM6Wk7FdqbsTzmfytlAraRk11292t0AbW1_lH64xEz_T88buey2SF0OlrTfYwjmV9Yn79IUEqGpKKSSwL7bcQgMRchPUXidMzkUiHXKdyKFSs-a0rV8qhFW4OxQcJt5akm97ZmV3-lz6Ituo_Sh7HlyPfRrpKs_nIaZ&amp;c=jUJMz1AebBk6MzzVHpx4EvB_C2x2Euc4_NO1mCpljUG0zcR5wHovQA==&amp;ch=nIX4o9wfg7qYwcd4eb_QRaqsYd45Y0KdX7RwQElx3ffw0988wcoYGA==" target="_blank">Atlanta Vibe</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CZc8HeIFvlUa9OHoiYvZ9ii8yilgQtM6Wk7FdqbsTzmfytlAraRk11292t0AbW1_UrFQF_mbi60S8BGF11P9fIf-J1GREaHzX21PiQpUzal9zmd73J2xLGyzHIKE0KYklc2abECFQdrM4oxzWdUm-Q==&amp;c=jUJMz1AebBk6MzzVHpx4EvB_C2x2Euc4_NO1mCpljUG0zcR5wHovQA==&amp;ch=nIX4o9wfg7qYwcd4eb_QRaqsYd45Y0KdX7RwQElx3ffw0988wcoYGA==" target="_blank">Orlando Valkyries</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CZc8HeIFvlUa9OHoiYvZ9ii8yilgQtM6Wk7FdqbsTzmfytlAraRk11292t0AbW1_vo20IUz8rhTdDAiqWWn7n3RdtIn9GNUkGNKU1T9M4Fi8NofBGtNyMY3uzHUTqTNqV8GPSE2NJjVy95ypW7RvNQ==&amp;c=jUJMz1AebBk6MzzVHpx4EvB_C2x2Euc4_NO1mCpljUG0zcR5wHovQA==&amp;ch=nIX4o9wfg7qYwcd4eb_QRaqsYd45Y0KdX7RwQElx3ffw0988wcoYGA==" target="_blank">Columbus Fury</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CZc8HeIFvlUa9OHoiYvZ9ii8yilgQtM6Wk7FdqbsTzmfytlAraRk11292t0AbW1_Md-d1xmNQYSu8Z3Z0bkWnL2MuYkR6u5fhtMI429F5K2fJmdOXTrKuIzGsOWeo4u8xUSH7HzJwKFkw1XTOJdqyw==&amp;c=jUJMz1AebBk6MzzVHpx4EvB_C2x2Euc4_NO1mCpljUG0zcR5wHovQA==&amp;ch=nIX4o9wfg7qYwcd4eb_QRaqsYd45Y0KdX7RwQElx3ffw0988wcoYGA==" target="_blank">Grand Rapids Rise</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CZc8HeIFvlUa9OHoiYvZ9ii8yilgQtM6Wk7FdqbsTzmfytlAraRk11292t0AbW1_mynFVxsHJ4-JhTgd2wcUTduzPLh--npDpspknbeZBh6WOGQiDzEj22eJ7OvG_fY9X85fJlPjkNyAd9a8EdRlEw==&amp;c=jUJMz1AebBk6MzzVHpx4EvB_C2x2Euc4_NO1mCpljUG0zcR5wHovQA==&amp;ch=nIX4o9wfg7qYwcd4eb_QRaqsYd45Y0KdX7RwQElx3ffw0988wcoYGA==" target="_blank">San Diego Mojo</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CZc8HeIFvlUa9OHoiYvZ9ii8yilgQtM6Wk7FdqbsTzmfytlAraRk11292t0AbW1_81DNNPqghUfVwxCu3rEmBUs5Vz6KHTb9AFuzrKHgMM66WRibOPXkyrucFawjVsNI5jgbc8olgvc1B7c-YsrRBQ==&amp;c=jUJMz1AebBk6MzzVHpx4EvB_C2x2Euc4_NO1mCpljUG0zcR5wHovQA==&amp;ch=nIX4o9wfg7qYwcd4eb_QRaqsYd45Y0KdX7RwQElx3ffw0988wcoYGA==" target="_blank">Vegas Thrill</a>. Three expansion teams,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CZc8HeIFvlUa9OHoiYvZ9ii8yilgQtM6Wk7FdqbsTzmfytlAraRk11292t0AbW1_AnTOUD67Ed_bS2e8Hh_bg7a2HQPkVxBUuZ6dY5-RzAo3eimXYCXhXdKrREnmPzghiSEdGF1BnU39Tz4YHcejsNsUu_xmBkCH&amp;c=jUJMz1AebBk6MzzVHpx4EvB_C2x2Euc4_NO1mCpljUG0zcR5wHovQA==&amp;ch=nIX4o9wfg7qYwcd4eb_QRaqsYd45Y0KdX7RwQElx3ffw0988wcoYGA==" target="_blank">Dallas Pro Volleyball</a>, Kansas City Pro Volleyball and Indianapolis Pro Volleyball, have been announced for 2025. The Supernovas will have 12 home and 12 away matches as part of a 24-match schedule across a 16-week regular season.&nbsp;&nbsp;At the end of the regular season, the Supernovas aim to&nbsp;be in the final four playoff, chasing the Pro Volleyball Federation Championship in May. The championship's location will be determined and announced later.&nbsp;ABOUT OMAHA SUPERNOVAS&nbsp;The Omaha Supernovas aims to be the premier home of professional volleyball throughout the world. The team is owned by global music sensation&nbsp;Jason Derulo&nbsp;and entrepreneurs&nbsp;Danny White&nbsp;and&nbsp;Chris Erickson, Co-Founders of City+Ventures, an investment and business acceleration organization headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.&nbsp;ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION&nbsp;Pro Volleyball Federation is&nbsp;REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL&nbsp;and the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. Pro Volleyball Federation will begin play in January 2024 with world class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players and elite players from around the world. Our entire focus is on ensuring that our level and quality of play, our treatment of players, the quality of our event presentations, and our day-to-day fan experience is world class and the very best offered in North America. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CZc8HeIFvlUa9OHoiYvZ9ii8yilgQtM6Wk7FdqbsTzmfytlAraRk11292t0AbW1_qiXouhBaSo1sfIYSblbo0_1yc-jBY6YP_rdGbImJcrM5HRrPrOzzLLSkd7DyDifU77Zn2rjJxnMmvx9yI3j4yA==&amp;c=jUJMz1AebBk6MzzVHpx4EvB_C2x2Euc4_NO1mCpljUG0zcR5wHovQA==&amp;ch=nIX4o9wfg7qYwcd4eb_QRaqsYd45Y0KdX7RwQElx3ffw0988wcoYGA==" target="_blank">ProVolleyball.com</a>.&nbsp;

