Nebraska's Growth Fuels NCAA Tournament Hopes
Oklahoma City is buzzing with the excitement of March Madness, and the Nebraska Cornhuskers are right in the thick of it, ready to make some history. The bright lights and high stakes of the NCAA Tournament can be overwhelming, as Nebraska guard Jamarques Lawrence knows all too well. Reflecting on their matchup against Texas A&M two years ago, Lawrence admitted feeling "like a deer in headlights" during that intense first-round game in Memphis.
Those early lessons, though tough, have become invaluable for Lawrence and his teammates as they gear up for another shot in Oklahoma City. "Seeing the crowd and feeling the energy was overwhelming," Lawrence shared before Nebraska's practice at Paycom Center. "This time, it's about locking in on the game plan and doing what it takes to win."
The core of Nebraska's roster, including Rienk Mast, Sam Hoiberg, Cale Jacobsen, and Lawrence, is drawing from that past experience as they prepare to face Troy. The goal? To secure Nebraska's first-ever NCAA Tournament victory.
Cale Jacobsen credits head coach Fred Hoiberg for keeping the team grounded amid the tournament frenzy. Hoiberg, a seasoned veteran of March Madness both as a player and a coach, has been a calming presence.
"He's the most consistent coach I've ever been around," Jacobsen noted. "His message is clear: act like it's just another game and focus on playing basketball."
This Nebraska team is seasoned, having navigated plenty of college basketball's ups and downs. That experience is proving crucial in managing the distractions that come with the tournament spotlight.
Both Nebraska and Troy are chasing their first NCAA Tournament wins, adding an extra layer of intensity to their upcoming clash. Sam Hoiberg emphasized the difference experience makes.
"This year feels different," he said. "We’ve done a better job staying focused on the task at hand, not getting caught up in the excitement of just being here."
As they ran through a focused shoot-around on Wednesday, the Cornhuskers appeared loose yet determined. The lessons from two years ago have instilled a sense of purpose and readiness.
"We were kind of bright-eyed back then," Sam Hoiberg reflected. "Now, it's all about the game plan and being ready to play."
With a mix of seasoned leadership and hard-earned lessons, Nebraska is poised to make their mark. The stage is set, and the Cornhuskers are ready to seize the moment.