LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) Nebraska more than doubled its number of Big Ten wins last season to mark the biggest improvement in Fred Hoiberg's four years coaching the Cornhuskers. He expects the ascent to continue with a roster that ranks as the conference's oldest.

The Huskers went 16-16 for their first non-losing season since 2018-19 despite four rotation players missing time because of injuries. They were 12th in the Big Ten at 9-11 after they won six of their final eight regular-season games.

“Had we stayed healthy last year, I think we would have had a great chance to be an NCAA Tournament team,” Hoiberg said. “We had that grit, defensive mindset and identity, and we wanted to get that same group of guys in here this year. So far that's what I've seen."