Nebraska Cornhuskers Secure Victory
The Nebraska Cornhuskers, ranked 12th nationally, secured a significant victory on Saturday, defeating Southern California 82-67 in a game that showcased standout performance by Pryce Sandfort, who scored 32 points, just shy of his personal best. This triumph marked Nebraska’s record-setting 14th win in the Big Ten Conference and their third consecutive victory overall, bringing their season record to an impressive 25 wins and 4 losses.
Road Performance and Challenges
On the road in conference play, the Cornhuskers now have a solid 7-2 record as they look ahead to one final away game. Earlier in the season, they had an exceptional start, winning their first 20 games but have since faced more challenges with a 5-4 record in the following matches. Sandfort’s performance included five 3-pointers, bringing him closer to becoming one of the all-time greats in Big Ten history, just five shots shy of Shawn Respert’s single-season record of 80.
Key Contributions and Game Atmosphere
Braden Frager also contributed notably with 17 points and matched his career high with eight rebounds. The atmosphere at Galen Center was electric, with Nebraska fans chanting “Go Big Red!” during a remarkable 15-0 run that expanded the lead to 66-46 midway through the second half, during which Sandfort and Frager were pivotal.
USC’s Struggles
For the Trojans (18-11, 7-11), this defeat further complicates their chances for an NCAA Tournament berth as they suffered their fifth consecutive loss and have won just 6 of their last 16 games. Chad Baker-Mazara and Alijah Arenas each led USC with 14 points, but Baker-Mazara’s injury early in the second half when he fell hard on the baseline sidelined him for the remainder of the game. Kam Woods and Jaden Brownell contributed 12 and 10 points respectively, but it was not enough to overcome Nebraska’s momentum.
Game Summary
In the first half, Nebraska had a slim lead at 20-18 before USC surged ahead with an 18-11 run, closing the half at 36-31. This run was ignited by back-to-back 3-pointers from Brownell and Baker-Mazara, as well as key baskets from Jerry Easter II.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Nebraska will face UCLA on Tuesday for the last leg of their California trip, while USC will travel to Washington on Wednesday for their final regular-season road game.
