The Nebraska Cornhuskers take on the Hawaii Warriors in Honolulu, HI, as part of the Diamond Head Classic. Tip-off is set for 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Nebraska is favored by 8.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -450. The total is set at 141.5 points.
Here’s my Nebraska vs. Hawaii predictions and college basketball picks for December 23, 2024.
Nebraska vs Hawaii Prediction
My Pick: Under 143.5 (Play to 142)
My Nebraska vs Hawaii best bet is on the under, with the best odds currently available at BetRivers. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Nebraska vs Hawaii Odds, Lines, Pick
| Nebraska Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8.5 -110 | 141.5 -110o / -110u | -450 |
| Hawaii Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8.5 -110 | 141.5 -110o / -110u | +350 |
- Nebraska vs Hawaii spread: Nebraska -8.5
- Nebraska vs Hawaii over/under: 141.5 points
- Nebraska vs Hawaii moneyline: Nebraska -450, Hawaii +350
- Nebraska vs Hawaii best bet: Under 143.5 (Play to 142)
My Nebraska vs Hawaii College Basketball Betting Preview
Nebraska Basketball
Nebraska asserted its dominance from tip-to-finish against a formidable mid-major foe, Murray State. The Racers simply looked outclassed, which says more about Nebraska than anything else.
The Huskers' length caused problems for Murray State, and their defensive activity was a sight to behold.
It wouldn't stun me if Nebraska winds up as one of the top defenses in the sport. Sure, sitting No. 35 in defensive efficiency isn't too shabby, but I think the Huskers are just scratching the surface of their defensive potential.
Some of the Nebraska defensive numbers may vary, since teams shoot 3s at a 59% clip against it. That means there will be ebbs-and-flows depending on whether the opponent is running hot from 3 or not.
The key to a strong defensive outing for Nebraska hinges on forcing turnovers, as it boasts a strong 22% turnover rate.
However, my main concern about Nebraska rose to the surface in round one of this tournament. The only two players to hit a 3 were Connor Essegian and Brice Williams.
That's been a trend all year, and it will be tough for Nebraska to win games on nights in which the defense doesn't show up because the scoring options beyond Williams and Essegian are shaky.
The Cornhuskers' ideal path to scoring in this matchup is by using its size to get to the foul line. Coming into the game, Nebraska has the 22nd-best free throw rate in the country. Five players on Nebraska's roster have attempted more than 20+ free throws thus far.
Coach Fred Hoiberg can rely on a plethora of options to get to the line.
Hawaii Basketball
The host of the Diamond Head Classic — the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors – managed to find itself in the winner's bracket with a win over Charlotte.
A Randy Bennett disciple, Eran Ganot wants to slow things down, and his best teams tend to lean on defense. That hasn’t been the case this year, as Hawaii ranks 175th in defensive efficiency.
As usual, Hawaii forces teams to score inside the arc — opponents attempt 3s on just 25% of their field goals, the lowest mark in America for two years running.
The problem is Hawaii loves issuing free tickets to the foul line. The Rainbow Warriors rank 352nd nationally in defensive free throw rate.
Ideally, Hawaii keeps the game at a slow tempo and forces teams to score against its strong interior.
The way Ganot's squad approaches the game is very old-school. The Rainbow Warriors are terrific at defending 2-point field goals while shooting over 56% on 2s on the offensive end.
Tanner Christensen and Gytis Nemeiksa — a pair of transfers — fit the DNA of a Ganot-coached team perfectly. The two interior players combine for 26 points per game, but it's more than just scoring that they bring to the table. The two aid in holding opponents to a 22% offensive rebounding percentage.
Guard play is a real problem for Hawaii, though. Former walk-on Kody Williams is the starting point guard, and Houston Christian transfer Marcus Greene is his backcourt mate.
Williams averages more turnovers than assists and is shooting just 41% from the field. The only thing Williams does well is shoot 3s, as he is connecting on 51% from deep.
Conversely, the weak point of Greene's arsenal is shooting, as he is hitting 22% from 3.
It's a very odd combination for a program that typically boasts multiple trustworthy guards.
Nebraska vs. Hawaii Betting Analysis
I imagine this game being a fairly low-scoring affair, just like Nebraska's opening-round win over Murray State.
Hawaii doesn't want to play a high-scoring game, and the Huskers' shooting woes will help limit the points.
