The Nebraska Cornhuskers pulled off a stunning upset against the No. 15 UCLA Bruins, defeating them 66-58 at Pinnacle Bank Arena on January 4, 2025. This win is particularly significant as it not only extends Nebraska’s home winning streak to 20 games but also marks their first victory over UCLA since 1955.
The contest began with both teams coming off impressive performances. Nebraska entered the game having won five consecutive games and boasting an 11-2 record, including victories over tough opponents. On the other hand, UCLA also held an 11-2 record, recently overcoming Gonzaga 65-62. The two teams both seem evenly matched on paper, but the game would reveal the prowess of the Cornhuskers, particularly on defense.
From the outset, the game was marked by momentum swings. UCLA jumped to an early 7-0 lead, but Nebraska quickly responded with a decisive 15-0 run, showcasing their capability to shift the game's dynamics. The two teams continued to trade runs throughout the first half, which ended tied at 24-all. The half-time break did little to diminish the competitive intensity as both teams exchanged baskets early on.
It was Andrew Morgan’s pivotal contribution early in the second half—a bucket followed by a steal and and-one—that allowed Nebraska to take the lead for good. Despite shooting only 32.7% from the floor throughout the game, Nebraska’s effectiveness at the free-throw line proved to be the key strategy, as they made 25 of 29 attempts compared to UCLA’s 10 of 13. Brice Williams led Nebraska with 16 points, and though he struggled from the field, he excelled by getting to the line and converting his opportunities.
The Cornhuskers' defense was phenomenal, restricting UCLA to just 38.6% shooting from the field and only 4-for-28 from beyond the arc—marking their second-lowest scoring output of the season. Juwan Gary's clutch block late in the game exemplified the defensive spirit of the Cornhuskers and helped maintain their lead.
Rollie Worster not only reached over 1,000 career points during the game but also contributed 11 points for his team. While Tyler Bilodeau scored 15 points for UCLA and Kobe Johnson grabbed 11 rebounds, their efforts were not enough to overcome Nebraska's coordinated defensive efforts. The Huskers enforced their presence on the boards as well, out-rebounding the Bruins 39 to 34, with Berke Buyuktuncel matching his career high with nine rebounds.
This victory is particularly monumental for Nebraska, representing more than just another win—it’s their 20th consecutive victory at home, tying the program record. Coach Fred Hoiberg notched his 30th career victory against ranked opponents, cementing his own legacy within the program.
For fans and players alike, the atmosphere at Pinnacle Bank Arena was electric, contributing to the Cornhuskers' success. The Nebraska crowd rallied behind their team, helping them maintain composure under pressure, especially when UCLA attempted to stage comebacks. With now two victories over ranked opponents this season, Nebraska appears poised for continued success and possibly securing their own spot within the national rankings.
Next up, Nebraska will hit the road to face the Iowa Hawkeyes on January 7, 2025, aiming to keep their winning momentum alive. This match against UCLA will go down as one of the season's highlights, showcasing the strength and resilience of the Cornhuskers amid the fiercely competitive environment of Big Ten basketball.