No. 12 Nebraska Looks to Regain Early-Season Form Against Maryland

The Cornhuskers have struggled with injuries lately, while the Terrapins have seen a bright spot in freshman Andre Mills

Feb. 24, 2026 at 3:55pm

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No. 12 Nebraska and Maryland have had vastly different seasons so far in the Big Ten, but both teams have regressed in recent weeks. The Cornhuskers, who started the season 20-0, have dealt with injuries to key players like Rienk Mast and Braden Frager, while the struggling Terrapins have found a bright spot in freshman Andre Mills. Nebraska will look to regain its early-season form when the teams meet on Wednesday night in Lincoln.

Why it matters

This matchup between two Big Ten teams heading in opposite directions adds intrigue, as Nebraska tries to get back on track and Maryland looks to build momentum around its young star player. The game could have implications for Nebraska's NCAA Tournament seeding, while Maryland is hoping to finish the season strong despite its overall struggles.

The details

Nebraska has seen its top three scorers dealing with injuries and health issues lately. Rienk Mast and Braden Frager have struggled to regain their form after missing time, and starter Jamarques Lawrence and Berke Buyuktuncel also missed the last game with injuries. The Cornhuskers' leading scorer, Pryce Sandfort, has remained healthy and delivered a career-high 33 points in the last game. For Maryland, freshman Andre Mills has been a bright spot, scoring a career-high 39 points in a loss to Northwestern and then delivering in the clutch to lead the Terrapins to a win over Washington.

  • Nebraska started the season 20-0 before its recent struggles.
  • Rienk Mast and Braden Frager have been dealing with injuries and health issues for the Cornhuskers in recent weeks.
  • Andre Mills scored a career-high 39 points for Maryland in a loss to Northwestern on Wednesday.
  • Maryland defeated Washington 64-60 on Saturday, with Mills scoring 7 of his 21 points in the final 1:45.

The players

Pryce Sandfort

Nebraska's leading scorer, who delivered a career-high 33 points in the last game.

Andre Mills

A freshman who has been a bright spot for Maryland, scoring a career-high 39 points in a loss to Northwestern and then delivering in the clutch to lead the Terrapins to a win over Washington.

Rienk Mast

A top-three scorer for Nebraska who has struggled to regain his form after dealing with severe dehydration.

Braden Frager

Another of Nebraska's top three scorers who has been dealing with an ankle injury and is working to regain his form.

Buzz Williams

The head coach of Maryland, who has praised Andre Mills' ability to get to the rim and make free throws.

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What they’re saying

“His ability to get to the rim has continued to increase. When that becomes, he's getting fouled and making free throws, I'm excited about where he's going to go.”

— Buzz Williams, Maryland Head Coach

“Me working out every day at 5 a.m., it's just coming to life, just showing the world.”

— Andre Mills

“I need a guy who can go get us some extra possessions, some rebounds and play with a swagger, and I thought he got back to that today.”

— Fred Hoiberg, Nebraska Head Coach

What’s next

Nebraska will look to get its injured players back to full health as it tries to regain its early-season form and secure a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. Maryland will continue to build around its young star Andre Mills and try to finish the season strong despite its overall struggles.

The takeaway

This game showcases the divergent paths of two Big Ten teams, with Nebraska trying to rediscover its dominant early-season play and Maryland finding a bright spot in freshman Andre Mills as it endures a difficult season. The outcome could have significant implications for Nebraska's postseason aspirations.