Former UNK and Creighton stars don't make final roster 

Story by Tri-City Storm Communication

The Tri-City Storm shocked the Fargo Force Thursday night at Scheels Arena with a come-from-behind overtime victory by a final score of 4-3. Owen Beckner scored the game-winning goal for the Storm thirty-nine seconds into the overtime period as the team erased a two-goal deficit. Charlie Kinsman and Nick Roukounakis each netted their first goals of the season during the game for Tri-City. The Storm now travels to the Tyson Events Center for back-to-back matchups against the Sioux City Musketeers to complete the team’s three-game week. Puck drop for tomorrow night’s game between the Storm and the Musketeers is scheduled for 7:05pm CT. &nbsp;

Michael Quinn scored his first goal of the season with under four minutes to play in Thursday’s 1st&nbsp;period to give the Force a 1-0 lead in the matchup. Tate Taylor and Mac Swanson each collected an assist on the even-strength goal. Fargo outshot Tri-City 17-6 during the 1st&nbsp;period, and carried a 1-0 lead into Thursday’s middle period. Fargo previously held a record of 17-0-0-0 when leading after the 1st&nbsp;period this season. &nbsp;

The lone goal of the 2nd&nbsp;period was netted by Charlie Kinsman at 7:28 of the period. The goal was Kinsman’s first of the season, and was assisted by Luke Posthumus. The Storm was outshot by a 15-6 margin during the 2nd&nbsp;period, and Thursday’s 3rd&nbsp;period began in a 1-1 tie. &nbsp;

Mac Swanson netted his eleventh goal of the year at 8:23 of the 3rd&nbsp;period to give the Force a 2-1 advantage in the battle. The goal was assisted by Zam Plante and Michael Quinn. The Force took a two-goal lead in the matchup at 13:22 of the 2nd&nbsp;period when Lee Parks netted his eighteenth goal of the season. The goal was scored on the powerplay, and was assisted by Zam Plante and Michael Quinn. Nick Roukounakis provided an answer to the Force’s second goal of the period thirty-four seconds later with his first scoring play of the season for the Storm. The goal cut Fargo’s lead down to a single goal with just over six minutes remaining in regulation time. Ryan Smith netted his team-leading fourteenth goal of the season with under three minutes to play in the 3rd&nbsp;period to bring the game to a 3-3 tie. The goal was netted on the powerplay, and was assisted by Alexander Bales and Trevor Connelly. Thursday’s game required an overtime finish after Tri-City overcame a two-goal deficit during the final seven minutes of the 3rd&nbsp;period. &nbsp;

The Storm began the overtime period on a powerplay due to a penalty called on Fargo’s Lee Parks for tripping with just over a minute to play in regulation time. Owen Beckner scored his tenth goal of the season thirty-nine seconds into the extra period to seal Tri-City’s thrilling come-from-behind victory Thursday night at Scheels Arena. Alexander Bales and Trevor Connelly each recorded an assist on Beckner’s game-winning goal during the overtime. The Storm gave the Force its second loss on home ice this season despite being outshot by an overall margin of 41-19 during the matchup. &nbsp;

Cameron Korpi backstopped the team to victory in net by making 38 saves on 41 shots during the contest. Anton Castro collected the overtime loss in goal for the Force in a 15-save-on-19-shot effort. Korpi improved to 15-6-0-3 in net for the Storm this season in the win. &nbsp;

Tri-City now stands at 16-11-1-3 through the first half of the 2023-2024 regular season. Tomorrow night’s thirty-second game of the season will officially begin the Storm’s second half of the season. Tri-City currently sits in 5th&nbsp;place in the USHL’s Western Conference standings, but is only three points back of 3rd&nbsp;place Sioux Falls. &nbsp;

The Storm hits the ice again on Friday, January 19th, in a road game against the Sioux City Musketeers. Puck drop for the matchup is scheduled for 7:05pm CT. Skate to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>&nbsp;for individual game tickets and more information regarding the Tri-City Storm&nbsp;organization. The Tri-City Storm is presented by Viaero Wireless.

