
Wed Feb 25 21:40:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Nebraska Basketball Team Hit by Illness and Injuries Ahead of Maryland Game
The Story:
The Nebraska men’s basketball team is facing a challenging situation as they prepare to face Maryland. Several players have been battling illness, with star guard Jamarques Lawrence the latest to be affected by a flu bug that has already sidelined Rienk Mast and Berke Buyuktuncel. Lawrence also suffered an ankle injury in the previous game against Penn State, adding to the team’s depth concerns. Head coach Fred Hoiberg expressed hope that the illness won’t spread further throughout the team, as several players have already been affected to varying degrees. Despite the setbacks, the team believes the game against Maryland is winnable, even if Lawrence is unable to play or is not at 100%.
Key Points:
- Jamarques Lawrence injured his ankle in the game against Penn State on Saturday.
- Lawrence has also contracted the flu and had to leave Monday’s film session.
- Rienk Mast and Berke Buyuktuncel both missed games recently due to a severe flu.
- Sam Hoiberg was also reportedly ill during the game Mast missed.
- Coach Fred Hoiberg hopes the illness won’t spread further through the team.
- The game against Maryland is considered winnable even without a fully healthy Lawrence.
- The team’s next three games are against teams with 18 or more wins, making rest for Lawrence a consideration.
Key Takeaways:
- Nebraska’s basketball team is facing significant challenges due to a combination of injuries and widespread illness.
- The timing of these health issues is particularly concerning given the team’s upcoming schedule against strong opponents.
- The team’s depth is being tested, and other players will need to step up if Nebraska hopes to maintain its winning record.
- The coaching staff is weighing the importance of the Maryland game against the potential benefits of resting key players for tougher matchups ahead.
- The team’s performance against Maryland will be a good indicator of their resilience and ability to overcome adversity.