Post by : Maya Rahman

Rienk Mast delivered a stellar performance, scoring 22 of his total 31 points in the second half to propel Nebraska to an 80-73 win over Winthrop in a nonconference matchup on Tuesday night in Lincoln. Mast showcased remarkable precision, hitting 11 of 18 attempts from the field and an impressive 7 of 10 from beyond the arc, providing the Cornhuskers a critical scoring advantage in crucial moments.

In addition to Mast, Nebraska's Braden Frager and Cale Jacobsen each contributed 11 points, aiding the team to a perfect 7-0 start this season. The Cornhuskers recorded an overall shooting percentage of 42% and successfully converted 13 of 38 three-point attempts (34.2%), highlighting their balanced attack, which neutralized Winthrop's strong rebounding efforts.

Winthrop (3-4) was led by Kareem Rozier, who scored 14 points; Daylen Berry and Pharrell Boyogueno added 12 and 11 points, respectively. The Eagles took advantage of Nebraska forward Berke Buyuktuncel's absence due to an ankle injury, dominating the boards with a 48-38 rebounding advantage. Winthrop remained competitive, exchanging leads throughout the game.

Entering halftime, Winthrop held a narrow 36-32 lead. Nebraska struggled with long-range shooting early on, managing only 4 of 22 three-point attempts (18.2%) in the first half. However, they erupted in the second half, quickly sinking four threes to gain a 44-42 lead with 15:54 remaining. Mast’s scoring surge and improved shooting helped turn the tides.

Nebraska extended its lead to 59-51 with a Mast three-pointer at the 8:40 mark. Mast's on-fire performance continued as he netted two more long-range shots, part of an individual 8-0 run. The Cornhuskers pushed their lead to as much as 13 points with 5:35 left, yet Winthrop rallied back, hitting five straight buckets to close the gap to 72-69, capped by a Rozier three-pointer with 1:45 remaining.

In the final moments, Nebraska regained composure, scoring on consecutive possessions to seal the 80-73 win. This victory extends the Cornhuskers’ win streak to 11—the longest active streak in the nation. Nebraska's blend of effective shooting, balanced scoring, and critical late-game play proved vital in fending off Winthrop's late challenge.

Looking ahead, Winthrop will host South Carolina State on Saturday while Nebraska prepares to welcome South Carolina Upstate. Both teams aim to build on their recent performances, with Nebraska hoping to maintain its perfect record and Winthrop seeking to bounce back from this narrow defeat.

Rienk Mast's impressive second-half effort underscores Nebraska's offensive strength and resilience. Supported by Frager, Jacobsen, and cohesive team execution, the Cornhuskers are proving to be formidable this season. Despite the loss, Winthrop exhibited competitive spirit, making the contest thrilling for fans.

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