When the Nebraska basketball tips off against the Northwestern Wildcats, they’ll be without Berke Buyuktuncel for the second straight game.
The Huskers’ big man sprained his ankle last week when NU managed to topple Ohio State. It was during a period of time when the transfer was having arguably his best game since coming to Lincoln. He then had to miss the Nebrasketball game against Maryland, a game where Fred Hoiberg missed one of his best big men in a close loss they were hoping would be a big upset win.
That loss also snapped the Nebraska basketball team’s four game winning streak and now the Huskers will look to start a new streak against a Wildcats team that has been struggling mightily of late.
Starters vs. Northwestern. ✊ pic.twitter.com/ZH6zEqruuh
— Nebraska Men's Basketball (@HuskerMBB) February 16, 2025
Nebraska basketball out a big man for crucial contest
On the season, Berke Buyuktuncel is averaging just over 7 points per game while hauling down just over 5 rebounds per contest. While none of his stats are exactly eye-popping, he was able to offer a big body that opposing teams need to contend with.
Instead, the Huskers will go with a smaller lineup on Sunday against Northwestern with Brice Williams, Juwan Gary and Andrew Morgan in the front court and Rollie Worster and Sam Hoiberg starting in the backcourt.
The smaller Nebraska basketball starting five is something head coach Fred Hoiberg has used a couple of times lately and while it didn’t work against Maryland and Derik Queen, it could have more success against a Wildcats squad that doesn’t exactly have dominant men down low.