Nebraska pulls off upset against No. 23 Ohio State on the road

After facing criticism for a disappointing season, Fred Hoiberg’s Nebraska team pulled off a 78-70 upset win over Ohio State on the road in Columbus, Ohio. The Cornhuskers move to 9-21 on the season and 3-16 in Big Ten play but ride a two-game win streak heading into their final regular season game against Wisconsin.

Nebraska’s upset big over Ohio State was led by freshman Bryce McGowens, a former On3 consensus four-star player and top 30 recruit in the country. The 6-foot-6 guard and NBA Draft prospect scored 26 points with four rebounds. Xavier transfer CJ Wilcher also added 15 points off the bench.

Prior to Tuesday, Nebraska’s only Big Ten road victories in Hoiberg’s tenure came against Penn State. However the team now rides a two-game road streak and break an 0-24 streak against top 25 teams.

Fred Hoiberg at Nebraska

Nebraska made its stance clear on head coach Fred Hoiberg’s future on Thursday. He is not going anywhere.

Nebraska athletic director Trev Alberts announced that Hoiberg will return for the 2022-23 season. The announcement comes as the Cornhuskers are in the midst of a 7-20 season, including a 1-15 conference record.

Alberts also confirmed Hoiberg agreed to a new, restructured contract. His salary is now $3.25 million, his $500,000 say bonus is gone and his buyout is now $11 million, according to the Omaha World-Herald’s Jimmy Watkins.

Shortly after Alberts made the announcement, the Cornhuskers released statements from him and Hoiberg regarding the decision.

“Over the past few weeks, I have had several productive meetings with Coach Hoiberg, and we agree the results of our team are not acceptable,” Alberts stated. “No one is more disappointed or frustrated than Fred Hoiberg. I have known Fred for a long time and watched him build and lead successful teams.

“Fred has presented a plan to me that I believe is in the best long-term interest of the Nebraska Athletic Department and our men’s basketball program. Additionally, Fred has agreed to restructure his contract to help us make the changes that are necessary to reorient our program. I believe in Fred and look forward to working with him as he executes his vision for the future of Nebraska men’s basketball.”