Nebraska Upsets No. 9 Michigan State 58-56, Remains Undefeated

BREAKING: No. 13 Nebraska achieved a stunning upset over No. 9 Michigan State with a final score of 58-56 on December 15, 2023, in Lincoln. With just 1:51 remaining, Rienk Mast sank a crucial tiebreaking 3-pointer, leading the Cornhuskers to their 18th consecutive victory, marking the longest active win streak in NCAA Division I and the longest in the program’s history.

The victory sent fans rushing the court as Nebraska improved to 14-0 overall and 3-0 in Big Ten play. This win also marked Nebraska’s first home triumph in an AP-ranked matchup since they defeated Kansas in 1991.

Friday’s contest was marketed as a pivotal moment for Nebraska, the only power-conference team that has never secured a win in the NCAA tournament. The Cornhuskers proved their mettle in a game characterized by a defensive struggle, ultimately showcasing their resilience.

Initially slow-paced, the game escalated into an electrifying clash featuring standout performances from both teams. Mast, at 6-foot-10, delivered a remarkable performance, making five of his first seven attempts from beyond the arc and finishing with 19 points. Meanwhile, Michigan State’s Jaxon Kohler matched him with a career-high of 19 points, shooting a remarkable 5-of-6 from three-point range.

Pryce Sandfort added 13 points for the Huskers, while Jamarques Lawrence contributed 12 points. On the Spartans’ side, Jeremy Fears Jr. led with 14 points, and Kur Teng chipped in 12 points, stepping up in place of Divine Ugochukwu, who was sidelined due to illness.

Despite their offensive efforts, Michigan State struggled significantly in the second half, shooting only 6-of-24 from the field and committing a staggering 19 turnovers, their highest since a similar performance against Nebraska four years ago. The Huskers took the lead for good after Mast’s pivotal 3-pointer, and the Spartans had one final chance to tie the game. Carson Cooper was fouled with just 0.7 seconds left, but his first free throw rattled off the rim. He intentionally missed the second, allowing Nebraska to secure the rebound and seal the victory.

With this win, Nebraska strengthens its position among the select group of six undefeated teams in Division I, raising hopes among fans and analysts alike for a deep run in the upcoming NCAA tournament.

This thrilling game not only cements Nebraska’s status as a formidable contender but also ignites excitement for future matchups as they continue their journey in the Big Ten.