The No. 7 Nebraska Cornhuskers remain undefeated through 20 games, thanks in part to head coach Fred Hoiberg’s fiery halftime message during Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
The Cornhuskers found themselves trailing Minnesota by six points at halftime of their game at Williams Arena in Minneapolis, Minn., mainly because of their faulty defense. The Golden Gophers hit nine 3-pointers in the first half, which was a slap in the face of Nebraska’s stout defense.
Fortunately, Nebraska woke up just in time to turn things around, as the Cornhuskers responded to Hoiberg’s outburst.
Here is the video of Hoiberg giving it to his players in the locker room.
“That’s as bad as a half as we’ve played all year”
— Jake Bartecki NCN-TV (@bartecki_jake) January 25, 2026
Fred Hoiberg was HOT at the half against Minnesota.
These recaps are so electric.
🎥Nebraska Men’s Basketball #Huskers pic.twitter.com/ty4xF6QLJi
The Cornhuskers took control of the game with a 23-8 salvo in the first 10 minutes following the halftime break.
Minnesota showed some life with a mini 4-0 run after a timeout, but the Cornhuskers retaliated with a debilitating 14-0 run on their way to a 76-57 win to collect their ninth victory against a Big Ten opponent and match the program’s best start to conference play since going 9-0 in the Big Eight in the 1965-66 season.
As it stands, the Arizona Wildcats, Miami (OH) RedHawks and Nebraska are the only NCAA Division I teams with unblemished records through Sunday.
Nebraska, which ranked 11th nationally on KenPom with a 94.8 adjusted defensive rating, will have a tough assignment next, as Hoiberg’s squad is scheduled to face the No. 3 Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Tuesday.
