Preview: Washington Huskies at Nebraska Cornhuskers

LINCOLN, Neb. (Interstat) — The nation’s last remaining unbeaten team, the Nebraska Cornhuskers, will put their perfect record on the line Wednesday night when they host the struggling Washington Huskies in a Big Ten men’s basketball matchup at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Nebraska (18-0, 6-0 Big Ten) has steamrolled its competition, most recently with a 77-58 road win at Northwestern on Saturday. The Cornhuskers’ offense, averaging over 78 points per game, is powered by sharpshooting guard Pryce Sandfort. He is coming off a 22-point performance against the Wildcats and has scored 28 and 22 points in two of his last three outings, providing consistent scoring punch.

Washington (10-8, 1-5) arrives in Lincoln reeling, having lost four of its last five games, including an 80-63 home defeat to Michigan State last Saturday. The Huskies’ fortunes often hinge on the play of guard Zoom Diallo, who leads the team in scoring and assists. Diallo is averaging 17.8 points over his last six games, including a 24-point, 7-assist effort in a win over Utah.

The Huskies’ defense, allowing 76.2 points per game, will face its toughest test yet against a balanced Nebraska attack that features four players averaging double figures. Washington has shown flashes, with a home win over Ohio State this month, but has struggled on the road in conference play.

Nebraska’s defense has been equally formidable, holding opponents to just 60.8 points per game and under 35% shooting from 3-point range. They will look to disrupt Diallo and contain Washington center Franck Kepnang, who had 13 points and two blocks against Michigan State.

The game marks the first meeting between the programs as Big Ten conference foes. A win would extend Nebraska’s best start in program history, while Washington seeks a season-defining upset to reverse its recent slide.

Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST Wednesday.