HONOLULU (AP) — The Nebraska Cornhuskers basketball team celebrated its victory after defeating the Oregon State Beavers 78-66 on Wednesday night, clinching the championship title at the Diamond Head Classic. This marked Nebraska's first tournament title since the San Juan Shootout back in 2000.
Brice Williams was the star of the night, scoring 11 of his total 25 points in the final six minutes, leading the Cornhuskers on a key 6-0 run to close out the game. Nebraska, now boasting a 10-2 season record, managed to pull away after Oregon State had tied the game at 51 with just over ten minutes left on the clock.
After the Beavers’ comeback, Nebraska surged back with a 10-2 run, effectively taking control as the Beavers endured over five minutes without hitting any field goals. With the lead never sinking below four points from this moment onward, the Cornhuskers kept their opponents at bay.
Berke Buyuktuncel played a pivotal role by nailing a 3-pointer with 1:51 remaining, pushing the score to 72-63. He finished the game with 16 points, making three shots from beyond the arc. Juwan Gary contributed as well, adding 14 points to the scoreboard.
Nate Kingz had 19 points for Oregon State, with teammate Damarco Minor adding 16 points. Throughout the first half, Williams was particularly impactful, scoring 10 points to help Nebraska secure a narrow lead of 34-33 going to the break.
The Nebraska squad showcased impressive shooting skills, hitting 50% of their field goals, including making six of 11 from three-point range during the first half. The strong shooting performance helped set the tone for the second half and the eventual victory.
This championship win holds special significance as it not only reclaims past glory for Nebraska but also solidifies Coach Fred Hoiberg's legacy. Hoiberg has now become the first coach to achieve multiple Diamond Head Classic titles, having also led Iowa State to victory back in 2013.
Reflecting on the victory, Hoiberg noted the importance of this win for his program. "Winning our first tournament title since 2000 is huge for our team and our fans. It shows how far we've come, and I couldn't be prouder of how the guys played together tonight," he said.
The matchup between Nebraska and Oregon State marked the second consecutive season these teams faced off at a neutral site, with last year's game occurring in South Dakota. With this win, Nebraska secured bragging rights and momentum as they prepare for their next matchup against Southern at home.
Oregon State, now holding a record of 10-3, will look to rebound as they host Portland next. Both teams are eager to continue their respective seasons, aiming for success as the year progresses.
This thrilling evening at the Diamond Head Classic showcased the heart and determination of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and fans are left eager to see what the rest of the season holds for this rising basketball program.
