Nebraska Huskers Set New School Records with Remarkable Victory Over USC
The Nebraska men’s basketball team achieved a milestone by setting a new school record with 25 regular-season victories following their 82-67 triumph over USC. This win not only marked a record for regular-season wins, surpassing the 1990-91 team, but also set a new benchmark for conference victories with their 14th win of the season.
Trailing 36-31 at halftime, the Huskers orchestrated a powerful comeback in the second half, outscoring the Trojans 51-31. Junior forward Pryce Sandfort led this charge with a stellar performance, supported by effective layups and a resilient defense.
The initial half saw both teams engaging in a three-point shooting duel, with Nebraska landing five and USC four. The first half was marked by a combined total of 15 turnovers from both teams, contributing to the fluctuating scores.
Early in the game, Sandfort and senior point guard Sam Hoiberg each connected on consecutive three-pointers, giving Nebraska a 13-8 lead. However, USC responded with a strong defensive stand and two three-pointers from Jaden Brownell, which briefly put the Trojans ahead at 21-20.
Hoiberg’s foul trouble hindered Nebraska’s offensive momentum, allowing USC to maintain their lead. A three-pointer by senior Chad Baker-Mazara and two free throws were followed by a layup from Brownell, pushing the Trojans’ lead to 28-22.
Despite this, Nebraska senior forward Rienk Mast countered with a three-pointer, narrowing the gap. Baker-Mazara continued to apply pressure with a floater and additional free throws, extending USC’s lead to 32-27.
The Trojans’ lead expanded to seven points, 36-29, after consecutive baskets by guard Jerry Easter II. However, Sandfort mitigated this with a left-handed layup as the first half concluded with USC leading 36-31. Sandfort emerged as the leading scorer for Nebraska in the first half with 12 points, while Mast contributed seven.
The second half saw the return of Hoiberg, who immediately impacted the game with a layup off a steal by Sandfort. Nebraska’s defense continued to excel, leading to another steal by junior forward Berke Büyüktuncel, which Sandfort completed with a dunk, reducing the deficit to 36-35.
Following a USC dunk, Nebraska responded with an 8-0 run. Sandfort’s and-1 three-pointer leveled the score at 38-38, and his successful free throw gave the Huskers their first lead since midway through the first half at 39-38.
Hoiberg and Büyüktuncel further extended the lead with a layup and a dunk, respectively, achieving a 43-38 advantage for Nebraska. A media timeout and a successful challenge by USC coaches briefly halted the momentum with the score at 43-40.
Nebraska then capitalized on opportunities in the paint, with Büyüktuncel, Sandfort, Mast, and freshman Braden Frager all contributing to an 8-2 run, part of a larger 16-4 stretch, pushing the Huskers ahead 51-42.
The Huskers maintained their dominance, with Frager, Büyüktuncel, and Sandfort hitting crucial shots. Sandfort’s straight-away triple further increased the lead to 64-46, leading to a USC timeout. Nebraska continued to assert control with a 15-0 run, extending their lead to 66-46.
Despite a last-ditch effort and full-court press from USC, Nebraska held their ground, leveraging offensive rebounds and strategic shot selection to secure a 15-point victory. The Huskers, who have struggled with rebounding this season, dominated the boards, out-rebounding USC 41-25, including 18 offensive rebounds and 19 second-chance points.
Sandfort led Nebraska with 32 points, marking his second 30-point game in three outings. Frager added 17 points, while Mast contributed 11. The Cornhuskers will remain on the West Coast to face UCLA on Tuesday.
