What the win means for Nebraska
The win over Northwestern was important for Nebraska on a few different fronts. For starters, it moves Nebraska basketball into a tie for 10th place at 5-10 in the Big Ten. That’s important because if the Huskers can finish 10th, they can avoid the first round of four at the Big Ten tournament.
If the Huskers only hope of making the NCAA tournament is winning the Big Ten tournament, then having to win four games is better than five. Ohio State and Illinois also have six wins and so with a few victories, the Huskers could really improve their Big Ten seed.
Nebraska also kept their faint NCAA tourney hopes alive and need to win against Penn State for them to remain on the bubble. However, at 15-11, the Huskers look like a much better prospect for the NIT.
Two more wins and the Huskers should finish above .500 and with all of their impressive wins and a tough schedule, they should easily get an invite to the NIT, which is a disappointment but still better than sitting at home.