Mast Helps Netherlands to 78-76 Win

Nebraska forward Rienk Mast helped the Netherlands improve to 1-1 at the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament on Monday with a 78-76 win over Belgium.

Mast totaled eight points, seven rebounds and a steal in 17 minutes of work as the Netherlands built a 17-point halftime lead and held on for the victory.  Charlon Kloof’s basket with 0.8 seconds remaining broke a 76-all tie, as the Netherlands picked up a much-needed win.

Mast is averaging 8.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in the Netherlands’ first two contests despite being the second-youngest member of the 12-man roster.

The Netherlands concludes group play on Wednesday against Croatia at 9 a.m. (central) and will need a win to advance to the semifinals.