Story by Tri-City Storm CommunicationThe Tri-City Storm shocked the Fargo Force Thursday night at Scheels Arena with a come-from-behind overtime victory by a final score of 4-3. Owen Beckner scored the game-winning goal for the Storm thirty-nine seconds into the overtime period as the team erased a two-goal deficit. Charlie Kinsman and Nick Roukounakis each netted their first goals of the season during the game for Tri-City. The Storm now travels to the Tyson Events Center for back-to-back matchups against the Sioux City Musketeers to complete the team’s three-game week. Puck drop for tomorrow night’s game between the Storm and the Musketeers is scheduled for 7:05pm CT. &nbsp;Michael Quinn scored his first goal of the season with under four minutes to play in Thursday’s 1st&nbsp;period to give the Force a 1-0 lead in the matchup. Tate Taylor and Mac Swanson each collected an assist on the even-strength goal. Fargo outshot Tri-City 17-6 during the 1st&nbsp;period, and carried a 1-0 lead into Thursday’s middle period. Fargo previously held a record of 17-0-0-0 when leading after the 1st&nbsp;period this season. &nbsp;The lone goal of the 2nd&nbsp;period was netted by Charlie Kinsman at 7:28 of the period. The goal was Kinsman’s first of the season, and was assisted by Luke Posthumus. The Storm was outshot by a 15-6 margin during the 2nd&nbsp;period, and Thursday’s 3rd&nbsp;period began in a 1-1 tie. &nbsp;Mac Swanson netted his eleventh goal of the year at 8:23 of the 3rd&nbsp;period to give the Force a 2-1 advantage in the battle. The goal was assisted by Zam Plante and Michael Quinn. The Force took a two-goal lead in the matchup at 13:22 of the 2nd&nbsp;period when Lee Parks netted his eighteenth goal of the season. The goal was scored on the powerplay, and was assisted by Zam Plante and Michael Quinn. Nick Roukounakis provided an answer to the Force’s second goal of the period thirty-four seconds later with his first scoring play of the season for the Storm. The goal cut Fargo’s lead down to a single goal with just over six minutes remaining in regulation time. Ryan Smith netted his team-leading fourteenth goal of the season with under three minutes to play in the 3rd&nbsp;period to bring the game to a 3-3 tie. The goal was netted on the powerplay, and was assisted by Alexander Bales and Trevor Connelly. Thursday’s game required an overtime finish after Tri-City overcame a two-goal deficit during the final seven minutes of the 3rd&nbsp;period. &nbsp;The Storm began the overtime period on a powerplay due to a penalty called on Fargo’s Lee Parks for tripping with just over a minute to play in regulation time. Owen Beckner scored his tenth goal of the season thirty-nine seconds into the extra period to seal Tri-City’s thrilling come-from-behind victory Thursday night at Scheels Arena. Alexander Bales and Trevor Connelly each recorded an assist on Beckner’s game-winning goal during the overtime. The Storm gave the Force its second loss on home ice this season despite being outshot by an overall margin of 41-19 during the matchup. &nbsp;Cameron Korpi backstopped the team to victory in net by making 38 saves on 41 shots during the contest. Anton Castro collected the overtime loss in goal for the Force in a 15-save-on-19-shot effort. Korpi improved to 15-6-0-3 in net for the Storm this season in the win. &nbsp;Tri-City now stands at 16-11-1-3 through the first half of the 2023-2024 regular season. Tomorrow night’s thirty-second game of the season will officially begin the Storm’s second half of the season. Tri-City currently sits in 5th&nbsp;place in the USHL’s Western Conference standings, but is only three points back of 3rd&nbsp;place Sioux Falls. &nbsp;The Storm hits the ice again on Friday, January 19th, in a road game against the Sioux City Musketeers. Puck drop for the matchup is scheduled for 7:05pm CT. Skate to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>&nbsp;for individual game tickets and more information regarding the Tri-City Storm&nbsp;organization. The Tri-City Storm is presented by Viaero Wireless.

Storm shocks Force in Overtime Victory 

Lincoln&nbsp;- Freshman Natalie Potts produced her third double-double of the season with game highs of 13 points and 10 rebounds to lead four Huskers in double figures, as the Nebraska women's basketball team rolled to a 62-43 win over Michigan at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Wednesday night.

Potts, a five-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week, scored her 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field and a 5-for-5 night at the free throw line to help the Huskers pull away from the Wolverines and improve to 5-2 in the Big Ten and 13-5 overall. The 6-2 forward from O'Fallon, Mo., also pulled down six offensive rebounds to power the Big Red's 21 offensive boards on the night, which they turned into 15 second-chance points against Michigan. The Wolverines slipped to 12-6 overall and 3-3 in the conference.

Graduate guard Darian White matched Potts with 13 points, while adding five defensive rebounds. It was White's first double-digit scoring effort since Dec. 5.

Junior guard Kendall Moriarty added a huge effort off the bench with a season-high 11 points to go along with a pair of steals, as the Huskers won the turnover battle against the Wolverines, 18-15.

Junior center Alexis Markowski added double figures for the 18th straight game this season while contributing seven rebounds and two steals of her own for the Huskers. Graduate guard Jaz Shelley also produced a strong game with eight points, seven rebounds and a game-high six assists while holding Michigan star Laila Phelia to just 1-for-8 shooting from the field.

In a low-scoring defensive slugfest, Nebraska led from start-to-finish for the second straight home game, jumping to a 12-3 lead in the first five minutes. The Huskers held a 17-8 lead at the end of the first quarter and maintained the nine-point edge (28-19) at halftime.

The Wolverines cut the margin to 28-24 with a 5-0 run to open the third quarter, before Potts answered with four straight points. Nebraska pushed the margin to 40-30 late in the third quarter on a basket by White and took a 46-31 lead to the fourth quarter after Potts closed the period with a pair of free throws with 2.8 seconds left.

