For the ninth time in their storied history, the Nebraska Huskers have clinched a spot in the NCAA tournament. This year, they’ve secured a No. 4 seed as an at-large team and are set to face Troy on Thursday at 11:40 CST in Oklahoma City.
The Huskers are stepping in as heavy favorites with a -13.5 spread, aiming for their first-ever NCAA Tournament victory. As senior Rienk Mast put it, “We need to get it done.”
The weight of history is palpable for Nebraska’s players and coaches. They’re well aware of the program’s past struggles, and a win over Troy would cement this 2025-26 squad as the best in Nebraska’s history.
With a school record for wins tied and a second-place finish in the Big Ten, the Huskers are poised for a memorable March run. But first, they need to tackle the challenge posed by Troy.
Scouting the Troy Trojans
Troy enters the tournament as the Sun Belt regular-season and tournament champions, marking their second consecutive appearance in the big dance. Leading the charge is 6-foot-8 forward Thomas Dowd, an all-conference standout who averages 14.1 points and leads the Sun Belt with 10.1 rebounds per game. His ability to hit two 3-pointers per game at a 34 percent clip makes him a versatile threat.
Another key player is 6-foot-7 forward Victor Valdes, who brings a unique skill set as a point forward. Averaging 14.8 points, 4.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, Valdes is a critical playmaker for the Trojans.
Meanwhile, Cooper Campbell, a 6-foot-2 guard, contributes 12.7 points and shoots 38 percent from beyond the arc. His fellow guard, Cobi Campbell, adds to the long-range prowess with a 40 percent success rate from deep.
Coach Fred Hoiberg has emphasized the need for Nebraska to be prepared for Troy’s strengths, including their three-point shooting, turnover-forcing defense, and offensive rebounding capabilities. These attributes are often found in teams that pull off upsets, so Nebraska must be on high alert.
Keys to the Game
Start Fast
Nebraska has faced early deficits in recent games, including a quick 13-3 hole against Purdue in the Big Ten tournament. Such slow starts can add unnecessary pressure, especially in a game with stakes as high as this one. The Huskers need to harness the energy from their fans and avoid giving Troy an early advantage.
Win the Possession Battle
Turnovers and offensive rebounds have been Achilles' heels for Nebraska this season. Troy ranks 92nd in turnovers forced per game, while Nebraska has struggled with giveaways in the Big Ten.
On the boards, Troy’s 12.4 offensive rebounds per game could pose a significant challenge. The Huskers must limit turnovers and control the glass to avoid trouble.
Hit the 3s
Fred Hoiberg’s squad often relies on three-point shooting to secure victories. While Troy excels in three-point defense, Nebraska needs to find their rhythm from deep. Their current ranking of 105th in three-point percentage suggests room for improvement, and hitting shots from beyond the arc could be the key to advancing.
Prediction
Nebraska 81, Troy 71.
Expect some tense moments, but ultimately Nebraska’s size and three-point shooting should tip the scales. Stepping outside the Big Ten might just be the spark the Huskers need as they aim to make history under Fred Hoiberg’s leadership.