Nebraska's Fred Hoiberg Sees Positives in Tough Loss to Michigan

Cornhuskers fought hard despite missing two key players in narrow defeat

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:31am

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Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg found silver linings in his team's narrow 75-72 loss to Michigan, despite blowing a late lead. The Cornhuskers were without two of their top players but still fought hard and proved they can compete with any team in the country, according to Hoiberg.

Why it matters

Nebraska's close loss to a highly ranked Michigan team, while missing key players, shows the Cornhuskers are a formidable squad capable of making noise in the NCAA tournament despite the defeat. Hoiberg's positive outlook could help boost his team's confidence heading into the home stretch of the season.

The details

Nebraska led for over 90% of the game and held a 72-69 advantage with 3:21 remaining, but were unable to score again as Michigan rallied for a 6-0 run to win. The Cornhuskers were without leading scorer Rienk Mast and Braden Frager, who averages 12.2 points per game. Mast's absence was a last-minute decision due to a lack of energy.

  • Nebraska took their first loss of the season on January 28, 2026.
  • The Cornhuskers will host 9th-ranked Illinois in their next game.

The players

Fred Hoiberg

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

Rienk Mast

Nebraska's second-leading scorer, averaging 14.6 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists per game.

Braden Frager

A Nebraska player who averages 12.2 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.

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What they’re saying

“We can compete with anybody in this country.”

— Fred Hoiberg, Head Coach (KETV7)

“About 12 minutes before tip, he said I got no energy. I thought in that first half our pace was great, I thought we ran out of gas a little bit in the second half.”

— Fred Hoiberg, Head Coach (The Daily Nebraskan)

“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 (N/A)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.