Oklahoma City was buzzing, and Pryce Sandfort was right at the heart of it. You wouldn't have guessed he was feeling the jitters, but he admitted it was the most nervous he'd been since his freshman year of high school. Once the game tipped off, though, Sandfort was all business.
With a pair of back-to-back three-pointers, sandwiched by a steal, Sandfort ignited the arena and set the tone for Nebraska's dominant 76-47 victory over Troy. The Husker faithful erupted with each shot, showcasing the power of their fanbase. For those not glued to college hoops until March Madness, it was a prime-time introduction to one of the quickest-release shooters in the game.
More importantly, Nebraska's squad played with a joy that pushed any nerves aside. After Sandfort's back-to-back threes, Nebraska surged ahead 18-15 and never looked back, launching into a commanding 29-10 run to close out the half.
"Every time Pryce hits those threes, it fires me up, especially when I'm the one feeding him the ball," Jamarques Lawrence shared. "That kid is something special.
Even if his shot isn't falling, he can drive to the basket. His coachability sets him apart.
Some top players tune others out, but Pryce listens, takes feedback, and moves on. I'm lucky to play alongside him."
Sandfort's seven three-pointers were a spectacle, and Nebraska will be counting on him to stay hot as they prepare for a tougher challenge against Vanderbilt on Saturday.
But before they look ahead, let's break down the three pivotal plays that sealed this historic win for the Huskers.