Nebraska men’s basketball recorded its first-ever NCAA Tournament win Thursday, defeating Troy 76-47 in the first round of the South Region at the Paycom Center. The victory caps a historic 27-6 season and ends the Huskers’ eight previous tournament losses dating back to 1986.

Nebraska built a 16-point halftime lead, closing the first half on a 17-6 run. Troy struggled offensively in the latter part of the half, shooting just 4-of-17 and finishing the game with 28% from the field. The Cornhuskers outscored Troy with 19 second-chance points, 17 points off turnovers, 37 rebounds, and 20 assists.

Junior forward Pryce Sandfort led the way with 23 points, hitting seven 3-pointers and shooting 7-of-13 overall. Sandfort’s hot start included five 3-pointers in the first half, helping Nebraska take the lead and sustain momentum. Senior guard Jamaques Lawrence also returned to form, scoring 13 points on 4-of-8 shooting and adding three assists.

Nebraska’s defense effectively contained Troy’s leading scorer, junior forward Thomas Dowd, who finished with just four points on 1-of-11 shooting and 0-of-6 from 3-point range. Dowd did contribute nine of Troy’s 33 rebounds, but the Trojans were unable to generate consistent offense. Troy’s Victor Valdes led the team with 14 points, including four 3-pointers.

Looking ahead, Nebraska will face the winner of No. 5 Vanderbilt vs. No. 12 McNeese State in the Round of 32 on Saturday, March 21, at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. This will mark the first second-round appearance in school history.

The Huskers’ breakthrough also had a personal element, as Sandfort’s brother Payton, who had scored his first NBA points for the Oklahoma City Thunder the night before, attended the game and witnessed his brother’s historic performance.

With a commanding win, Nebraska finally overcame the program’s long-standing March Madness struggles and sets the stage for its first-ever second-round NCAA Tournament game.