LOS ANGELES — No. 12 Nebraska secured its school-record 14th Sizeable Ten win on Saturday, defeating Southern California 82-67 in a dominant second-half performance. The victory improves the Cornhuskers’ overall record to 25-4 and 14-4 in conference play, solidifying their position as a contender in the Big Ten tournament. The game, played at USC’s Galen Center, saw a significant shift in momentum after halftime, with Nebraska overcoming a halftime deficit to pull away for a comfortable win. This Nebraska basketball result marks the team’s third consecutive win and continues a strong season that began with a remarkable 20-0 start.
Pryce Sandfort led all scorers with 32 points, coming within one point of his career high, and was instrumental in Nebraska’s second-half surge. Sandfort, who scored 20 of his 32 points after the break, also connected on five 3-pointers, bringing him to within five of Shawn Respert’s Big Ten single-season record of 80 three-pointers. Braden Frager added 17 points and a career-high-tying eight rebounds, contributing significantly to Nebraska’s dominance on the glass. The Huskers finished with a 41-25 rebounding advantage, including 18 offensive boards, showcasing their physicality and determination.
Second-Half Surge Seals Victory for Nebraska
After trailing 37-31 at halftime, Nebraska exploded in the second half, opening with a 12-2 run over the first 3:02 to take the lead. A four-point play by Sandfort with 18:22 remaining set the Huskers ahead for good, and a dunk by Berke Buyuktuncel extended the lead to 43-38. Nebraska’s defense stifled USC, holding them to just two field goals over the next seven-plus minutes. A decisive 15-0 run, fueled by seven points from Sandfort and seven from Frager, extended Nebraska’s lead to 66-46, effectively sealing the victory. The Huskers shot 53 percent from the field in the second half, while limiting USC to 39 percent shooting.
USC Struggles Continue, Tournament Hopes Dim
The loss is the fifth consecutive for Southern California, dropping their record to 18-11 overall and 7-11 in Big Ten play. Alijah Arenas and Chad Baker-Mazara led the Trojans with 14 points apiece, with Arenas shooting a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line. However, USC struggled to maintain possession and consistency on offense, ultimately succumbing to Nebraska’s relentless pressure. Baker-Mazara left the game early in the second half after sustaining an injury and did not return, further hindering USC’s offensive capabilities. The Trojans’ shooting percentage dipped in the second half, contributing to their downfall.
Early Lead for USC, Nebraska Responds
The first half saw USC build a lead, closing with an 18-11 run to go ahead 36-31 at halftime. Jaden Brownell and Baker-Mazara sparked the run with back-to-back 3-pointers, while Jerry Easter II added consecutive baskets to cap off the scoring surge. Nebraska had initially taken an early lead, going up 13-8 on a 3-pointer by Sam Hoiberg, but USC responded effectively to regain control before the break. Hoiberg later picked up his second foul and sat for the remainder of the half.
Looking Ahead
Nebraska will continue its California road trip, visiting UCLA on Tuesday night in what will be the team’s first trip to California since 2016. USC will look to break its losing streak when it travels to Washington on Wednesday night for its final road game of the regular season. The outcome of these upcoming games will be crucial for both teams as they navigate the remainder of the Big Ten schedule and prepare for potential postseason play. The Cornhuskers’ continued success hinges on maintaining their strong rebounding and defensive efforts, while USC needs to find a way to regain its offensive rhythm and address its recent struggles.
This Nebraska win, a testament to their resilience and balanced scoring, further cements their position as a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten. The team’s ability to overcome adversity and perform consistently on the road will be key as they pursue a conference championship and a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
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