The excitement of March Madness is upon us once again, and for fans of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, this year’s tournament brings a golden opportunity. On Selection Sunday, Nebraska earned a No. 4 seed in the South Region, setting up a first-round clash with the No. 13-seeded Troy Trojans. The game is slated for Thursday, March 19, at 3:10 p.m. CT in Oklahoma City, with national coverage on TNT. This matchup marks Nebraska’s ninth NCAA Tournament appearance in school history and their highest seed since 1991, when they were a No. 3.
Nebraska’s Road to the Big Dance
The Huskers enter the tournament boasting a stellar 26-6 overall record that ties the school’s single-season wins mark from 1991. This is Nebraska’s third March Madness berth in the last 28 years and the second under head coach Fred Hoiberg in the past three seasons. Hoiberg, who was named Big Ten Coach of the Year, has rebuilt the program into a contender, blending veteran leadership with emerging talent.
Key to Nebraska’s success is a balanced attack led by first-team All-Big Ten standout Pryce Sandfort, who averages 17.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while draining a school-record 113 three-pointers and scoring 20+ points in 13 games. Rienk Mast, an All-Big Ten honoree, contributes 13.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per contest, providing a versatile presence inside. Off the bench, Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year Braden Frager adds 11.6 points per game, while senior guards Sam Hoiberg (9.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.4 apg, 2.1 spg) and Jamarques Lawrence (9.7 ppg, 4.0 apg) bring experience from the 2024 tournament team.
Despite their strong season, the Huskers carry a historical burden: they’re 0-7 all-time in NCAA Tournament games. This year, however, feels different. Hoiberg emphasized the team’s focus in preparation, noting, “We’re beyond excited… We’re playing a really good opponent, I know that… A very skilled team…” and “We’re approaching this game… prepare for a really good basketball team.”
Troy’s Tournament Journey
On the other side, the Troy Trojans punched their ticket to the dance with a 22-11 record, including a 12-6 mark in the Sun Belt Conference. As a No. 13 seed, they represent a classic underdog story, ranked 143rd in some ratings but capable of pulling off an upset with their scoring depth. Leading the charge are Victor Valdes and Thomas Dowd, both averaging over 14 points per game, giving Troy a pair of reliable scorers who can stretch defenses.
The Trojans will need to capitalize on any early nerves from the higher-seeded Huskers to stay competitive. The Trojans are big and do a great job at attacking the boards and getting rebounds, all of which has given Nebraska problems this year.
Game Preview and What to Watch
This South Region opener pits Nebraska’s high-powered Big Ten offense against Troy’s gritty Sun Belt style. The Huskers’ three-point shooting, led by Sandfort, could be the difference-maker, but they’ll need to contain Troy’s duo of Valdes and Dowd to avoid a slow start. Oklahoma City’s neutral site adds an element of unpredictability, though Nebraska’s experience in big games should give them an edge.
If Nebraska advances, they’ll face the winner of No. 5 Vanderbilt vs. No. 12 McNeese in the second round. For the Huskers, this isn’t just about participating—it’s about making history with their first tournament win. Troy, meanwhile, dreams of the upset that defines March Madness.
As tip-off approaches, all eyes will be on OKC. Will Nebraska finally break through, or will Troy play spoiler? The madness begins Thursday.