Michigan cut the margin to 53-40 with five minutes left, but a 7-0 run that included a bucket by Markowski, a three-pointer by White and two free throws by Potts pushed Nebraska's margin to 20 points at 60-40 with 1:45 left.

The Big Red held Michigan to just 32.6 percent (15-46) shooting from the field, including 4-of-15 three-pointers (.267), while limiting their sixth opponent of the season to fewer than 50 points, including their second straight Big Ten foe at home (Illinois, 48).&nbsp;

Lauren Hansen led Michigan with 12 points, including a pair of three-pointers, while Phelia managed nine points by going 7-of-8 at the free throw line. The Wolverines were held to just six assists.

Nebraska managed 39 percent (23-59) shooting from the field despite hitting a season-low three three-pointers (3-17, .176). The Huskers did hit 13-of-18 free throws (.722) and produced a commanding 46-28 edge on the boards, including 21-8 on the offensive glass.

Nebraska returns to Big Ten road action on Sunday when the Huskers take on Penn State in University Park. Tip-off with the Lady Lions is set for Noon (CT) with a live video stream available from B1G+. The game is also available across the Huskers Radio Network, including free live audio on Huskers.com.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsLincoln&nbsp;- Freshman Natalie Potts produced her third double-double of the season with game highs of 13 points and 10 rebounds to lead four Huskers in double figures, as the Nebraska women's basketball team rolled to a 62-43 win over Michigan at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Wednesday night.Potts, a five-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week, scored her 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field and a 5-for-5 night at the free throw line to help the Huskers pull away from the Wolverines and improve to 5-2 in the Big Ten and 13-5 overall. The 6-2 forward from O'Fallon, Mo., also pulled down six offensive rebounds to power the Big Red's 21 offensive boards on the night, which they turned into 15 second-chance points against Michigan. The Wolverines slipped to 12-6 overall and 3-3 in the conference.Graduate guard Darian White matched Potts with 13 points, while adding five defensive rebounds. It was White's first double-digit scoring effort since Dec. 5.Junior guard Kendall Moriarty added a huge effort off the bench with a season-high 11 points to go along with a pair of steals, as the Huskers won the turnover battle against the Wolverines, 18-15.Junior center Alexis Markowski added double figures for the 18th straight game this season while contributing seven rebounds and two steals of her own for the Huskers. Graduate guard Jaz Shelley also produced a strong game with eight points, seven rebounds and a game-high six assists while holding Michigan star Laila Phelia to just 1-for-8 shooting from the field.In a low-scoring defensive slugfest, Nebraska led from start-to-finish for the second straight home game, jumping to a 12-3 lead in the first five minutes. The Huskers held a 17-8 lead at the end of the first quarter and maintained the nine-point edge (28-19) at halftime.The Wolverines cut the margin to 28-24 with a 5-0 run to open the third quarter, before Potts answered with four straight points. Nebraska pushed the margin to 40-30 late in the third quarter on a basket by White and took a 46-31 lead to the fourth quarter after Potts closed the period with a pair of free throws with 2.8 seconds left.Michigan cut the margin to 53-40 with five minutes left, but a 7-0 run that included a bucket by Markowski, a three-pointer by White and two free throws by Potts pushed Nebraska's margin to 20 points at 60-40 with 1:45 left.The Big Red held Michigan to just 32.6 percent (15-46) shooting from the field, including 4-of-15 three-pointers (.267), while limiting their sixth opponent of the season to fewer than 50 points, including their second straight Big Ten foe at home (Illinois, 48).&nbsp;Lauren Hansen led Michigan with 12 points, including a pair of three-pointers, while Phelia managed nine points by going 7-of-8 at the free throw line. The Wolverines were held to just six assists.Nebraska managed 39 percent (23-59) shooting from the field despite hitting a season-low three three-pointers (3-17, .176). The Huskers did hit 13-of-18 free throws (.722) and produced a commanding 46-28 edge on the boards, including 21-8 on the offensive glass.Nebraska returns to Big Ten road action on Sunday when the Huskers take on Penn State in University Park. Tip-off with the Lady Lions is set for Noon (CT) with a live video stream available from B1G+. The game is also available across the Huskers Radio Network, including free live audio on Huskers.com.

Huskers shut down Michigan, 61-42

North Platte, Neb. – Samantha Riggles scored 16 of her 18 points in the second half, but Lamar Community College edged the Knights 71-63 inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium on Tuesday evening.

The Knights erased a double-digit deficit in the second quarter behind a strong shooting performance from Jada Grigsby. Lamar leapt out to a 24-11 lead with 8:54 remaining in the second period before a 10-4 spurt cut the margin to seven.

A pair of free throws from Donna Green stretched the margin to nine, but an 11-3 run helped the Knights shift the momentum. Grigsby accounted for nine of the 11 points during the stretch, knocking down three straight shots from the perimeter to propel the Knights into the lead. Leah Delgarito had the answer and connected from deep in the closing seconds to give the Runnin’ Lopes a 34-32 halftime lead.

North Platte continued to fend off the Runnin’ Lopes in the third quarter, but Lamar stayed within striking distance. Lamar used the final ten minutes to erase the deficit and launch a 16-4 run, as the lead changed hands one final time in the closing minutes.

North Platte (10-7) will hit the road this weekend for a Region IX matchup with Central Community College. Tip is set for 2 p.m. in Columbus.

