How did Nebraska basketball achieve its first NCAA Tournament win? The answer is simple: by defeating the Troy Trojans 76-47 on March 19, 2026, marking a significant milestone for the program.
This victory is particularly noteworthy as it ended an 87-year drought for the Nebraska men’s basketball team, which had been the only power conference team without a tournament win prior to this game. The triumph took place at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, where Nebraska, a No. 4 seed, showcased a dominant performance.
Pryce Sandfort led the charge for Nebraska, scoring 23 points, while Rienk Mast contributed 13 points and 6 rebounds. The team’s shooting was effective, with Nebraska making 25 of 65 field goals and 14 of 39 from beyond the arc. In contrast, Troy struggled, shooting just 13 of 46 from the floor and 8 of 28 from three-point range.
Coach Fred Hoiberg expressed the emotional weight of the victory, stating, “This is the most emotional of all of them,” and remarked on the atmosphere, saying, “That was as loud and vocal of a neutral site game as I have ever played in.” This sentiment was echoed by fans and players alike, with one player exclaiming, “The drought is over!”
Looking ahead, Nebraska will face No. 5 seed Vanderbilt in the next round of the NCAA Tournament. This upcoming matchup will be crucial as the team aims to build on its historic win and continue its journey in the tournament.
As Nebraska basketball moves forward, the excitement surrounding the program is palpable, with fans eager to see how the team will perform against Vanderbilt. The victory against Troy not only marks a turning point for the team but also revitalizes hope for future successes in the NCAA Tournament.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specifics of the next game, but the momentum from this win could play a significant role in Nebraska’s performance in the coming rounds.