Nebraska’s Cornhuskers have secured their first postseason championship since 1996, defeating UCF 77-66 in the inaugural College Basketball Crown on Sunday afternoon. The team, led by coach Sam Hoiberg, demonstrated exceptional defensive efforts against standout point guard Darius Johnson, who managed only four points despite being his worst shooting performance of the season.
The victory marked a turning point for Nebraska, showcasing their resilience and camaraderie. Despite losing five consecutive games towards the end of the regular season, the team came together without any defections or early departures for NBA Draft preparation. This unity was reflected in their performance, with players like lead guard Brice Williams and small forward Juwan Gary making key contributions.
Williams set a school record with 21 points against UCF and led the team to four-game winning streak. Gary’s springy play and clutch performances were instrumental in Nebraska’s success, including scoring nine points in the final quarter to seal the win. Sam Hoiberg’s son, shooting guard Sam Hoiberg, provided crucial defensive shifts against Johnson, earning praise from his coach.
The team’s sixth man, Connor Essegian, played a vital role in Nebraska’s offense, making back-to-back 3-pointers that tied the game at 52-52. Guard Cale Jacobsen also shone with five points and six rebounds, exceeding expectations in his oversized role. The victory was a testament to the team’s growth and their ability to overcome adversity.
As Hoiberg said, “It was just one of those teams where they were all in it for each other.” Nebraska’s championship win will be remembered by fans forever, who traveled far to support the team. For guard Juwan Gary, the title is a moment he’ll cherish forever, saying, “We won a championship today… It might not be the NCAA Tournament championship, but it’s a postseason championship. We can still call ourselves champions.”
Source: https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/something-will-my-heart-huskers-cherish-inaugural-crown-title