Back-to-back losses brought Nebraska’s 20-0 start and 24-game win streak to a screeching halt as the calendar flipped from January to March. However, after dropping top-10 tilts with Michigan and Illinois, a trip to New Jersey got the Huskers back into the win column over the weekend.
On Saturday, Fred Hoiberg’s team rolled to an 80-68 win over Rutgers in Piscataway, improving to 21-2 (10-2). Rienk Mast broke out of his shooting slump to lead the team with 26 points, but Sam Hoiberg was the engine for Nebraska, chipping in 13 points on 5-7 shooting, seven rebounds, and five assists.
Hoiberg was good enough that Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell took notice and called out his performance in the postgame press conference.
“Tip of the hat, Sam Hoiberg has made himself an unbelievable player in this league, and does all the little things to win basketball games,” Pikiell said unprompted at his press conference.
Another opposing coach, more unsolicited praise for Sam Hoiberg. The ultimate glue guy. pic.twitter.com/cnCg2RObBp
— Robin Washut (@RobinWashut) February 7, 2026
Steve Pikiell calls out Sam Hoiberg’s stellar outing in Nebraska’s win over Rutgers
Well, he is a coach’s son, so maybe it shouldn’t be a surprise that Hoiberg has been beloved by opposing coaches all year long. Pikiell is far from the first opposing coach to call out Nebraska’s point guard amid his fantastic fifth season in Lincoln.
It’s likely no coincidence that Hoiberg’s best year is coinciding with, well, Hoiberg’s best year. Fred’s team has finally broken through largely on the shoulders of his son’s contributions five years after he joined the program as a walk-on.
Through 23 games this season, Hoiberg is averaging 9.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. At 6-foot, he’s found a way to be effective game in and game out. He’s been a good passer and sound decision-maker, but this is also the first year he’s become an efficient scorer, which is not easy at his size. His 5-7 shooting day against Rutgers was far from a blip on the radar.
Hoiberg is shooting 55.2 percent from the field and 41.4 percent from three on 2.5 attempts per game. His outside shot keeps the offense spaced and allows him to attack downhill much easier, which is another of the little things that help Nebraska keep winning games.
The true point guard isn’t extinct. Braden Smith was the Big Ten Player of the Year last season. But it’s a dying breed. Hoiberg is doing his best to keep it, and Nebraska’s hopes of a second-ever NCAA Tournament victory alive, and coaches across the Big Ten have taken notice.