Nebraska team members celebrate the program’s first ever NCAA Tournament win over Troy. (Courtesy: USA Today)
Huskers Breakthrough in Oklahoma City for Historic First-Ever NCAA Tournament Win
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — History came emphatically and without suspense for No. 4 seed Nebraska on Thursday, as the Huskers rolled past No. 13 seed Troy 76-47 in the NCAA Tournament Round of 64 at the Paycom Center, securing the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament victory.
From the opening minutes, Nebraska looked nothing like a team burdened by history. The Huskers seized control early with defensive intensity and shot-making, building a 41-25 halftime lead before suffocating Troy in the second half.
Head coach Fred Hoiberg made it clear afterward that while the milestone matters, it won’t define this group.
“Really proud of these guys,” Hoiberg said. “Happy to get this win for the first one in the history of the program — but we can’t be satisfied.”
Nebraska (27-6) delivered one of its most complete performances of the season. The Huskers shot 43.1% from the field and knocked down 14 three-pointers, while holding Troy to just 28.3% shooting and 47 total points. The defensive effort never wavered, particularly after halftime when Nebraska stretched its lead to as many as 30.
Pryce Sandfort led the charge offensively with 23 points, hitting 7-of-12 from beyond the arc in a breakout performance.
“I hit a couple early,” Sandfort said. “I give credit to my teammates and coaches, putting me in the right spots and getting me the ball on time and on target — that’s what really got me going.”
Nebraska’s balance was just as important. Rienk Mast added 11 points and seven assists, while Jamarques Lawrence chipped in 13. Sam Hoiberg contributed across the board with nine rebounds and four assists, helping control the tempo throughout.
For Sam Hoiberg, the moment carried personal weight. Two years removed from a disappointing NCAA Tournament appearance, he approached this one differently.
“Two years ago, that was one of the issues — I was trying to soak in everything the entire time, and I think I lost focus,” he said. “We were playing in a dream moment, but we had to focus on this game and this win.”
That focus showed in Nebraska’s composure. The Huskers dominated the glass (37-33), controlled second-chance opportunities (19-3), and turned defense into offense, scoring 17 points off turnovers.
The environment felt anything but neutral. A sea of red filled the arena, fueling Nebraska’s runs and amplifying the moment.
“That was as loud and vocal of a neutral site game as I’ve ever played in,” Fred Hoiberg said. “When we went on a run, it was deafening in there. Really thankful that we could share this moment with our unbelievable fans.”
The win also represented the culmination of a long rebuild under Hoiberg, one that included difficult seasons and patience from players who stayed the course.
“It’s almost like a storybook ending, getting this tournament win,” Sam Hoiberg said. “It felt like the last thing we needed to do… Being able to reap the benefits of all the things we’ve done this season is unbelievable.”
Hoiberg emphasized how much the breakthrough meant across the roster.
“I know how much it means for everybody,” he said. “The local guys — Braden grew up dreaming of this moment… Pryce grew up a Husker fan, and Sam was pissed when I took this job because he wanted to live in Chicago a couple more years. A lot of that is from the fans.”
Troy (22-12) struggled to find any offensive rhythm against Nebraska’s defense. The Trojans shot just 8-of-28 from three and managed only 22 second-half points.
Head coach Scott Cross was blunt in his assessment.
“[We] played an amazing team,” Cross said. “Nebraska is one of the best teams… the way they shoot the basketball and the way they defend, watching it on video there’s no openings.”
His immediate reaction after the loss reflected both the sting of defeat and the magnitude of the stage.
“I’d like to thank the good lord for the opportunity to have your guts just absolutely ripped out,” Cross said.
For Nebraska, the long-awaited first NCAA Tournament win is now secured. But inside the locker room, the message is clear: this run isn’t meant to stop here.