Story by NPCC Athletic Communications North Platte, Neb. – Samantha Riggles scored 16 of her 18 points in the second half, but Lamar Community College edged the Knights 71-63 inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium on Tuesday evening.The Knights erased a double-digit deficit in the second quarter behind a strong shooting performance from Jada Grigsby. Lamar leapt out to a 24-11 lead with 8:54 remaining in the second period before a 10-4 spurt cut the margin to seven.A pair of free throws from Donna Green stretched the margin to nine, but an 11-3 run helped the Knights shift the momentum. Grigsby accounted for nine of the 11 points during the stretch, knocking down three straight shots from the perimeter to propel the Knights into the lead. Leah Delgarito had the answer and connected from deep in the closing seconds to give the Runnin’ Lopes a 34-32 halftime lead.North Platte continued to fend off the Runnin’ Lopes in the third quarter, but Lamar stayed within striking distance. Lamar used the final ten minutes to erase the deficit and launch a 16-4 run, as the lead changed hands one final time in the closing minutes.North Platte (10-7) will hit the road this weekend for a Region IX matchup with Central Community College. Tip is set for 2 p.m. in Columbus.

Late run lifts Runnin’ Lopes past Knights

North Platte, Neb. – North Platte men’s basketball team returns to the win column with an 81-62 win over Lamar Community College on Tuesday night.

Davion Evans tallied 22 points on 8-of-16 shooting from the field, while Simeon Smith added 18 points and nine rebounds off the bench.

North Platte shot 47.8 percent (32-67) from the field to improve to 8-8 on the season and 1-2 in Region IX South action. In the loss, Lamar falls to 7-12 on the year and 0-2 in Region IX South play.&nbsp;

A 39-31 halftime lead was stretched into double digits in the early minutes of the second half, as North Platte unleashed a 12-4 run. Lamar narrowed the deficit to eight twice over the next 4:28, but each time the Knights responded to push the margin back into double digits.

North Platte continued to shoot lights out in the second half, as their lead was stretched to 74-52 on a two-handed slam by Bryce Baez. Despite facing a double-digit deficit, the Runnin’ Lopes settled into an offensive rhythm late in the second half to narrow the margin as time expired.

Knights will hit the road on Saturday for a matchup with the Raiders of Central Community College. Tip is set for 4 p.m. in Columbus.

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsNorth Platte, Neb. – North Platte men’s basketball team returns to the win column with an 81-62 win over Lamar Community College on Tuesday night.Davion Evans tallied 22 points on 8-of-16 shooting from the field, while Simeon Smith added 18 points and nine rebounds off the bench.North Platte shot 47.8 percent (32-67) from the field to improve to 8-8 on the season and 1-2 in Region IX South action. In the loss, Lamar falls to 7-12 on the year and 0-2 in Region IX South play.&nbsp;A 39-31 halftime lead was stretched into double digits in the early minutes of the second half, as North Platte unleashed a 12-4 run. Lamar narrowed the deficit to eight twice over the next 4:28, but each time the Knights responded to push the margin back into double digits.North Platte continued to shoot lights out in the second half, as their lead was stretched to 74-52 on a two-handed slam by Bryce Baez. Despite facing a double-digit deficit, the Runnin’ Lopes settled into an offensive rhythm late in the second half to narrow the margin as time expired.Knights will hit the road on Saturday for a matchup with the Raiders of Central Community College. Tip is set for 4 p.m. in Columbus.

Knights return to win column with victory over Lamar

The Nebraska men's basketball team wraps up a stretch of three road games in a four-game span this Wednesday, Jan. 17, as the Huskers travel to Rutgers for a matchup with the Scarlet Knights. Tipoff at Jersey Mike's Arena is slated for 6 p.m. (central) and the game will be carried on the Big Ten Network and the Huskers Radio Network.

Nebraska (13-4, 3-3 Big Ten) looks to regroup after dropping a 94-76 decision at Iowa Friday night in blizzard conditions that forced the Huskers to stay in Iowa City until Saturday. After falling behind 17-2 in the first seven minutes, Nebraska fought all the way back and led 50-49 with 16:50 left in the second half before the Hawkeyes took control with an 18-4 run. Iowa shot 59.4 percent in the second half with eight 3-pointers to seize control. &nbsp;Rienk Mast and Josiah Allick led NU with 14 points apiece, but the Huskers struggled from 3-point range, going 4-of-26 from beyond the arc. That snapped a streak of three straight games with at least 10 3-pointers for the Big Red.&nbsp;

Mast has been an anchor for the Husker frontcourt, as the 6-foot-10 junior averages 13.3 points, 8.5 rebound and 2.9 assists per game in his first year after transferring from Bradley. He is averaging 14.3 ppg over the last four games after missing NU's final two non-conference games following a procedure on his knee. Allick, who started the two games that Mast missed, has been efficient on the offensive end, averaging 7.5 points per game on 77 percent shooting over NU's last six contests.

Rutgers (9-7, 1-4 Big Ten) comes off a 73-55 loss at Michigan State on Sunday in East Lansing. Aundre Hyatt finished with a team-high 14 points, including a trio of 3-pointers, while Mawot Mag added 12 points and five boards. The Spartans held Rutgers to 37 percent shooting and were outrebounded 37-30. Rutgers has been tough at home, going 8-1 in Jersey Mike's Arena.

Numbers to Know.801 - Nebraska is shooting 80.1 percent from the foul line (177-221) over the last 11 contests&nbsp;dating back to Nov. 22. Keisei Tominaga is shooting a team-best 92.5 percent (37-of-40) in that span, while Brice Williams is at an 88.9 clip (32-of-36).

80.5 - Nebraska has averaged 80.5 points per game during its four games this month. NU will be tested against a Rutgers defense that allows 64.3 points per game to rank second in the Big Ten.9

9.2 - NU leads the Big Ten with 9.2 3-pointers per game as of Jan. 15, an average which is on pace to challenge the single-season school record for 3-pointers per game (9.5/gm, 2001-02). The Huskers are 8-1 this season when hitting at least 10 3-pointers.

