Can the Nebraska Cornhuskers finally celebrate a victory in the NCAA Tournament? The answer is a resounding yes, as they achieved their first tournament win in 87 years by defeating the Troy Trojans 76-47 on March 19, 2026, at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
This monumental victory not only marked a significant milestone for the program but also ended Nebraska’s status as the only power conference team without a tournament win. The Cornhuskers, seeded No. 4 in the tournament, showcased their prowess on the court, with standout performances from players like Pryce Sandfort, who scored 23 points, and Rienk Mast, who contributed 13 points and 6 rebounds.
Head coach Fred Hoiberg expressed his emotions following the game, stating, “This is the most emotional of all of them,” and noted the incredible atmosphere, saying, “That was as loud and vocal of a neutral site game as I have ever played in.” The team’s performance was a culmination of years of effort and determination, as they sought to break free from the long-standing drought.
Nebraska’s shooting statistics were impressive, with the team hitting 25 of 65 shots from the field and 14 of 39 from beyond the arc. In contrast, Troy struggled significantly, managing only 13 of 46 from the floor and 8 of 28 from three-point range.
The victory not only brought joy to the players and fans but also set the stage for what comes next. Nebraska is set to face No. 5 seed Vanderbilt in the next round of the tournament, raising hopes for further success.
As the Cornhuskers celebrate this historic win, the echoes of their long wait for a tournament victory resonate throughout the program. The drought is finally over, and the excitement surrounding Nebraska basketball is palpable.
While the team looks ahead to their matchup against Vanderbilt, the journey to this moment has been filled with challenges and perseverance. As Sam Hoiberg reflected, “I think two years ago, that was one of the issues, is I was trying to soak in everything the entire time, and I think I lost focus.” This time, the focus has paid off.
With the first NCAA Tournament win now in the books, Nebraska basketball has not only made history but also reignited the passion of its fanbase. The future looks bright as they continue their quest for glory in the tournament.
