
In a thrilling encounter on January 4, 2025, the Nebraska Cornhuskers men’s basketball team secured a significant victory over the No. 15 ranked UCLA Bruins, triumphing 66-58 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska.
This win not only marked Nebraska’s 20th consecutive home victory, tying a program record, but also underscored their growing dominance within the Big Ten Conference.
The game commenced with UCLA asserting early control, launching a 7-0 run that momentarily silenced the home crowd. Nebraska, however, responded emphatically with a 15-0 run, showcasing their resilience and defensive prowess. The first half was characterized by fluctuating momentum, culminating in a 24-24 tie at halftime, setting the stage for an intense second half.
Brice Williams emerged as a pivotal figure for the Cornhuskers, leading all scorers with 16 points. Despite a challenging shooting night, hitting only 2 of 12 attempts from the field, Williams demonstrated exceptional composure at the free-throw line, converting 11 of 12 opportunities. His ability to draw fouls and capitalize on free throws was instrumental in maintaining Nebraska’s offensive rhythm.
Complementing Williams’ efforts, Andrew Morgan provided a significant boost off the bench, contributing 12 points. His energy and efficiency in the paint were crucial in countering UCLA’s defensive schemes. Additionally, Rollie Worster and Juwan Gary added 11 and 10 points, respectively, ensuring a balanced scoring distribution that kept the Bruins’ defense on edge.
Defensively, Nebraska executed a game plan that stifled UCLA’s perimeter shooting. The Bruins struggled from beyond the arc, converting only 4 of 28 three-point attempts, a meager 14.3% success rate. This perimeter defense forced UCLA to seek alternative scoring avenues, disrupting their offensive flow and leading to critical turnovers.
The second half witnessed Nebraska seizing control through strategic runs and disciplined play. An early surge, highlighted by Morgan’s consecutive plays—a basket followed by a steal and an and-one—shifted momentum firmly in favor of the Cornhuskers. This sequence ignited the home crowd and provided Nebraska with a lead they would not relinquish.
UCLA’s offensive efforts were led by Tyler Bilodeau, who scored 15 points. Despite his contributions, the Bruins were unable to overcome their shooting woes and Nebraska’s steadfast defense. The loss marked UCLA’s first conference defeat of the season, highlighting areas for improvement as they progress through Big Ten play.
This victory propels Nebraska to a 12-2 overall record, with a 2-1 standing in the Big Ten Conference. The Cornhuskers’ unblemished home record underscores the formidable advantage Pinnacle Bank Arena provides, establishing it as a challenging venue for visiting teams. The team’s success against ranked opponents at home reflects their preparedness and strategic acumen under the current coaching regime.
Looking ahead, Nebraska faces upcoming road challenges against Iowa on January 7 and Purdue on January 12. Maintaining their current form and addressing any vulnerabilities will be essential as they aim to extend their success beyond home court and solidify their position within the conference standings.
In summary, Nebraska’s victory over UCLA serves as a testament to their resilience, strategic execution, and the growing influence of their home-court advantage. As the season progresses, the Cornhuskers appear poised to make a significant impact within the Big Ten, with aspirations of continued success and potential postseason achievements.