Rienk Mast update: Fred Hoiberg shares status of Nebraska star after missing Michigan game

Nebraska went into Ann Arbor on Tuesday night with the goal of extending its undefeated record. Unfortunately, the Huskers wound up playing the game shorthanded. Rienk Mast was one of the players who could not take the court, originally being a game-time decision for head coach Fred Hoiberg. Just before tip, Nebraska determined Mast could not play.

Hoiberg explained the process of what went into ruling Mast out during his postgame press conference. Mast was honest, explaining he did not have the proper energy to play against Michigan. A tough loss for Nebraska in what turned out to be a close loss.

“About 12 minutes before tip, I went in and talked to him,” Hoiberg said. “Said, ‘What do you think?’ He said ‘Coach, I can’t do it.’ Said, ‘I got no energy.’ He couldn’t keep anything down. I mean, even sips of water he couldn’t keep down. It’s unfortunate but I give our guys all the credit in the world for the fight that they showed in that game from start to finish.”

Mast was always going to be a major loss for Nebraska. He is currently the team’s second-leading scorer, going for 14.6 points per game. The 6-9 forward is also a great on the glass, snagging six rebounds every time out there. Those turned about to be key stats as to why Nebraska lost, especially in the second half.

A blistering first 20 minutes took place, with Nebraska scoring 50 points and leading. But the tone completely shifted coming out of the locker room. Neither team had the same offensive success, turning into a close affair with solid defense being played. The Huskers having somebody like Mast would have made a huge difference.

Moving forward, there is thankfully some time before NU takes the court again. Sunday will bring another top-10-ranked opponent, this time in front of the home fans. The Illinois Fighting Illini come to Lincoln for the two’s second matchup of the season. Round One went to Nebraska, a thrilling three-point victory in mid-December.

Whether or not Mast is able to play likely will, once again, be a major storyline heading in. Nebraska will be coming off a loss for the first time in a long time, dating back to last season in the Big Ten Tournament. Mast getting back on the court should help Hoiberg’s squad make sure they can bounce back in the right way.