Nebraska Star Mast Misses Michigan Game Due to Illness

Head coach Fred Hoiberg shares details on Rienk Mast's status after he was unable to play against the Wolverines.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 2:23pm

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Nebraska forward Rienk Mast missed the Cornhuskers' game against Michigan on Tuesday night due to an illness that left him unable to keep down even small sips of water, according to head coach Fred Hoiberg. Mast, the team's second-leading scorer, was a game-time decision but ultimately determined he did not have the energy to play. Nebraska went on to lose a close game to Michigan without Mast's contributions.

Why it matters

Mast's absence was a significant loss for Nebraska, as he is a key contributor on both ends of the floor. The Cornhuskers struggled offensively in the second half without Mast's scoring and rebounding, ultimately falling short against the Wolverines. His status will be crucial as Nebraska looks to bounce back against another top-10 opponent in Illinois.

The details

Hoiberg said he spoke with Mast about 12 minutes before tipoff, and the 6-9 forward told the coach he "can't do it" and had "no energy" due to an illness that prevented him from keeping down even small sips of water. Mast is currently averaging 14.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game for Nebraska.

  • Mast was ruled out about 12 minutes before the game against Michigan tipped off on January 28, 2026.

The players

Rienk Mast

A 6-9 forward who is Nebraska's second-leading scorer, averaging 14.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.

Fred Hoiberg

The head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“About 12 minutes before tip, I went in and talked to him. Said, 'What do you think?' He said 'Coach, I can't do it.' Said, 'I got no energy.' He couldn't keep anything down. I mean, even sips of water he couldn't keep down. It's unfortunate but I give our guys all the credit in the world for the fight that they showed in that game from start to finish.”

— Fred Hoiberg, Head Coach

What’s next

Nebraska will look to bounce back from the loss to Michigan when they host the Illinois Fighting Illini on Sunday. Mast's status for that game will be a key storyline as the Cornhuskers try to avenge their only loss of the season so far.

The takeaway

Mast's illness-related absence was a significant blow for Nebraska, as the team struggled offensively without his scoring and rebounding contributions. The Cornhuskers will need to find a way to replace his production if he is unable to play against Illinois, as they look to get back on track after their first loss of the season.