An early cushion proved to be the difference Thursday night in Kansas City.
Nebraska men’s basketball used an 11-2 start to go on to an 84-72 victory over New Mexico in the opening game of the Hall of Fame Classic at the T-Mobile Center. NU stays undefeated at 5-0 while UNM falls to 3-2.
We got five on it. pic.twitter.com/wb1och4R9B
— Nebraska Men’s Basketball (@HuskerMBB) November 21, 2025
The longest active win streak in the nation is extended to nine games, with the Big Red having closed last year with a 4-0 run in the College Basketball Crown. In neutral-site games, the Huskers are on a nine-game win streak that goes back to the Diamond Head Classic last December.
Nebraska’s lead in the first half stretched to as many as 20 points before New Mexico tore off on a 12-3 run. But the Lobos would be held without a point for the final 4:35 of the half.
In the middle of that stretch, New Mexico’s leading scorer on the year was ejected after a flagrant two foul against Deyton Albury. The Bahamas native punched Nebraska guard Connor Essegian in the head.
Deyton Albury with the cheap shot to Connor Essegian’s head. pic.twitter.com/D72v1xQWxw
— Steve Marik (@Steve_Marik) November 21, 2025
After having time to make adjustments to life without Albury, the Lobos got some stuff figured out. While Nebraska started the second half cold, New Mexico tore off on a 22-8 run to cut the deficit to just four points with 12:31 to go.
Nebraska pushed the lead back up, but not by much, for the rest of the game. Although it stretched to as many as 15 points, it was back in single digits in the final minute before the final difference of eight points.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers mascot performs against the New Mexico Lobos during the first half of the game at T-Mobile Center. / Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Jamarques Lawrence led all scorers with 21 points. The senior made four three-pointers, adding four assists, three rebounds, and a steal.
Braden Frager came off the bench to pitch in 20 points, also making four three-pointers. Rienk Mast added 17 points.
Nebraska shot 47.4% for the game, including 13-of-25 from deep. New Mexico made 38.8% of its shots, including 13-of-44 three-pointers.
Neither team took care of the ball particularly well. After just five turnovers in 40 minutes against Oklahoma on Saturday, Nebraska committed 18 on Thursday, leading to 14 Lobo points. New Mexico committed 16 turnovers, leading to 20 Husker points.
Nebraska Cornhuskers guard Jamarques Lawrence shoots a layup as New Mexico Lobos forward Tomislav Buljan defends during the first half of the game at T-Mobile Center. / Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Nebraska will play in the championship game of the event on Friday at 8:30 p.m. CST. The Huskers will take on the winner of Kansas State and Mississippi State. The game will be streamed on Peacock.
Have a question or comment for Kaleb? Send an email to [email protected].
Nebraska Men’s Basketball 2025-26 Schedule
Home games are bolded. All times central.
Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube, and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.
