Key Highlights
- Nebraska faces off against Florida International in their first-ever matchup.
- FIU is led by head coach Jeremy Ballard, who aims to avoid a last-place finish in the conference for another season.
- The Golden Panthers have seen significant turnover over the offseason with 15 different newcomers joining the team.
- Nebraska secured a 30-25 halftime lead against West Georgia before pulling away for an 86-53 victory.
Introduction to the Matchup
The Nebraska Cornhuskers men’s basketball team prepares for their first-ever matchup with Florida International (FIU) Panthers on Saturday, November 8. The Huskers aim to build momentum following a slow opening night win against West Georgia.
About FIU Panthers
Florida International head coach Jeremy Ballard leads the Panthers into this crucial game as he seeks to avoid another last-place finish in Conference USA (CUSA). Ballard, who has been at FIU for eight seasons and holds the school’s all-time Division I wins record, will be relying on a roster that features 15 different newcomers over the offseason. Notably, only Ashton Williamson returns from last season’s squad.
Key Players and Transfers
Hamed “Larry” Olayinka, a seasoned forward, dropped 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in FIU’s season opener against Florida National. Other notable transfers include Zawdie Jackson, who averaged 10.1 points from the three-point line at New Mexico State, and Corey Stephenson, a former JUCO product averaging double figures last season.
Rienk Mast, a forward for Nebraska, contributed with a double-double in their opener against West Georgia, securing 10 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman Braden Frager provided significant bench support with 22 points off the bench.
FIU’s Impact Transfers/Newcomers
The Golden Panthers’ impact players include:
- Hamed “Larry” Olayinka – Forward, senior, marks his fourth school in four years with a 25-point performance.
- Zawdie Jackson – Guard, senior, averaged 10.1 points and shot 37.6% from three at New Mexico State.
- Corey Stephenson – Forward/Guard, senior, averaged double figures last season at CSU Bakersfield before joining FIU.
- Brit Harris – Guard, senior, started in 15 of 30 games for USC Upstate and shot over 37% from three.
- – Guard, senior, led Houston Christian with 15 points per game.
- Kennedy Brown – Forward, graduate student, joined FIU after a career at Roosevelt.
Outlook for the Game
Facing off against Nebraska, who secured an 86-53 win over West Georgia in their season opener, will be a significant test for FIU. The Huskers are expected to continue their momentum and pull away from the Panthers.
Jeremy Ballard hopes to see more consistent rotations with Zawdie Jackson, Corey Stephenson, and Eric Dibami potentially starting alongside Hamed “Larry” Olayinka in the lineup. However, Ballard played 12 players in the season opener, indicating potential variations in the rotation.
The game will be broadcasted on B1G+ and can also be listened to through the Huskers Radio Network and affiliates at 12 p.m. CST.
