Full Breakdown
Nebraska Cornhuskers Face Troy Trojans in 2026 NCAA Tournament First Round
3/19/2026, 11:08:10 PM
Matchup Overview
The fourth-seeded Nebraska Cornhuskers are set to face the 13th-seeded Troy Trojans in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament South regional. The game will take place on Thursday, March 19, at 12:40 p.m. ET at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Nebraska, with a record of 26-6, is a 13.5-point favorite against Troy, which enters the tournament with a 22-11 record after winning the Sun Belt Conference Tournament.
Recent Performance
Nebraska's recent form has been mixed, having lost to Purdue 74-58 in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals. In contrast, Troy comes into the matchup on a four-game winning streak, including a decisive 77-61 victory over Georgia Southern in the Sun Belt championship. Nebraska has struggled in its last 12 games, going 6-6, while Troy has shown resilience, winning key games against higher-ranked teams earlier in the season.
Key Players
For Nebraska, forward Pryce Sandfort leads the team, averaging 17.8 points per game, while Rienk Mast contributes 13.5 points and 5.8 rebounds. Troy's offense is spearheaded by Thomas Dowd, who averages 14.8 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, and Victor Valdes, who also scores 14.8 points per game. Both teams will rely heavily on their respective star players to dictate the game's tempo and scoring.
Game Strategy
Nebraska's strategy will focus on physicality and rebounding, aiming to control the glass against a Troy team that thrives on second-chance opportunities. The Cornhuskers are known for their strong defensive capabilities, ranking seventh nationally in defensive efficiency. Conversely, Troy's approach will likely involve leveraging their speed and creating turnovers to generate fast-break points.
Predictions and Expert Opinions
Predictions largely favor Nebraska, with many experts suggesting they will finally secure their first NCAA Tournament victory after eight previous attempts. ESPN's Jeff Borzello predicts a 72-66 win for Nebraska, while others express caution, noting Troy's potential for an upset given their competitive performances against higher-ranked teams earlier in the season.
Betting Odds
As of the latest updates, Nebraska is favored to win with a spread of -13.5, while the over/under for total points is set at 138.5. The SportsLine Projection Model has simulated the game 10,000 times, projecting a total of 151 points, indicating a strong likelihood of the over hitting in this matchup.
Conclusion
The matchup between Nebraska and Troy promises to be a compelling contest as both teams aim to advance in the NCAA Tournament. With Nebraska seeking to break its tournament winless streak and Troy looking to capitalize on its recent momentum, the game is set to be a significant moment in March Madness history.
