UPDATE: In a thrilling finish, the No. 13 Nebraska Cornhuskers toppled No. 9 Michigan State Spartans 58-56 on December 1, 2023, in Lincoln, Nebraska. With only 1:51 left in the game, Rienk Mast delivered a crucial tiebreaking 3-pointer, leading Nebraska to their 18th consecutive victory—the longest active win streak in Division I basketball.
Fans erupted as the final buzzer sounded, marking Nebraska’s first home win against an AP-ranked opponent since 1991. The victory solidifies the Cornhuskers’ impressive 14-0 record and a perfect 3-0 in the Big Ten Conference.
The game, expected to be a fierce battle, started slow but transformed into a showcase of long-range shooting. Mast, standing at 6-foot-10, netted five of his first seven attempts from beyond the arc, wrapping up the night with a total of 19 points. Meanwhile, Michigan State’s Jaxon Kohler matched him with a career-high of 19 points and five 3-pointers.
As the game progressed, both teams struggled offensively, resulting in the lowest combined score of the season for either side. Nebraska’s Pryce Sandfort contributed 13 points, while Jamarques Lawrence added 12 points. For the Spartans, Jeremy Fears Jr. led with 14 points, but the team faltered in the second half, shooting just 6-of-24 from the field and committing a staggering 19 turnovers.
In a dramatic final moment, Michigan State’s Carson Cooper was fouled with just 0.7 seconds on the clock, providing a glimmer of hope. However, his first free throw clanged off the rim, and his intentional miss on the second gave Nebraska the rebound, sealing their victory.
This monumental win not only propels the Cornhuskers’ historic season but also serves as a significant statement in their quest to reshape their legacy, as they have never won an NCAA tournament game.
With this victory, Nebraska joins the elite group of undefeated teams in Division I. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as they aim to extend their remarkable streak in upcoming games.
Stay tuned for more updates on Nebraska’s journey as they continue their pursuit of greatness in the Big Ten and beyond.
