Nebraska is preparing for a crucial matchup against Indiana in their pursuit of a 12-2 season record. The game is scheduled for Wednesday at 8 p.m. at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

The Huskers are aiming to achieve a 12-2 start to the season, a milestone they have not reached since the 1991-92 season. However, they face a tough task as they strive to break a seven-game losing streak to Indiana dating back to the previous season.

This game marks the 27th overall and 18th conference matchup between Nebraska and Indiana. Despite Indiana leading the all-time series 19-7, the Huskers are ready to bring their best performance, especially since they have a 6-11 record against the Hoosiers since joining the Big Ten.

Head coach Fred Hoiberg is well aware of the challenge posed by Indiana’s size and strengths. He has stressed the need for the team to be well-prepared and focused throughout the game.

The potential return of Husker center Rienk Mast is a focal point of the game. Mast has been sidelined for the last two games due to a knee injury. His presence in the lineup could significantly impact the team on both offense and defense. Despite missing games, Mast remains a crucial player for the Huskers, ranking third in minutes played and points per game, and leading the team in rebounding.

Rebounding will play a crucial role in the game against Indiana, as the Huskers have maintained a perfect 9-0 record when out-rebounding their opponents this season. They face a tough challenge in dealing with the size and length of the Hoosiers, particularly with players like 7-foot center Kel’el Ware and 6-foot-9 forward Malik Reneau leading Indiana’s rebounding efforts.

In addition to Mast’s potential return and focus on rebounding, Nebraska will need to maintain a strong assist-to-turnover ratio and capitalize on their 3-point shooting. Head coach Hoiberg emphasized the importance of taking care of the ball and executing the game plan effectively.

As of January 1, Nebraska has maintained a competitive assist-to-turnover ratio and has showcased their ability to make 3-pointers, ranking third in the Big Ten with 8.8 3-pointers per game.

With Nebraska’s recent track record of 17-5 over their last 22 games, the team is eager to secure a win against Indiana and continue to make strides in the Big Ten conference.

Overall, the upcoming game presents a significant challenge for the Huskers, but they are prepared to face Indiana head-on and give it their all as they aim to secure their 12th win of the season.