Nebraska men’s basketball faced off against No. 8 BYU in a highly anticipated exhibition game on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The match, held at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, was a thrilling contest that saw the Huskers come out on top with a final score of 90-89. This article breaks down the key moments, standout performances, and statistical highlights from the game.
Game Overview: A Back-and-Forth Battle
The game started with both teams trading blows, with BYU taking an early lead. However, Nebraska quickly responded, showcasing their depth and offensive firepower. The first half was tightly contested, with BYU leading 50-46 at the break. Nebraska’s Rienk Mast was instrumental in keeping the Huskers competitive, scoring 19 points by halftime.
As the second half began, Nebraska took control, extending their lead to as much as 11 points. Despite a late surge from BYU, the Huskers managed to hold on for the win. The game featured several key moments, including a dramatic 8-0 run by Nebraska that tied the game at 26-26 in the first half.
Key Performances: Rienk Mast and AJ Dybantsa Shine
Rienk Mast was the star of the game for Nebraska, finishing with 31 points, including 7 three-pointers. His performance was particularly impressive given that he had missed the previous season due to injury. Mast also contributed 5 rebounds and 2 assists.
AJ Dybantsa, who is expected to be a key player for Nebraska this season, added 30 points and 7 rebounds. He was a consistent threat throughout the game, hitting 10-of-19 shots from the field and 8-of-8 from the free-throw line.
For BYU, AJ Dybantsa led the way with 30 points, while Khadim Mboup recorded a double-double with 11 rebounds and 11 points. Richie Saunders and Aleksej Kostić also reached double figures, each scoring 11 points.
Statistical Breakdown: Shooting Efficiency and Key Plays
Nebraska dominated the shooting stats, making 50% of their field goals and 47.1% of their three-point attempts. In contrast, BYU shot 45.3% from the field and 32.3% from beyond the arc. The Huskers also had more second-chance points (21) compared to BYU’s 14.
Nebraska’s defense played a crucial role in the victory, forcing 5 turnovers and holding BYU to just 21 second-chance points. The team also outrebounded BYU, 41-39, thanks in part to Jamarques Lawrence’s 7 rebounds and 9 assists.
First Half: Neck-and-Neck Action
The first half was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading leads multiple times. BYU led 19-13 early on, but Nebraska made a strong push, tying the game at 26-26 with an 8-0 run. By halftime, BYU held a narrow 50-46 lead, thanks in large part to Rienk Mast’s 19 points.
Nebraska’s offense was fueled by its three-point shooting, with Mast and other players connecting from long range. The Huskers’ ability to hit outside shots kept them in the game despite being behind at the half.
Second Half: Nebraska Takes Control
In the second half, Nebraska took control of the game, going on a 7-0 run to start the half and eventually building a double-digit lead. The Cougars tried to make a comeback, but Nebraska’s defense held strong, limiting BYU’s scoring opportunities.
Despite a late rally from BYU, which cut the deficit to one point with under 14 seconds left, Nebraska managed to seal the victory. The final play of the game saw BYU unable to capitalize on a key possession, allowing Nebraska to take the win.
Post-Game Reactions and Outlook
After the game, BYU head coach Kevin Young praised his team’s effort, stating that they learned a lot from the matchup. “It was a good experience for us to play a well-coached team like Nebraska,” he said. “We have a lot to work on, but I feel good about where we are.”
For Nebraska, the win is a positive sign heading into the regular season. The Huskers will face Midland University in another exhibition game on October 27 before their season opener against West Georgia on November 3.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Nebraska’s next game is against Midland University on October 27, followed by their regular-season opener against West Georgia on November 3. The Huskers will look to build on their momentum from the exhibition game.
BYU, meanwhile, faces a tough test in the Bad Boy Mowers Series when they take on No. 25 North Carolina on October 24. The Cougars will need to regroup and focus on improving their shooting efficiency and defensive intensity.
Why This Game Matters
This exhibition game was significant for both programs. For Nebraska, it provided an opportunity to evaluate their new roster and showcase their talent. For BYU, it was a chance to test their team against a high-level opponent and prepare for the upcoming season.
The game also highlighted the growing interest in college basketball, especially with the increased availability of exhibition games against D1 programs. This change has allowed teams to schedule more meaningful matchups and gain valuable experience.
Conclusion: A Thrilling Exhibition Game
The BYU vs. Nebraska basketball exhibition game was a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and determination. Nebraska’s strong shooting and defensive efforts proved to be the difference in the close contest. With both teams looking to improve and grow, this game sets the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Stay tuned for more updates on the latest sports news and analysis. Whether you’re a fan of college basketball or simply interested in the latest trends, there’s always something happening in the world of sports.
Author: Jordan Thompson
Title/Role: Sports Analyst & Journalist
Credentials: With over 10 years of experience covering college basketball, Jordan has written extensively on NCAA tournaments, player development, and game strategies. He has contributed to major sports publications and is known for his in-depth analysis and engaging storytelling.
Profile Link: Jordan Thompson Sports Blog
Sources:
1. KETV NewsWatch 7
2. Nebraska Athletics
3. BYU Cougars Official Site
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