Nebraska Cornhuskers Break Tournament Streak
For years, a remarkable statistic loomed over the Nebraska Cornhuskers—one that highlighted their ongoing struggles in NCAA tournaments compared to other power conferences.
This narrative shifted dramatically at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
The Cornhuskers entered the 2026 Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament as the lone team in their power conference without a tournament victory. After making eight appearances without success, they finally claimed a win on Thursday, defeating 13th-seeded Troy 76-47.
Head coach Fred Hoiberg didn’t shy away from discussing the team’s history and challenges. “They handled adversity well,” he mentioned when asked about their journey. Nebraska, with an overall record of 0-8 in prior tournaments, boasted a solid performance this season. Although some players were new to the program, Hoiberg noted the team’s grit amid the pressures of March Madness.
With a 26-6 record, Nebraska’s No. 4 seed in the South marked its highest since the 1990-91 season. The squad aimed to break its unfavorable streak and make history by climbing to No. 5 in the AP Top 25.
The victory echoed their season-long defensive strength, allowing an average of just 66 points against them. They notably limited Troy to just 25 points in the first half, heading into halftime with a solid 41-25 lead.
As the game wound down, Nebraska was comfortably ahead at 70-45, with fans chanting “Go Big Red”—the atmosphere reminiscent of a lively season game rather than an NCAA tournament clash.
When the final buzzer sounded, Nebraska celebrated its 27th victory of the season, a new program record.
Troy’s performance was notably hindered, shooting just 13-of-46 from the field, far below their average of 80 points per game.
“It was an emotional win,” Hoiberg noted on the sidelines. “We’re not complacent, I can assure you.” He expressed that this moment meant a lot to him personally, considering his family’s deep ties to the Nebraska program.
Hoiberg’s grandfather had been the head coach for nine seasons, and he reflected on how significant breaking this streak was for both him and the program. His son Sam contributed with nine rebounds and four assists during the game.
Sam also shared, “Our team is incredibly close, and we share a special bond. Given my family’s history, this program means a lot to me.” He noted that both his parents graduated from the university, adding to his personal connection to the place.
Hoiberg described the pride he felt coaching at both Iowa State and Nebraska, emphasizing the importance of this tournament to his family and fans. “It’s about competing and overcoming challenges, especially at this stage,” he added.
With their historic win, Nebraska now prepares to face either No. 5 seed Vanderbilt or No. 12 seed McNeese on Saturday. The Cornhuskers, once again a top-seeded team, look forward to the possibility of advancing to the Sweet 16.
