OKLAHOMA CITY — The relief was palpable, the celebration decades in the making. On Saturday afternoon, the Nebraska Cornhuskers finally broke through, securing their first-ever NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament victory with a dominant 76-47 win over Troy. The victory, a resounding statement for a program that had long been haunted by tournament disappointment, wasn’t just a game; it was the culmination of a rebuilding effort and a testament to the resilience of a team and its coach, Fred Hoiberg. For a program seeking sustained success, this NCAA tournament win marks a pivotal moment.
The Huskers, a No. 4 seed, controlled the game from the outset, fueled by a blistering shooting performance from junior guard Pryce Sandfort, who finished with 23 points, including seven 3-pointers. The win erases years of frustration for Nebraska fans, who had watched their team stumble in eight previous tournament appearances. It also solidifies Nebraska’s position as a legitimate contender in a challenging college basketball landscape.
The atmosphere inside the Lloyd Noble Center, largely filled with Nebraska supporters, was electric. The crowd’s energy seemed to lift the Huskers, particularly in the first half, where they built a commanding lead. The final score reflected a complete dominance, with Nebraska’s margin of victory – 29 points – being the largest in a first-ever tournament win since Fordham defeated Furman by 31 in 1971, according to ESPN Research.
A Long Road to Victory
Hoiberg, who took over as Nebraska’s head coach in 2019, inherited a program in need of a complete overhaul. His first three seasons were marked by losing records, a stark contrast to the program’s aspirations. However, Hoiberg remained committed to building a competitive team, and the results have been evident in recent years. Nebraska has now reached the NCAA Tournament in consecutive seasons (2024 and 2025), and this year’s victory represents a significant step forward.
“It’s almost like a storybook ending in this tournament win,” said Sam Hoiberg, the coach’s son and a fourth-year senior for the Huskers. He recalled the struggles of previous seasons, saying, “It was tough being on those teams that were not winning games… So just being able to reap the benefit of all the things we’ve done this season has been unbelievable.”
The turnaround hasn’t been solely about coaching. The addition of key players like Rienk Mast, a senior forward who contributed 11 points, six rebounds, and seven assists in Saturday’s win, has been crucial. Mast’s all-around performance exemplifies the team’s balanced attack and willingness to share the ball.
Sandfort’s Stellar Performance and a Family Moment
Pryce Sandfort’s performance was the story of the game. His seven 3-pointers set a new program record for most 3-pointers in an NCAA tournament game. He was particularly effective in the first half, scoring 17 points and helping Nebraska establish a comfortable lead against Troy. Sandfort credited his teammates for finding him in open spaces and delivering accurate passes.
Adding to the emotional resonance of the victory, Sandfort was surprised before the game by a visit from his brother, Payton Sandfort, who recently made his NBA debut with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Payton Sandfort’s presence provided an extra layer of motivation for Pryce and the entire team. “Payton, seeing it out there, really special,” Pryce Sandfort said. “He’s been to, like, one game this year. So getting him to come to this game was special.”
Looking Ahead: Round of 32 Awaits
Despite the euphoria of the victory, Hoiberg emphasized the importance of staying focused. “This is the most emotional of all of them, for me,” Hoiberg said, reflecting on the significance of the moment. He also shared a personal note, mentioning his father, who is currently in a care facility, and hoping he had the opportunity to witness the historic win.
Hoiberg’s message to his team was clear: enjoy the moment, but quickly refocus on the challenges ahead. Nebraska will now advance to the Round of 32, where they will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent. The Huskers are confident that they can continue their tournament run, but they know that every game will be a battle.
The win also carries broader implications for the state of college basketball. Entering the tournament, Nebraska was the only team from a major conference – the ACC, SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, and Big East – without an NCAA tournament victory. Breaking that streak is a significant achievement for the program and a source of pride for its fans.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers have finally reached the mountaintop, securing their first NCAA tournament win and etching their names into program history. The team’s next challenge will be determined by the outcome of other tournament games, with the Round of 32 schedule to be announced shortly. Fans can find the latest updates and bracket information on the official NCAA website.
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