Nebraska Secures Historic First NCAA Tournament Win

The Nebraska Cornhuskers advanced in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament by defeating the Troy Trojans 76-47. The victory was the first in Nebraska history as the program had been winless until this afternoon.

Entering the South Region as the No. 4 seed with a 26–6 record, Nebraska delivered a performance worthy of its seeding. The No. 13 seed and champion of the Sun Belt conference, Troy, came into the game with a record of 22 -11 and had trouble keeping up. The game was played at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.

Good Response From Nebraska Following An Early Push From Troy

Troy was knocked down three quick three-pointers to take a quick 15-12 lead. Nevertheless, Nebraska rapidly became settled and dominated with a decisive run to end the first half. The Cornhuskers unleashed a decisive 29–10 surge, including a 20-4 run on efficient perimeter shooting and vigorous defense. This changed the tide of the game.

The movement was headed by Forward Pryce Sandfort, who scored 17 points in the first half alone. His range outside the arc was vital, and Nebraska established a comfortable lead in front of the break.

Nebraska mounted indefensible pressure, continuing to press 10 times and keeping Troy to only 4-of-18 shooting in the last 15 minutes of the first half.

Second-Half Control Seals the Result

Nebraska continued to dominate the game. The team’s defensive discipline remained intact, effectively limiting scoring opportunities and preventing any chance of a comeback.

The Cornhuskers finally managed to hold Troy to only 47 points, which is their lowest score of the season, making it clear that the Nebraska defensive strategy is effective. The 29-point margin was also a program record for the highest win in the first NCAA tournament victory. Sandfort ended up leading the game with 23 points and was given a standing ovation as he walked out late in the game. His seven three-pointers were a school record.

The Most Important Contributions In the Roster

The success of Nebraska depended on the team effort. Jamarques Lawrence contributed 13 points and offered support in the backcourt. Braden Frager also had 13 points, which helped sustain the lead in the second half.

Rienk Mast also helped organize the offense, adding 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists. Meanwhile, Sam Hoiberg was causing a commotion on the defensive side with steals and rebounds that broke the rhythm of Troy.

Final Thoughts

This win is a landmark for Nebraska as a state because it dispels the old story of its teams’ inability to perform well in the tournament. With a great performance on both sides of the floor, the Cornhuskers not only gained a legendary victory but also indicated their capabilities to advance to a further stage of the tournament.