After a historic start to the season where Nebraska was 20-0, the Huskers have now gone 1-3 in their last four games. It all started with a devastating loss to No. 3 Michigan in a game where, if Nebraska had been at full strength, it could have stolen the game from the Wolverines. The Huskers dropped another game right away to No. 9 Illinois, one where Nebraska just didn't look like itself.
The Huskers were able to get back on track against Rutgers, but a game against No. 13 Purdue dropped Nebraska back in the loss column. In a game where Nebraska trailed by nearly 20, the Huskers were able to mount a big comeback adn force the game into overtime. However, Purdue made just a few more big shots than Nebraska in the extra minutes.
Nebraska had a chance to win it in the end with roughly four seconds on the clock and down by just one, and had possession of the ball. As the ball was being inbounded to Jamarques Lawrence, the star guard slipped on some sort of wet substance on the court, and unfortunately, the ball ended up in the hands of Purdue. Sam Hoiberg immediately fouled, sending the Boilermakers to the line.
Here's what Fred Hoiberg had to say about Jamarques Lawrence slipping on some sort of moisture with four seconds to go in OT.
— Jake Bartecki NCN-TV (@bartecki_jake) February 11, 2026
Also my not great shot of the whole play - Purdue bench stood up right in front of me. 🤷♂️#Huskers pic.twitter.com/i1rnHz81SY
"Obviously, it's terribly unfortunate, but yeah, it happened and nothing we can do about it," head coach Fred Hoiberg said.
Hoiberg talked about how Nebraska was ready for the play, even with so little time left, as it is something they practice regularly. Houberg trusted Lawrence to make the right play, but unfortunately, he just never got the chance due to the slip.
It would have been an amazing comeback for Nebraska, which at one point looked like it was completely out of the game.
It feels like the Huskers are caught in a bit of an unlucky streak right now, but they are still a lock for the NCAA Tournament, which looms just a few weeks away. As of right now, Nebraska won't face another ranked opponent in the regular season, so they might be able to win out and still have a favorable seeding in the Big Ten Tournament.