15 - Nebraska has held 15 of 17 opponents under 50 percent shooting. Dating back to last season, NU has held 21 of its last 24 opponents to under 50 percent shooting.&nbsp;

8.5 - Rienk Mast leads the Huskers and ranks fifth in the Big Ten with 8.5 rebounds per game. It is on pace to be NU's highest rebounding average since the 2007-08 season (Aleks Maric, 10.2 rpg).

1.48 - Nebraska's assist-to-turnover ratio this season, which is sixth in the Big Ten as of Jan. 15. &nbsp;Over the last decade, NU's best assist-to-turnover ratio is 1.32, set in the 2018-19 season. Nebraska's 16.2 assists per game is the program's highest average since 1995-96 (17.37 apg).

Worth Noting• While Lincoln is nearly 1,300 miles from Piscataway, Wednesday's game at Rutgers will be a homecoming for a pair of Huskers from the tri-state area. Jamarques Lawrence and C.J. Wilcher are from Plainfield, N.J., which is less than 10 miles away from Jersey Mike's Arena. In addition, NU strength coach Kurt Joseph also has ties to the area, as he is from Morganville, less than 20 miles from the Rutgers campus.&nbsp;

• Nebraska enters Wednesday's game with a 13-4 mark, which matches NU's best 17-game record since joining the Big Ten (also in 2018-19). A win on Wednesday would match NU's best 18-game start since the 1991-92 team opened the year with a 15-2 mark.

• The Huskers have snapped several streaks in 2023-24. The Dec. 10 win over Michigan State snapped an 11-game losing streak to the Spartans dating back to 2016. The Dec. 17 win over Kansas State broke a seven-game losing streak to the Wildcats dating back to 2009, while the win over Indiana on Jan. 3 was NU's first since 2009, breaking another seven-game losing streak to an opponent.&nbsp;

• &nbsp;The Huskers are 19-7 over the last 26 games dating back to Feb. 1, 2023, which ranks second in winning percentage as of Jan. 16. &nbsp;A big reason for that is NU's offense, as NU has averaged 77 ppg on 47 percent shooting in that stretch.

• Nebraska enters the Rutgers game averaging 78.3 points per game. It is NU's highest points per game average since averaging 80.2 points per game in the 1995-96 season and on pace to finish in the top 10 in single-season scoring average. &nbsp;It is also more than 10 points per game higher than NU's average at the 17-game mark in 2002-23. NU has climbed from 149th to 28th nationally in offensive efficiency in KenPom as of Jan. 10.

• The Huskers are now 24-4 under Fred Hoiberg when scoring at least 80 points, including 19-1 over the last three seasons. The only loss was a 104-100 quadruple overtime game at North Carolina State on Dec. 1, 2021. NU has won its last 17 games when reaching the 80-point plateau.

• &nbsp;C.J. Wilcher has been on a tear in recent weeks, averaging 12.4 points per game on 61 percent shooting over the last six contests to raise his season average to 8.2 ppg. He is 15-of-26 from 3-point range (.577) in that stretch with four double-figure efforts in NU's last six games.

• Nebraska held Kansas State to 46 points on Dec. 17 in holding the Wildcats to their fewest points since the 2020-21 season and third-fewest total at home since Bramlage Coliseum opened in 1988. &nbsp;It marked the fewest points NU allowed on the road since joining the Big Ten and was only the second time NU had held an opponent under 50 points on the road since the 2011-12 season. Nebraska allowed just 0.68 points per possession, its lowest total in the Big Ten era.

• One strength of the Huskers has been getting to the free throw line. NU has shot more free throws in 14 of 17 games in 2023-24 and its +94 differential ranks fourth in the Big Ten as of Jan. 15. Nebraska has had more free throws made (264) than opponents have attempted (257). NU allows just 15.2 free throw attempts per game to rank second in the Big Ten as of Jan. 15.

• Nebraska enters Wednesday's game ranked second in the Big Ten in free throw shooting at 75.2 percent. &nbsp;It is on pace to be one of NU's highest season percentages. NU has not shot over 74 percent from the foul line since the 2011-12 season when NU shot a school-record 76.6 percent.&nbsp;

• Nebraska's bench has provided a spark, averaging 24.4 points per game. The Huskers' leading scorer has come from the bench six times (Hoiberg-Lindenwood; Wilcher-Rider, North Dakota and South Carolina State; Gary-Stony Brook; Allick-Iowa) and NU has had 16 double-figure efforts from its bench in 2023-24.&nbsp;

• The Huskers finished non-conference action with a 10-1 mark, matching their best non-conference record since joining the Big Ten (also 2018-19).&nbsp;

About RutgersRutgers comes into Wednesday's game with a 9-7 mark following Sunday's loss to Michigan State. Rutgers just finished a stretch of playing three of four on the road to resume Big Ten action. Wednesday's game begins a stretch where they have three home games over the next four contests to close the month.&nbsp;

The Scarlet Knights are coached by Steve Pikiell, who is in his eighth season at the school. He guided Rutgers to postseason appearances in each of the past three seasons, including NCAA Tournament berths in 2021 and 2022. &nbsp;Prior to 2021, Rutgers had not been to the NCAA Tournament since 1991.&nbsp;

