New Mexico faces undefeated Nebraska in the Hall of Fame Classic semifinals Thursday. The matchup takes place at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. CT on Nov. 20. Both teams are hungry for early-season statement wins.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Nebraska enters undefeated at 4-0 with an 8-game win streak
- New Mexico is 3-1 after losing to rival New Mexico State
- Pryce Sandfort leads Nebraska, averaging 17.5 ppg with career-high performances
- Tomislav Buljan (freshman) averages double-double for Lobos
- Winner advances to Friday’s championship; loser plays consolation game
What Happened Leading Up to This Matchup
Nebraska dominated Oklahoma 105-99 last Saturday in a stunning comeback. The Huskers trailed 16 points at halftime before erupting offensively. Pryce Sandfort posted career highs of 28 points and 7 assists. Rienk Mast added 26 points including 5-of-7 from 3-point range.
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Nebraska shot 64 percent from the field in the second half. The Huskers scored 61 second-half points, their highest in over 20 years. Fred Hoiberg’s team is averaging 84.8 ppg during its current win streak. The offense is nearly unstoppable.
Meanwhile, New Mexico suffered a 76-68 road loss to New Mexico State last Saturday. Deyton Albury led the Lobos with 18 points. The team allowed NMSU to outscore them 49-41 in the second half. New coach Eric Olen is rebuilding with a completely new roster.
Why This Matchup Matters
Nebraska is building momentum heading into Big Ten play. The Huskers are the nation’s longest active winning streak at eight games. Proving they can beat tournament-caliber opponents matters. If Nebraska wins Friday’s championship, it strengthens their resume significantly.
For New Mexico, a win resets expectations after the NMSU loss. The Lobos entered this season with championship hopes. New Mexico was picked fifth in the Mountain West preseason poll. Beating an undefeated Big Ten team validates Olen’s challenging transition year.
Both teams need to prove staying power. Nebraska‘s offense is exceptional. New Mexico features five scorers averaging 9.5-13.0 ppg. The Lobos have three freshmen scoring double figures, one of only two teams nationally (other is Virginia). This tournament provides crucial early-season evaluation.
Tournament Format and Bracket Details
Four teams compete for the Hall of Fame Classic title. Nebraska plays New Mexico in the first semifinal Thursday at 6:00 p.m. CT. Kansas State faces Mississippi State in the second semifinal at 8:30 p.m. CT. Winners advance to Friday’s championship at 8:30 p.m. CT.
| Matchup | Date | Time (CT) | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska vs. New Mexico | Thursday, Nov. 20 | 6:00 PM | Peacock, NBCSN |
| Kansas State vs. Mississippi State | Thursday, Nov. 20 | 8:30 PM | Peacock, NBCSN |
| Championship Game | Friday, Nov. 21 | 8:30 PM | Peacock, NBCSN |
| Third-Place Game | Friday, Nov. 21 | 6:00 PM | Peacock, NBCSN |
The loser plays in Friday’s third-place game at 6:00 p.m. CT. All sessions are available at T-Mobile Center in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Broadcasting includes Peacock and NBC Sports Network (NBCSN). Radio broadcasts available on select Huskers Radio Network stations.
Can New Mexico’s Youth Squad Upset Nebraska?
The Lobos are young and talented but unproven. Deyton Albury leads with 13.0 ppg. Freshman Tomislav Buljan has three double-doubles through four games. These young players haven’t faced many elite opponents. Nebraska’s size and experience could overwhelm them.
But New Mexico has talent. Five players score between 9.5-13.0 ppg. The Lobos can put points on the board quickly. First-year coach Eric Olen successfully rebuilt UC San Diego before the school joined Division I. He knows how to build culture fast. His teams play smart basketball.
The question is whether New Mexico can handle Nebraska’s shooting. The Huskers average 12.0 three-pointers per game, leading the Big Ten. They shot 15 three-pointers against Oklahoma. If Nebraska gets hot early, New Mexico could fall behind quickly. The Lobos must control pace and limit Nebraska’s offensive opportunities.
Sources
- Official Hall of Fame Classic – Tournament schedule and format information
- Nebraska Huskers Athletics (Huskers.com) – Game preview and team statistics
- New Mexico Lobos Athletics (GoLobos.com) – Team information and schedule details
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.