Fred Hoiberg reveals biggest issues Nebraska had with Minnesota

Nebraska entered the Big Ten Tournament as hot as anybody in the conference. While the NCAA Tournament was likely out of reach, head coach Fred Hoiberg still had a ton to play for. However, a surprising first-round loss to Minnesota sends the Huskers back to Lincoln.

Hoiberg broke down where Nebraska struggled the most, discussing the size Minnesota brings to the table. This is nothing new, with the Gophers looking to take advantage down low against most opponents. But when Derrick Walker gets into early foul trouble, it’s a recipe for disaster.

“I don’t think they did anything differently,” Hoiberg said. “They posted us up 34 times in the last game at our place. And that’s what they were doing tonight. They were going inside. Derrick picked up two quick fouls in the first half. I think he only played 11 minutes in the first half.

“That’s what they do. They’ve got great length and size across the board. They’re 7′, 6-11, 6-8 at the three, four, five when they go with that big lineup. We are giving up size at every position.”

From inside the three-point line, Minnesota shot over 60%. They were able to get whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted inside. A frustrating night for Hoiberg, especially since Nebraska was hoping to spend multiple days in Chicago.

Fred Hoiberg credits Nebraska in two areas

Hoiberg did lay out two areas where he was proud of Nebraska. He was happy with the rebounding effort, despite losing it by six. Offensive rebounds can kill you against Minnesota but only three were given up on Wednesday night.

The lack of turnovers was mentioned as well by the head coach. Nebraska was not able to overcome the positives though, letting Minnesota get too comfortable.

“I thought we rebounded the ball much better today,” Hoiberg said. “I think we gave them four offensive rebounds. That was a big key coming into this game. We did a solid job of taking care of the ball. Two offensive fouls, I think, of our eight turnovers. So, we took care of it, we rebounded. I don’t think the urgency was where it needed to be early in that game and they got a little to comfortable. That’s where a team gets confident.”

Best case scenario for Hoiberg, his team is suiting up for the NIT later in the month. Nonetheless, positive progress was made this season, going on a bit of a run. Next season will provide NCAA Tournament hopes but for now, a loss to Minnesota will remain on their minds.