- Matchup: Troy Trojans vs Nebraska Cornhuskers
- Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
- Venue: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
- Broadcast: truTV
- Betting Odds: Nebraska favored by 13 points
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The Paycom Center will host an exciting first-round battle in the NCAA Tournament as the Nebraska Cornhuskers (26-6) take on the Troy Trojans (22-11) this Thursday. Troy starts the game as 13-point underdogs, with a projected total of 138 points.
In their previous matchup, the Troy Trojans triumphed over Georgia Southern, clinching victory with a score of 77-61. Troy showcased an impressive shooting performance, finishing the game with a field goal percentage of 58.8% (30 out of 51 shots). From the three-point line, they made 5 of 17 attempts (29.4%). At the charity stripe, the Trojans converted 12 of 17 free throw attempts for a solid 70.6% efficiency. They recorded a total of 32 rebounds, including 9 offensive boards, and tallied 17 assists while forcing their opponents into 11 turnovers and nabbing 7 steals. Domestically, Troy’s defense held Georgia Southern to 39.6% shooting, allowing 19 of 48 shots to go in. Georgia Southern also managed 11 steals and 8 assists, along with 15 rebounds (4 offensive and 11 defensive), but they did not record any blocks. Georgia Southern shot 100% at the free-throw line, hitting all 15 attempts, while making 8 of their 28 three-point attempts.
A standout performer for Troy was Thomas Dowd, who finished with an impressive 66.7% shooting accuracy, along with 3 assists. He played for 39 minutes, grabbed 13 rebounds, and scored 23 points on 8 out of 12 shooting.
Troy enters this matchup with a season record of 22-11. They average 80.3 points per game, ranking them 78th nationally, while shooting at a 44.9% success rate from the field. The Trojans have made 33.5% of their three-point attempts (307 of 917) and maintain a 73.8% free throw percentage. On average, they grab 38.3 rebounds per game and have a total of 527 assists this season, placing them 65th in college basketball for assists. They turn the ball over 11.9 times per game and commit 16.7 personal fouls per game.
On the defensive side, the Trojans force their opponents into an average of 12.7 turnovers per game and draw 16.9 fouls. They limit rivals to 31.3% shooting from beyond the arc while ranking 155th in the nation in points allowed per game at 73.1. The Trojans have an opponent shooting percentage of 43.3% (865 out of 1,996) and concede around 34.8 rebounds per game. They are ranked 173rd for assists allowed, having surrendered 429 assists this season.
In their last outing, the Nebraska Cornhuskers fell to Purdue with a final score of 74-58. In terms of rebounding, Nebraska allowed Purdue to secure 32 boards overall (11 offensive). The Cornhuskers managed a 32.3% shooting percentage from three-point range, hitting 10 of 31 attempts, and a solid free-throw percentage of 85.7%, making 12 of 14 free throw attempts. Purdue shot 44.8% overall, converting 26 of 58 tries. Nebraska’s shooting performance was slightly better, hitting 22 out of 56 shots for 39.3%. When it comes to three-point shooting, the Cornhuskers made 10 out of 31 attempts (32.3%). Purdue was charged with 12 fouls, giving Nebraska 9 opportunities at the free-throw line. Nebraska committed 10 turnovers and recorded 4 steals, concluding the game with 25 total rebounds (16 defensive and 9 offensive).
Pryce Sandfort was a key player for Nebraska, finishing with 15 points in 35 minutes, contributing 2 assists and 4 rebounds with a 42.9% field goal percentage (6 out of 14).
Nebraska boasts an impressive record of 26-6 this season. Offensively, they hit 46.5% of their field goals, placing them 99th nationally. The Cornhuskers have scored a total of 2,473 points this season (averaging 77.3 points per game) and secure 34.9 rebounds per game. They are known for their unselfish play, assisting teammates 18.0 times per game, ranking 14th in the nation, and they average just 9.8 turnovers per game. At the charity stripe, Nebraska converts at 75.0% efficiency while committing 14.3 fouls per contest.
The Cornhuskers excel defensively, ranking 22nd in NCAA Division 1 with 66.2 points allowed per game. They force 13.0 turnovers per game while limiting opponents to a field goal percentage of 40.4% (22nd nationally). Nebraska’s defense allows only 29.9% shooting from three-point range (275 of 919) and permits opponents to shoot 72.6% from the free-throw line. They average giving up 14.3 assists and 34.7 rebounds per game, ranking 253rd and 205th in Division 1, respectively.
Can Nebraska cover the spread in tonight’s NCAA matchup?
Prediction: Bet on Nebraska (-13)
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