The Scarlet Knights returned a pair of starters and nine letterwinners from a team that won 19 games last season. Aundre Hyatt leads Rutgers with 12 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, while Mawot Mag is at 10.9 ppg and 5.1 rpg. All-Big Ten performer Clifford Omoruyi is one of the conference's top big men as he averages 9.9 ppg and is among the Big Ten leaders in rebounding (9.0 rpg) and blocked shots (3.4 bpg). As a team, Rutgers averages 5.8 blocks per game and holds teams to under 40 percent shooting.&nbsp;

Series History: Wednesday's matchup will be the 19th all-time meeting with the Scarlet Knights. Nebraska leads the all-time series 10-8 and has won nine of the 15 meetings since Rutgers joined the Big Ten in 2014-15. Nebraska won the only meeting last year, an 82-72 win in Piscataway. In that game, Keisei Tominaga had 22 points while C.J. Wilcher added 17, including five 3-pointers. Prior to the Scarlet Knights joining the Big Ten, the two teams split a home-and-home series in 2006 and 2007. The only other meeting was a 19-point Rutgers win at the 1999 Hoop and Quill Classic in St. Charles, Mo.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska men's basketball team wraps up a stretch of three road games in a four-game span this Wednesday, Jan. 17, as the Huskers travel to Rutgers for a matchup with the Scarlet Knights. Tipoff at Jersey Mike's Arena is slated for 6 p.m. (central) and the game will be carried on the Big Ten Network and the Huskers Radio Network.Nebraska (13-4, 3-3 Big Ten) looks to regroup after dropping a 94-76 decision at Iowa Friday night in blizzard conditions that forced the Huskers to stay in Iowa City until Saturday. After falling behind 17-2 in the first seven minutes, Nebraska fought all the way back and led 50-49 with 16:50 left in the second half before the Hawkeyes took control with an 18-4 run. Iowa shot 59.4 percent in the second half with eight 3-pointers to seize control. &nbsp;Rienk Mast and Josiah Allick led NU with 14 points apiece, but the Huskers struggled from 3-point range, going 4-of-26 from beyond the arc. That snapped a streak of three straight games with at least 10 3-pointers for the Big Red.&nbsp;Mast has been an anchor for the Husker frontcourt, as the 6-foot-10 junior averages 13.3 points, 8.5 rebound and 2.9 assists per game in his first year after transferring from Bradley. He is averaging 14.3 ppg over the last four games after missing NU's final two non-conference games following a procedure on his knee. Allick, who started the two games that Mast missed, has been efficient on the offensive end, averaging 7.5 points per game on 77 percent shooting over NU's last six contests.Rutgers (9-7, 1-4 Big Ten) comes off a 73-55 loss at Michigan State on Sunday in East Lansing. Aundre Hyatt finished with a team-high 14 points, including a trio of 3-pointers, while Mawot Mag added 12 points and five boards. The Spartans held Rutgers to 37 percent shooting and were outrebounded 37-30. Rutgers has been tough at home, going 8-1 in Jersey Mike's Arena.Numbers to Know.801 - Nebraska is shooting 80.1 percent from the foul line (177-221) over the last 11 contests&nbsp;dating back to Nov. 22. Keisei Tominaga is shooting a team-best 92.5 percent (37-of-40) in that span, while Brice Williams is at an 88.9 clip (32-of-36).80.5 - Nebraska has averaged 80.5 points per game during its four games this month. NU will be tested against a Rutgers defense that allows 64.3 points per game to rank second in the Big Ten.99.2 - NU leads the Big Ten with 9.2 3-pointers per game as of Jan. 15, an average which is on pace to challenge the single-season school record for 3-pointers per game (9.5/gm, 2001-02). The Huskers are 8-1 this season when hitting at least 10 3-pointers.15 - Nebraska has held 15 of 17 opponents under 50 percent shooting. Dating back to last season, NU has held 21 of its last 24 opponents to under 50 percent shooting.&nbsp;8.5 - Rienk Mast leads the Huskers and ranks fifth in the Big Ten with 8.5 rebounds per game. It is on pace to be NU's highest rebounding average since the 2007-08 season (Aleks Maric, 10.2 rpg).4 - Nebraska's 2023-24 roster features four career 1,000-point scorers (Josiah Allick, Jarron Coleman, Rienk Mast and Brice Williams). Williams became the most recent member of the 1,000-point club at Wisconsin on Jan. 6.1.48 - Nebraska's assist-to-turnover ratio this season, which is sixth in the Big Ten as of Jan. 15. &nbsp;Over the last decade, NU's best assist-to-turnover ratio is 1.32, set in the 2018-19 season. Nebraska's 16.2 assists per game is the program's highest average since 1995-96 (17.37 apg).Worth Noting• While Lincoln is nearly 1,300 miles from Piscataway, Wednesday's game at Rutgers will be a homecoming for a pair of Huskers from the tri-state area. Jamarques Lawrence and C.J. Wilcher are from Plainfield, N.J., which is less than 10 miles away from Jersey Mike's Arena. In addition, NU strength coach Kurt Joseph also has ties to the area, as he is from Morganville, less than 20 miles from the Rutgers campus.&nbsp;• Nebraska enters Wednesday's game with a 13-4 mark, which matches NU's best 17-game record since joining the Big Ten (also in 2018-19). A win on Wednesday would match NU's best 18-game start since the 1991-92 team opened the year with a 15-2 mark.• The Huskers have snapped several streaks in 2023-24. The Dec. 10 win over Michigan State snapped an 11-game losing streak to the Spartans dating back to 2016. The Dec. 17 win over Kansas State broke a seven-game losing streak to the Wildcats dating back to 2009, while the win over Indiana on Jan. 3 was NU's first since 2009, breaking another seven-game losing streak to an opponent.