Fred Hoiberg credits contributions from Josiah Allick in Northwestern win

Juwan Gary and Josiah Allick often split time at the forward spots for Nebraska, but with Gary out vs. Northwestern, it was Allick who stepped up to help pull the Cornhuskers to victory.

Allick was yet to start a game in January with Gary typically getting the nod at forward, but on Saturday, head coach Fred Hoiberg needed replacements for Gary and tabbed Allick, who came through with his highest-scoring game of the season. The fifth-year senior poured in 15 points, made 80% of his shots from the field, grabbed five boards and provided plenty of physicality down low as Nebraska held on for the 75-69 home victory.

Afterwards, Allick’s performance was brought up in the postgame presser, and Coach Hoiberg praised the super-senior’s increased confidence for the boost he provided on Saturday.

“Yeah, you know, it’s who he is. He’s playing with a lot more confidence,” said Hoiberg. “He went through a little stretch — I thought he struggled a little bit with his confidence and, you know, you can see it in his free throw shooting, he’s taking his time more, his rhythm is better. Even his three, he’s shooting.”

Allick was sort of a go-to option in the first half vs. the Wildcats, says the Nebraska coach — which forced Northwestern to adjust to better defend him in the second half.

“He had good patience I thought in the paint today. And, you know, again, we got the ball into him quite a bit in that first half. We unfortunately couldn’t get it to him much in the second, but he really set the tone for this game with a really physical start and we needed it.”

With another physical veteran in Juwan Gary sidelined, Josiah Allick had to be the one to provide that edge. He couldn’t afford to have a night off like he’s occasionally had. Per Hoiberg, he really came through when the team needed it most.

“You know, when Juwan’s out — Juwan, you know, can probably say he’s the heart and soul of his team with all the little things that he does. But Josiah went out there and I thought he was really, really good for us.”

With guys like Allick stepping up when they’re called on, this Nebraska team just keeps finding a way and is on track for by far its best finish under Fred Hoiberg, and they’re circling their first NCAA Tournament appearance since the old Tim Miles days.