This postseason tilt features the Big Ten's 16th-seeded Cornhuskers taking on the Mountain West's 5th-seeded Broncos. Boise enters with a better overall record, but Nebraska’s battle-tested schedule and close-game resume make this a compelling underdog spot.
Game Overview
Nebraska went 19-14 on the year, playing one of the tougher conference slates in the country. While their 5-7 road record isn’t glowing, they've covered 18 of 33 overall and have shown grit with three losses by two points and one by three in late-season Big Ten action. They might be 16th in their conference standings, but their performance suggests more bite than bark.
Boise State, on the other hand, has been solid, posting a 26-10 record and a strong 13-2 home mark. They've also been respectable ATS, going 19-16. The Broncos bring defensive discipline but haven't always separated from inferior teams. Their neutral-court performance hasn’t been elite, and they can be vulnerable when facing aggressive perimeter attacks.
Key Matchups & Analysis
Nebraska’s offensive profile is quietly efficient. The Cornhuskers hit free throws at a 75.1% clip (Top 100 nationally), and while their overall FG% sits mid-pack at 45.5%, they generate scoring through volume and aggressiveness. They average 20.8 free throw attempts per game (88th nationally), which could be a key edge here against a Boise squad that sends opponents to the line at a below-average clip.
Defensively, Nebraska is average statistically, but their edge may come in pace control and perimeter disruption. They average 7.3 steals per game (69th nationally) and force pressure that Boise hasn’t always handled well. Boise’s assist-to-turnover ratio is just 1.0 (87th), and if Nebraska can turn them over, they’ll generate easy buckets in transition.
Boise’s calling card is its defense — 66.6 PPG allowed (37th nationally) and ranked 4th in rebounding. But offensively, they’re streaky. Their 3-point shooting (34.2%) is slightly above average, but they don’t take many (20.5 attempts per game, 52nd fewest). If Nebraska can take away easy post entries and force the Broncos outside, the game may tilt in the Huskers' favor.
