Fred Hoiberg opens up on Derrick Walker's struggles in Northwestern loss

Nebraska suffered their second straight loss Wednesday night, falling to the hands of Northwestern 78-63. This was the seventh straight time the Wildcats have gotten the best of the Cornhuskers, with Northwestern’s defense being a big factor in the latest matchup. Northwestern did a particularly good job of slowing down Nebraska’s leading scorer Derrick Walker, which Cornhuskers head coach Fred Hoiberg spoke about following the game.

“Yeah they made it tough on Derrick, Derrick made some uncharacteristic turnovers in there, and listen when the ball’s in Derrick’s hands he’s shown time and time again that he makes good decisions and good things happen,” Hoiberg said. “Tonight was not one of those days for whatever reason.”

Walker had five turnovers in Wednesday’s game, contributing to 16 total Nebraska had as the lost the turnover battle. He averages 13.6 points per game and 7.5 rebounds for Nebraska, but was held to just seven points and four rebounds versus the Wildcats thanks to their stingy defensive effort.

“And give Northwestern credit for coming out there and making it difficult, (Matthew) Nicholson‘s big, he did a good job of walling him up and Derrick just couldn’t get in any type of rhythm tonight unfortunately for us,” Hoiberg said.

Walker and the Huskers didn’t have a poor shooting day, as he made 50% of his shots and Nebraska ended the night shooting 47.2% from the field. But Northwestern did a great job of limiting their shot attempts and opportunities, while also crashing the boards, out-rebounding Nebraska 35-23.

“Obviously he’s a huge part of what we do and within our system and getting the ball in the top of the floor and making plays,” Hoiberg explained. “But we just, again, had some uncharacteristic turnovers and that led to easy baskets for their team.”

The last few games have been feast or famine for Walker, as he’s continued to go back and for between high and low scoring outings. Walker tied a season-high with 22 points in a win versus Minnesota and ever since has gone back and forth from single-digit scoring games to 19-plus point scoring games.

Walker has been tasked with being the offensive engine of a struggling Nebraska offensive attack, as the Cornhuskers have been averaging just 66 points per game ranking third worst in the conference. They currently rank second to last in the current Big Ten standings, 5.5 games behind first place, and will be looking to turn things around when they face Maryland on the road this Saturday.