Three men in the Nebraska athletic department improved their stock greatly Tuesday night.
On the floor, Bryce McGowens improved his Big Ten Freshman of the Year candidacy with 26 points to lead Nebraska (9-21, 3-16 Big Ten) past No. 23 Ohio State (18-9, 11-7 Big Ten) 78-70 in Columbus.
Why that award mattered a little more in this game? On Monday, Ohio State coach Chris Holtman told 97.1 The Fan that McGowens wouldn’t be getting his vote as top freshman in the league.
“They have a freshman (Bryce McGowens) who’s battling for Freshman of the Year. He’s not going to get my vote.”
On the bench, Fred Hoiberg gave his doubters something to ponder. Hoiberg has delivered back-to-back road wins for the first time in his tenure at Nebraska. Tuesday night also marked the first win over a ranked opponent after dropping the last 24 games, going back to 2019.
Back in Lincoln, Nebraska athletic director Trev Alberts earned more acceptance about his decision to retain Hoiberg for another year. Alberts said last week that Hoiberg sold him on the future of the program. That future looks better when you win road games against ranked opponents.
The Huskers led most of the way against the Buckeyes, but did not take control right away. Ohio State led by as much as seven in the first half, and was up 30-29 with 5:51 to go until halftime.
Nebraska used an 8-0 to take over and lead by four at the half. Ohio State hit a 3 with 10 seconds left to mark their only made field goal in the final 8:11.
Most of the second half was played with the game separated by at least two possessions. The Huskers stretch the lead to 11 with 3:33 before 7-0 Buckeye run.
But Nebraska did what was necessary in the final minute: make free throws. The Huskers made five in the last 51 seconds to seal the victory.
Alonzo Verge Jr. controlled the offense with 11 assists to go with 13 points.
Helping out his brother, Trey McGowens locked up Malaki Branham to the tune of 16 points on 5-of-11 shooting. Branham is another Big Ten Freshman of the Year candidate.
CJ Wilcher scored 15 points, 13 of which came in the first half.
The Huskers shot 49.1 percent for the game, including 9-of-23 from 3 and 15-of-18 at the free throw line.
Down to just a single regular season game left, Nebraska heads to No. 10 Wisconsin Sunday before the Big Ten Tournament next week.