The University of Nebraska took the court Thursday for its first-round matchup, looking to get its NCAA tournament off to a positive note while facing Troy.
The Huskers played with their traditional defensive intensity, while the offense delivered when the moment called for it.
The Huskers advanced with what could be labeled a complete victory, and social media exploded with opinions regarding the game’s overall significance.
Nebraska Basketball Earns Program’s First NCAA Win, Dismantles Troy, 71-47
Bolstered by Bryce Sandfort’s 23 points, the Huskers handed the Trojans a 24-point loss. The game carried meaning not just for the fans but also for those who cover it.
Social media buzzed with excitement. For one analyst, the festivities will start early.
Dear Nebraska Fans,
Congratulations on making HISTORY!
Happy Hour is on ME.
See you before next season in the Haymarket District.
Date is TBD.
Sincerely,
JR
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 19, 2026
“Dear Nebraska Fans,
Congratulations on making HISTORY! Happy Hour is on ME. See you before next season in the Haymarket District. Date is TBD.”
MARCH MADNESS: Fill In Your Bracket Now!
The Huskers started playing basketball in the 1896-97 season, winning two games. They didn’t reach the postseason until the 1990-91 season. In essence, almost a century of futility.
Then, the frustration continued with eight consecutive March Madness defeats. Today, the Cornhuskers finally landed in the win column again.
Entering today, the Nebraska men’s basketball program was 0-8 all-time in the NCAA Tournament.
The Huskers are winless no longer!
A massive congratulations to @HuskerMBB on their win over Troy today.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) March 19, 2026
“Entering today, the Nebraska men’s basketball program was 0-8 all-time in the NCAA Tournament. The Huskers are winless no longer! A massive congratulations to @HuskerMBB on their win over Troy today.”
Originally a football school, Nebraska’s women’s volleyball team eventually started to garner national attention. Now, a school that isn’t particularly known for basketball from a recruiting standpoint finally gets a signature victory.
NEBRASKA WINS A NCAA TOURNAMENT GAME FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER! 🌽
Nebraska was previously 0-8 in NCAAT games across 130 seasons.
The nightmare is OVER. pic.twitter.com/yFI4VkofDI
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) March 19, 2026
“NEBRASKA WINS A NCAA TOURNAMENT GAME FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER! Nebraska was previously 0-8 in NCAAT games across 130 seasons. The nightmare is OVER.”
Before today, Nebraska’s last March Madness game, a 15-point loss to Texas A&M in 2024, was the last time the school’s program was in college basketball’s national spotlight.
However, head coach Fred Hoiberg has now crafted three straight 20-win seasons, and the team continues to progress.
THE DROUGHT IS OVER!@HuskerMBB has their first NCAA Tournament victory. pic.twitter.com/d8DLYjXiyN
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 19, 2026
“THE DROUGHT IS OVER! @HuskerMBB has their first NCAA Tournament victory.”
The somewhat partisan crowd in Oklahoma City did not need to travel far to watch their Huskers play. Depending on which route you take, the Paycom Center sits roughly 400 miles from Lincoln, affording fans the opportunity to make the day trip.
Now, with the Cornhuskers having at least one more game to play, some fans will at least stay for half of the weekend. Over a century of waiting and the men’s basketball team delivered.
Nebraska began their basketball program during the 1896-97 season defeating Lincoln YMCA for the their first win.
129 seasons later they defeat Troy for their first NCAAT win as their massive crowd chants “Go Big Red”.
Enjoy it Huskers. Special times.
pic.twitter.com/TgffGbsZgS— Garrett Armbrust (@4thandsaturday) March 19, 2026
“Nebraska began their basketball program during the 1896-97 season defeating Lincoln YMCA for their first win. 129 seasons later they defeat Troy for their first NCAAT win as their massive crowd chants “Go Big Red”. Enjoy it Huskers. Special times.”
On Saturday, Nebraska will play the winner of the Vanderbilt-McNeese State game taking place on Thursday afternoon.
Nebraska’s second-round game will take place at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City at a time to be determined.