&nbsp;• &nbsp;The Huskers are 19-7 over the last 26 games dating back to Feb. 1, 2023, which ranks second in winning percentage as of Jan. 16. &nbsp;A big reason for that is NU's offense, as NU has averaged 77 ppg on 47 percent shooting in that stretch.• Nebraska enters the Rutgers game averaging 78.3 points per game. It is NU's highest points per game average since averaging 80.2 points per game in the 1995-96 season and on pace to finish in the top 10 in single-season scoring average. &nbsp;It is also more than 10 points per game higher than NU's average at the 17-game mark in 2002-23. NU has climbed from 149th to 28th nationally in offensive efficiency in KenPom as of Jan. 10.• The Huskers are now 24-4 under Fred Hoiberg when scoring at least 80 points, including 19-1 over the last three seasons. The only loss was a 104-100 quadruple overtime game at North Carolina State on Dec. 1, 2021. NU has won its last 17 games when reaching the 80-point plateau.• &nbsp;C.J. Wilcher has been on a tear in recent weeks, averaging 12.4 points per game on 61 percent shooting over the last six contests to raise his season average to 8.2 ppg. He is 15-of-26 from 3-point range (.577) in that stretch with four double-figure efforts in NU's last six games.• Nebraska held Kansas State to 46 points on Dec. 17 in holding the Wildcats to their fewest points since the 2020-21 season and third-fewest total at home since Bramlage Coliseum opened in 1988. &nbsp;It marked the fewest points NU allowed on the road since joining the Big Ten and was only the second time NU had held an opponent under 50 points on the road since the 2011-12 season. Nebraska allowed just 0.68 points per possession, its lowest total in the Big Ten era.• One strength of the Huskers has been getting to the free throw line. NU has shot more free throws in 14 of 17 games in 2023-24 and its +94 differential ranks fourth in the Big Ten as of Jan. 15. Nebraska has had more free throws made (264) than opponents have attempted (257). NU allows just 15.2 free throw attempts per game to rank second in the Big Ten as of Jan. 15.• Nebraska enters Wednesday's game ranked second in the Big Ten in free throw shooting at 75.2 percent. &nbsp;It is on pace to be one of NU's highest season percentages. NU has not shot over 74 percent from the foul line since the 2011-12 season when NU shot a school-record 76.6 percent.&nbsp;• Nebraska's bench has provided a spark, averaging 24.4 points per game. The Huskers' leading scorer has come from the bench six times (Hoiberg-Lindenwood; Wilcher-Rider, North Dakota and South Carolina State; Gary-Stony Brook; Allick-Iowa) and NU has had 16 double-figure efforts from its bench in 2023-24.&nbsp;• Nebraska won its first seven games by 10 or more points. It was just the second time in over 100 years - the other was from Dec. 3-30, 1990 - that the Huskers won seven straight games by double figures.• The Huskers finished non-conference action with a 10-1 mark, matching their best non-conference record since joining the Big Ten (also 2018-19).&nbsp;About RutgersRutgers comes into Wednesday's game with a 9-7 mark following Sunday's loss to Michigan State. Rutgers just finished a stretch of playing three of four on the road to resume Big Ten action. Wednesday's game begins a stretch where they have three home games over the next four contests to close the month.&nbsp;The Scarlet Knights are coached by Steve Pikiell, who is in his eighth season at the school. He guided Rutgers to postseason appearances in each of the past three seasons, including NCAA Tournament berths in 2021 and 2022. &nbsp;Prior to 2021, Rutgers had not been to the NCAA Tournament since 1991.&nbsp;The Scarlet Knights returned a pair of starters and nine letterwinners from a team that won 19 games last season. Aundre Hyatt leads Rutgers with 12 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, while Mawot Mag is at 10.9 ppg and 5.1 rpg. All-Big Ten performer Clifford Omoruyi is one of the conference's top big men as he averages 9.9 ppg and is among the Big Ten leaders in rebounding (9.0 rpg) and blocked shots (3.4 bpg). As a team, Rutgers averages 5.8 blocks per game and holds teams to under 40 percent shooting.&nbsp;Series History: Wednesday's matchup will be the 19th all-time meeting with the Scarlet Knights. Nebraska leads the all-time series 10-8 and has won nine of the 15 meetings since Rutgers joined the Big Ten in 2014-15. Nebraska won the only meeting last year, an 82-72 win in Piscataway. In that game, Keisei Tominaga had 22 points while C.J. Wilcher added 17, including five 3-pointers. Prior to the Scarlet Knights joining the Big Ten, the two teams split a home-and-home series in 2006 and 2007. The only other meeting was a 19-point Rutgers win at the 1999 Hoop and Quill Classic in St. Charles, Mo.A Red-Letter Day: Huskers Knock Off No. 1 PurdueThe 88-72 win over No. 1 Purdue on Jan. 9 marked Nebraska's fourth all-time win against a No. 1 team and first since a 67-51 win at Missouri on Feb. 6, 1982.&nbsp;• The Huskers' other wins against No. 1 teams came in 1958 (Kansas State) and Michigan (1964).&nbsp;• Nebraska snapped an 11-game losing streak against AP No. 1 teams dating back to 1982.• Of Nebraska's four all-time wins against No. 1 teams, Fred Hoiberg's family has been part of two of them. His grandfather, Jerry Bush, coached the Huskers to their 1958 win over No.1 Kansas State.• The win over Purdue was NU's 25th all-time win against a top-10 team in program history.&nbsp;• Nebraska has now beaten at least one top-10 team in each of the past three seasons, the first time that has happened since NU knocked off top-10 teams in four consecutive seasons (1990-91 to 1993-94) under Danny Nee.

Sports