Photo: Dylan Widger ~ Imagn Images
EAST LANSING ~ Michigan State traveled to Lincoln and came away with a hard-fought 58-56 loss to No. 13 Nebraska. Both teams entered the game locked at 33-33 at halftime, but Nebraska edged ahead in the second, thanks to a key 3-pointer by senior forward Rienk Mast with just under two minutes remaining. The Spartans shot 17-for-50 from the field (34%) and 10-for-28 from 3-point range (35%), while Nebraska finished at 18-for-57 (32%) and matched MSU’s 3-point percentage with 13-for-37.
Turnovers plagued MSU throughout the night. The Spartans committed 19 giveaways, compared to just eight by Nebraska, an imbalance tipping the scale in a tightly contested matchup. Michigan State struggled to regain momentum as Nebraska’s defense repeatedly disrupted its flow, a factor that ultimately proved decisive in the close finish.
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(CONTINUED) Nebraska leaned on balance and timely shooting to secure the win. Mast led the Cornhuskers with 19 points, showing poise in the paint and beyond the arc. Junior forward Pryce Sandfort chipped in 13 points, helping Nebraska maintain offensive flow. The Huskers’ ability to hit key shots late and keep their composure under pressure proved decisive in a game that came down to the final second.
In the closing moments, Michigan State had a chance to tie the game. Senior center Carson Cooper stepped to the line for a one-and-one with less than a second remaining, but the pressure proved overwhelming. He missed the first free throw, and on the second attempt, after a lane violation was called, the Spartans’ hopes evaporated. Nebraska escaped with a 58-56 victory, leaving Michigan State to rue a night of missed opportunities and costly mistakes. The Spartans return home Monday as they welcome USC.
