Nebraska’s Braden Frager shoots a three over West Georgia’s Xavier Shegog. (Courtesy: Nebraska Athletics)
Frager, Huskers Run Past West Georgia 86–53 in Season Opener
LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska men’s basketball opened its 2025–26 season in emphatic fashion Monday night, running away from ASUN opponent West Georgia, 86–53, behind a breakout performance from redshirt freshman forward Braden Frager and a strong second-half surge that showcased the Huskers’ speed and depth.
It wasn’t all smooth early for the Huskers, who struggled to find rhythm in the first 20 minutes. West Georgia capitalized on Nebraska’s sluggish start and careless play to keep things competitive before halftime.
“We didn’t play very smart in the first half and they made us pay,” head coach Fred Hoiberg said. “But once we calmed down and got back to who we are, we were fine.”
After a tight first half, Nebraska exploded in the second, outscoring the Wolves 56-28 thanks to improved ball movement and relentless pace in transition.
“Our running habits were much better in the second half,” Hoiberg said. “Our efficiency when we got out in transition in the first six or seven seconds of the shot clock — that certainly appeared to be when we were at our best tonight.”
Frager was the story of the night, leading Nebraska with an impressive scoring display highlighted by confident shot-making and consistent energy in transition.
“He got in a really good rhythm,” Hoiberg said of the freshman. “I thought his balance was really on point… he ran the floor the way that we work on our habits every day.”
When asked when he knows he’s in the zone, Frager kept his response short and fittingly bold: “I always am.”
That confidence didn’t surprise his teammates.
“It’s not — he does this in practice,” said Jamarques Lawrence. “He’s overly confident.”
Lawrence also added a dose of humor when asked about Hoiberg notching his 200th career victory as a college head coach.
“I guess he probably doesn’t care so… onto the next,” Lawrence said with a grin.
For his part, Hoiberg didn’t deny it.
“Nothing really, I guess,” he said with a chuckle. “Hopefully we can get to 300.”
Nebraska now turns its attention to the regular-season grind, but Monday’s opener offered a glimpse of what this team can become when it leans into its tempo and depth — and when confident shooters like Frager find their groove.
If the second half against West Georgia was any indication, the Huskers may be ready to run.