WATCH: Derrick Walker praises Sam Hoiberg for clutch steal in Nebraska's 70-66 overtime win over Maryland
The Nebraska Cornhuskers were able to come back late in the second half to force overtime against the Maryland Terrapins on Sunday night. Then, they got a clutch steal from Sam Hoiberg in the overtime period that proved to be crucial in the final outcome. With 37.7 seconds remaining in OT, Hoiberg stole the Maryland inbounds pass, and took it the other way for an easy layup, to put Nebraska up 67-64 with 34 seconds left in the game. The Huskers ended up prevailing, 70-66, and Hoiberg’s steal proved to be a game-changing play. Following Sunday night’s victory, Nebraska forward Derrick Walker praised Hoiberg in the post-game press conference, because he knows how much work his teammate puts in.
You can watch the press conference clip below or read the transcribed version below it.
“I’m proud of these guys, man. I’m proud of him [Sam Hoiberg] for making plays, bro, because y’all don’t see him in practice. He plays hard. He plays hard. Sometimes guys tell him to tone it down a little bit, but he plays hard and he deserves everything. He deserved to get that steal. He puts in the work, man. I’m just so proud of him,” Walker said of his teammate.
Nebraska had a number of players contribute in the win
Walker had an impressive performance himself, carrying the Huskers with 23 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. He also added three blocks. Hoiberg finished with nine points and six rebounds, in a scrappy performance. Nebraska also got 20 points from their sharpshooter, Keisei Tominaga. Speaking of Tominaga, he’s been insanely hot lately. On Sunday he became the first Nebraska player with five straight 20-plus point performances since Tyronn Lue.
Nebraska has now won three straight games and four of their last five. Up next, they’ll face off against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Feb. 25. Tip-off for that one is slated for 3:30 PM EST and the game will be televised on the Big Ten Network.