Get ready, college basketball fans! Nebraska is set to clash with BYU in a highly anticipated exhibition game this Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. This isn't just any scrimmage; it's a sneak peek at what's to come for both teams, and a chance to see how the Huskers stack up against a top-ranked opponent.
This Saturday's showdown at 12:01 p.m. marks the first of two exhibition games for Nebraska before the regular season officially tips off against West Georgia on November 3rd. Nebraska is coming off a solid 21-14 season, and they're eager to build on that success.
The Huskers will be led by a combination of returning stars and exciting new talent. Senior guard Jamarques Lawrence is back in the fold after a season at Rhode Island, where he averaged 9.9 points and 2.5 assists per game. And this is the part most people miss: Rienk Mast, a crucial player for Nebraska, returns after missing last season due to knee surgery. Two years ago, Mast was a third-team All-Big Ten performer, averaging 12.3 points and leading the team in rebounds and assists. His return could be a game-changer.
BYU, meanwhile, enters the game with a lot of hype, ranked eighth in the preseason AP poll after a stellar 26-10 season that ended in the NCAA Sweet 16. The Cougars are bringing some serious firepower, including All-Big Ten guard Richie Saunders, and have added top recruit AJ Dybantsa and Baylor transfer Robert Wright III.
But here's where it gets controversial... Nebraska has an impressive exhibition history, boasting a 64-7 all-time record and a dominant 33-2 record since 2001. This game against BYU is their first against a power conference team since 2022. They'll also face Midland in another exhibition on October 27th.
Tickets are available at Huskers.com/Tickets or at the Pinnacle Bank Arena Ticket Office starting at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. You can catch the game on B1G+ and the Husker Sports Network.
What do you think? Will Nebraska's exhibition prowess continue? Are you excited to see the new additions to both teams? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
