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With Keita out, Nebraska will rely on Breidenbach's hustle, effort

Robin Washut profile picby:Robin Washut•01/02/23•

RobinWashut

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(Photo: Nebraska Athletics)

Wilhelm Breidenbach checked in with 13:29 left in the first half for his first action in Nebraska’s win over Iowa.

Forty-two seconds later, the sophomore forward was back on the bench after picking up two fouls.

Rather than hang his head and pout about his quick exit, Breidenbach stayed positive and engaged on the bench. When the Huskers called his name again in the second half, he responded with two points, seven rebounds (five offensive), and two blocks.

“In the second half, I thought he made as big of an impact as anybody on the floor just with hustle plays,” NU head coach Fred Hoiberg said. “Going out and getting second-chance opportunities – those are momentum builders and get your crowd into it. 

“You saw how appreciative our fans were when Wilhelm was getting those extra opportunities for our group.”

Nebraska will count on Breidenbach just as much on Tuesday night when the Huskers travel to take on Michigan State. Hoiberg confirmed that Blaise Keita would miss his second straight game with an ankle he suffered against Queens on Dec. 20.

“Blaise won’t play tomorrow,” Hoiberg said. “He’s making strides. He’s getting back out there in drills and feels a lot better than what he did. But just not quite ready to go yet.”

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Hoiberg is confident Breidenbach’s shooting will pick up

Nebraska will need every minute of Breidenbach’s hustle it can get against the Spartans. Like every Tom Izzo team, MSU thrives on crashing the boards on both ends of the floor. 

But Hoiberg also hopes the California native can help the Huskers as a scoring threat. 

Breidenbach was lauded as a two-level shooter coming out of Santa Ana (California) Mater Dei. But he’s hit just 39.3% from the field and is 3-for-18 (16.7%) from behind the arc this season.

“He’s going to start making shots,” Hoiberg said. “He’s making them in practice, and he’s hit a couple in games. His stroke looks better; it looks more confident. 

“Again, the versatility that Wilhelm gives our team because of his ability to play both frontcourt spots … he’s going to have a big impact in the second half of the season for us.”

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