LINCOLN — Just six minutes into the home game against Maryland on Wednesday night, the Nebraska Huskers found themselves in a tough spot, with more turnovers than points. As they aimed for their second consecutive home victory, the team needed an offensive spark against the Terrapins” complex defensive schemes.
That spark came from Braden Frager. After a defensive steal, Frager surged towards the basket, drawing a foul and scoring Nebraska”s first points. He followed that up with another steal and a layup, showcasing his aggressive play. Shortly thereafter, the Huskers took their first lead thanks to a three-pointer by Pryce Sandfort, marking the start of a scoring run.
Despite dealing with fatigue due to a long season and a limited seven-man rotation over the past month, Frager has regained his confidence following a sprained ankle that sidelined him during the latter part of his redshirt freshman year. As the team prepares for a two-game road trip in Los Angeles, starting Saturday at USC, the Huskers recognize Frager”s potential to be their X-factor, especially after a hard-fought battle against Maryland.
“You can tell how much better he is feeling,” said Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg after the victory at Pinnacle Bank Arena. “You could tell he went through a struggle, and a lot of that had to do with his ankle and knee. You can see he is back to 100%. His shot and balance look much improved, and he was a monster all night.”
Frager was a standout performer against Maryland, leading all scorers with 21 points on 6-of-13 shooting. He also demonstrated his shooting range, sinking three of his nine attempts from beyond the arc, and he was perfect from the free-throw line. Beyond scoring, his eight rebounds were crucial, allowing Nebraska to finish defensive possessions effectively and transition to offense smoothly.
“One thing coach Hoiberg talks about a lot is when the shot isn”t falling, go do something to create energy in another way,” Frager remarked after the game. “Getting on the floor and chasing rebounds helped me regain my rhythm and boosted my confidence in scoring.”
Frager”s performance against Maryland was reminiscent of his earlier season form prior to his ankle injury. This game marked his first 20-point outing since Nebraska”s home loss to Illinois, when he struggled with confidence and lacked explosiveness due to his injury. Now, with 36 points over his last two games, he is showcasing a rejuvenated game.
“With my injury, I couldn”t practice outside of regular sessions,” Frager explained. “Now that I”m feeling better, I can get back in the gym and see the ball go in the hoop. Confidence is crucial for me, and it has shown in these last two games.”
While Frager may not be the sole key to Nebraska”s success in the final stretch of the season, his contributions significantly raise the team”s potential. His playmaking skills will be vital against a USC squad known for its size and physical play, averaging nearly six blocks per game. Frager”s ability to attack the rim and pursue rebounds creates additional opportunities for Nebraska.
Moreover, his length and defensive versatility will be essential in combating USC”s wing players like Chad Baker-Maza and Alijah Arena. A confident Frager not only enhances Nebraska”s offensive capabilities but also bolsters their defense, and it appears he is regaining his form at the perfect moment.
“We know Frager is incredibly talented and can do things many of us can”t,” said senior guard Sam Hoiberg. “But when he focuses on those smaller aspects of the game, we become a very difficult team to defeat.”
