Nebraska Basketball Seeks Historic Win

0:00On March 19th, Nebraska men's basketball enters the NCAA tournament as a fourth seed, with a chance to make history. The Huskers are the last power conference program without a single tournament win, sitting at 0 and 8 all-time. They've made the field just 9 times total, including this year, and lost every opener. Earlier this week, they drew 13th seeded Troy in the first round. Nebraska has only reached March madness twice in the last decade plus, both ending in quick exits against Texas A&M and Baylor. They're not alone in few appearances. Teams like Rutgers and Penn State have around 10, but those squads have at least some victories to show for it. Fans and analysts call it stunning futility, almost like flipping a coin eight times and never getting heads. Northwestern broke out of a similar rut in 2017, leaving Nebraska as the lone holdout among power programs. Even perennial underdogs like Georgia and Vanderbilt have seven or more wins. This squad stands out under Coach Fred Hoyberg, who built a top defensive unit, despite a patchwork roster.

1:04They rank 7th nationally in defensive efficiency, forcing tough shots and elite 3-point defense. Add shooters like Price Sanford and Point Guard Sam Hoyberg, and they beaten powerhouses such as Michigan State and Illinois this season. If Nebraska sticks to its packline scheme against Troy's one-man show in Victor Valdes, that elusive first win could finally arrive, rewriting the record books after decades of heartbreak.