Sandfort Scores 25 as Nebraska Beats Providence 67-58

Pryce Sandfort scores 25 to lead Nebraska over Providence

Pryce Sandfort scored a game-high 25 points to lead the Nebraska Cornhuskers to a 67-58 victory over Providence in the Hall of Fame Tip-Off on Saturday night in Uncasville, Connecticut. According to a report from the Associated Press, Sandfort was highly efficient, shooting 9-of-14 from the field to secure the win and earn game MVP honors.

The victory moves Nebraska to 2-0 on the season, while Providence drops to 1-1. The win is part of a significant historical stretch for the program; as noted by 1011now.com, Nebraska has now won a school-record 24 straight regular-season nonconference games, a streak dating back to November 22, 2024.

Defensive pressure defines the Huskers’ momentum

While Sandfort provided the offensive spark, Nebraska’s defensive performance served as the foundation for the win. Data provided by huskers.com shows that the Huskers held Providence to just 30.6 percent shooting throughout the contest. This defensive intensity resulted in 18 Providence turnovers, which the Huskers converted into 20 points.

The game began as a defensive struggle for both sides. In the first half, Nebraska held Providence to 29 percent shooting, allowing them to take a 30-25 lead into the intermission. The momentum shifted decisively when Sandfort broke a 19-all tie with a pair of free throws and a 3-pointer. Following that sequence, Cale Jacobsen added a layup and Boden Kapke scored two straight layups to fuel an 11-0 run, giving Nebraska a 30-19 lead.

The scoring distribution across the Nebraska roster showed a balanced attack, with four players reaching double figures:

Player	Points Scored
Pryce Sandfort	25
Boden Kapke	13
Braden Frager	12
Cale Jacobsen	11

Providence attempted to close the gap late in the first half, with Devin Vanterpool hitting a three-pointer and Miles Byrd connecting on free throws to bring the score to 30-25 at the break. However, Nebraska regained control early in the second half, utilizing an 8-2 run to extend their lead to 38-27 with 18:02 remaining in the game.

Providence fights back but falls short

The Friars showed signs of life midway through the second half. A 10-3 spurt, aided by two free throws from Vanterpool, brought Providence within striking distance at the 13:31 mark. Despite this push, the Huskers maintained their composure. A 6-0 run, which included a basket from Jacobsen and a layup following a Taj DeGourville steal, helped Nebraska re-establish a double-digit cushion.

Sandfort Scores 25 as Nebraska Beats Providence 67-58 — Photo: huskers.com

Sandfort punctuated the decisive stretch with a slam to push the lead to 12, forcing a Providence timeout. The Huskers eventually reached their largest margin of the night at 63-47, following a free throw by Sandfort with just 2:25 left on the clock. This performance effectively quieted the Providence crowd of 7,654 spectators.

For Providence, Leonardo Marangon led the scoring efforts with 12 points, while Vanterpool contributed 11 points and six rebounds off the bench, according to huskers.com. The Friars will look to rebound when they host Bryant on Tuesday.

Nebraska now returns home to host Lindenwood on Wednesday, November 11. The tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. central time and will be broadcast on FS1 and the Huskers Radio Network.