Nebraska is on the brink of making history. The Cornhuskers have never won an NCAA Tournament game, but this year, they have their sights set on more than just breaking that streak.
Coming off a stellar season with only six losses, Nebraska is ready to prove they're the best team in program history, starting with their matchup against No. 13 Troy.
Troy may have stumbled a few times in the Sun Belt, but victories over teams like San Diego State and Akron, plus a close call against USC, show they can compete with the big boys. So, could an upset be brewing?
Let’s dive into what you need to know for your March Madness bracket.
Nebraska vs. Troy Odds
Nebraska is stepping in as the favorite according to DraftKings, despite not clinching a win in the Big Ten Tournament. Meanwhile, Troy had its own share of struggles, losing six times in Sun Belt play.
Odds: Nebraska -13.5
Time: 12:40 p.m.
ET
TV: TruTV
Arena: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Nebraska Cornhuskers (26-6, 15-5 Big Ten)
Nebraska’s quest for their first NCAA win is fueled by a season that’s been nothing short of a dream. While they might not match up with the Big Ten's elite, their ambitions are sky-high after a strong season.
However, their offense can be unpredictable. Rienk Mast’s late-season struggles are a concern, and he’ll need to find his groove for Nebraska to advance.
Pryce Sandfort can heat up quickly, and Sam Hoiberg's versatility makes him a key player, shooting nearly 55% from the field.
Defensively, Nebraska shines on the perimeter, holding opponents to under 30% from beyond the arc. While their interior defense isn't as formidable, their overall defensive prowess is a cornerstone of their game plan.
Key Players for Nebraska
- **Pryce Sandfort, F, Jr. **: 17.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 40.1% 3-pt
- **Rienk Mast, F, Sr. **: 13.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.9 apg
- **Sam Hoiberg, G, Sr. **: 9.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.3 apg
- **Jamarques Lawrence, G, Sr. **: 9.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 4.0 apg
- **Berke Buyuktuncel, F, Jr. **: 6.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.9 bpg
Troy Trojans (22-11, 12-6 Sun Belt)
Troy started the season strong, with impressive wins and a near-miss against USC. Despite struggling in the Sun Belt, they clinched the conference regular season title.
Offensively, Troy averages 80.3 points per game and takes plenty of threes, though their efficiency from deep is inconsistent. They excel inside but lack the size to dominate consistently.
Defensively, Troy limits opponents to 31.3% from three. Their interior defense is softer, but their stats are skewed by multiple overtime games.
Key Players for Troy
- **Thomas Dowd, F, Jr. **: 14.8 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 2.2 apg
- **Victor Valdes, F, Sr. **: 14.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 4.6 apg
- **Cooper Campbell, G, Sr. **: 12.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 4.2 apg
- **Theo Seng, G, Sr. **: 12.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.1 apg
- **Cobi Campbell, F, Jr. **: 9.0 ppg, 1.5 apg, 40.4% 3-pt
Nebraska vs. Troy Prediction
Evaluating a potential upset often hinges on how a lower seed has fared against tougher competition. Troy’s wins over San Diego State and Akron, plus their near-upset of USC, suggest they can hang with Nebraska.
However, Nebraska’s defense, particularly on the perimeter, is formidable. While Troy’s offense might struggle, Nebraska’s consistency on defense makes them the likely victor.
History of 4 vs. 13 Matchups
Historically, 4-13 matchups have seen their share of upsets, but in 2025, all 4-seeds advanced. Here’s a look at recent surprises:
- 2024: Yale 78, Auburn 76
- 2023: Furman 68, Virginia 67
- 2021: Ohio 62, Virginia 58
Nebraska is poised to make their mark, but as history shows, nothing is guaranteed in March Madness.