WELCOME IN HUSKER NATION to another episode of the Bleav in Nebraska Podcast — I’m your host Bryan Colbert Jr., and this is your Nebraska Basketball Pregame Show!

The 18–0 Huskers are back home tonight at Pinnacle Bank Arena getting set to take on a 10–8 Washington team that’s been up and down in Big Ten play — but don’t get it twisted: the Huskies have a physical frontcourt and a freshman star who can turn this into a grind if Nebraska isn’t sharp early.

Everyone expects Nebraska’s historic run to continue… but Washington brings a “Big Ten-style” toughness, and if Nebraska lets them hang around, this game can get uncomfortable late. That’s why tonight is about starting strong, defending with purpose, and dictating tempo.

1) GET OFF TO A FAST START
Nebraska has been an elite second-half team — but if this group wants to level up, it has to stop letting teams breathe early. Find the shooters, make shots, and keep that defense locked in. If Nebraska builds an early lead, Washington doesn’t have the firepower to chase it.

2) SLOW DOWN THEIR STAR FRESHMAN: HANNES STEINBACH
Steinbach has been Washington’s bright spot — a legit double-double threat who can score and rebound at a high level. This is a major test for Nebraska’s interior, and a matchup that should bring out the best in Rienk Mast. The goal: keep Steinbach out of easy post touches, make him finish over bodies, and dare him into the kinds of perimeter looks you can live with.

3) PROTECT THE BASKETBALL
Great teams value possessions — and Nebraska’s identity is built on clean offense, low turnovers, and turning teams over on the other end. If Nebraska takes care of the ball and forces Washington into mistakes, the shot volume and shot quality will tilt hard toward the Huskers.

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