Nebraska Cornhuskers Edge Kansas State Wildcats in Thriller
Friday, November 21, 2025, 9:30 PM ET · T-Mobile Center
Nebraska Cornhuskers 86, Kansas State Wildcats 85, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Kansas State Wildcats vs Nebraska Cornhuskers?
Nebraska Cornhuskers beat Kansas State Wildcats 86-85 at T-Mobile Center on November 21, 2025.
In a nail-biting contest, the Nebraska Cornhuskers triumphed over the Kansas State Wildcats with a final score of 86-85 at the T-Mobile Center. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as both teams entered the game in strong form, with Nebraska boasting a perfect home record of 6-0 and Kansas State holding a solid 5-1 record overall. The game showcased the competitive spirit and skill of both squads, culminating in a thrilling finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Nebraska's recent performance has been impressive, highlighted by a five-game winning streak. Over their last ten games, they have recorded a 5-5 record, with an average of 80.5 points scored per game and 74.4 points allowed. Their last five games have seen them score an average of 88.0 points while allowing 68.0, indicating a significant offensive surge as they found their rhythm. In their most recent outing, Nebraska defeated the New Mexico Lobos 84-72, further solidifying their confidence heading into this matchup.
On the other hand, Kansas State has also been in fine form, winning their last five games and achieving an 8-2 record over their last ten. They have averaged 77.5 points scored and 70.5 points allowed during this stretch. Their latest victory came against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, where they secured a convincing 98-77 win. This strong offensive output has been a hallmark of their recent games, making them a formidable opponent.
The game was played at a neutral venue, the T-Mobile Center, which added an extra layer of excitement as both fan bases converged to support their teams. Nebraska's home record of 4-3 and Kansas State's away record of 1-1 reflect their respective strengths, but the neutral setting meant that neither team had a distinct advantage.
In terms of previous meetings, this contest was significant as it pitted two teams with a history of competitive play against each other. The close scoreline of 86-85 suggests that the rivalry remains intense, with each team pushing the other to the limit.
Injury reports did not indicate any significant absences for either team, allowing both squads to field their strongest lineups. This factor contributed to the high level of play witnessed throughout the game.
The betting market had Nebraska as the favorite, reflecting their strong home form and recent winning streak. The odds provided by the market indicated a high level of confidence in Nebraska's ability to secure the win, which they ultimately did in a dramatic fashion.
Conditions during the game were ideal for basketball, with both teams able to showcase their offensive and defensive strategies effectively. The crowd was energized, adding to the atmosphere and intensity of the matchup.
As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a series of exciting scoring plays that highlighted the skills of both teams. Notable moments included a crucial three-point jumper by Pryce Sandfort that briefly put Nebraska ahead, and a series of free throws that kept the score tight in the closing moments. The final seconds saw Sam Hoiberg make a decisive free throw that sealed the victory for Nebraska, showcasing the pressure and poise required in such a closely contested game.
Overall, the matchup between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Kansas State Wildcats was a thrilling encounter that delivered on the promise of high-stakes college basketball. With both teams demonstrating their offensive prowess and competitive spirit, fans were left eagerly anticipating their next encounters.
Leaders
- PointsPryce Sandfort21Nebraska Cornhuskers
- AssistsJamarques Lawrence5Nebraska Cornhuskers
- ReboundsBerke Buyuktuncel8Nebraska Cornhuskers
- PointsP.J. Haggerty27Kansas State Wildcats
- AssistsP.J. Haggerty7Kansas State Wildcats
- ReboundsP.J. Haggerty6Kansas State Wildcats
Recent form
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Last 10: 5-5Streak W580.5 scored · 74.4 allowed per game4-3 at home
- W84-72at New Mexico LobosNov 21
- W105-99vs Oklahoma SoonersNov 16
- W69-50vs Maryland Eastern Shore HawksNov 12
- W96-66vs Florida International PanthersNov 8
- W86-53vs West Georgia WolvesNov 4
- L68-83vs Iowa HawkeyesMar 9
- L114-116at Ohio State BuckeyesMar 5
- L65-67vs Minnesota Golden GophersMar 1
- L46-49vs Michigan WolverinesFeb 25
- L72-89at Penn State Nittany LionsFeb 19
Kansas State Wildcats
Last 10: 8-2Streak W577.5 scored · 70.5 allowed per game1-1 away
- W98-77vs Mississippi State BulldogsNov 21
- W84-83vs Tulsa Golden HurricaneNov 18
- W99-96vs California Golden BearsNov 14
- W98-71vs Bellarmine KnightsNov 9
- W93-64vs UNC Greensboro SpartansNov 5
- L56-70at Baylor BearsMar 12
- W71-66vs Arizona State Sun DevilsMar 11
- L57-73vs Iowa State CyclonesMar 8
- W54-49at Cincinnati BearcatsMar 6
- W65-56vs Colorado BuffaloesMar 2
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 36-3 | - | 16-2 |
| Houston | 30-7 | 2 | 14-4 |
| Iowa State | 29-8 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Kansas | 24-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Texas Tech | 23-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| TCU | 23-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| BYU | 23-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| UCF | 21-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| West Virginia | 21-14 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Cincinnati | 18-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Colorado | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Arizona State | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma State | 20-15 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Baylor | 17-17 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Kansas State | 12-20 | 13 | 3-15 |
| Utah | 10-22 | 14 | 2-16 |
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Kansas State Wildcats | Nebraska Cornhuskers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-62 | 33-61 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 54 |
| Three-pointers | 12-35 | 8-32 |
| Three-point % | 34 | 25 |
| Free throws | 19-22 | 12-20 |
| Free throw % | 86 | 60 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 24 |
| Assists | 19 | 16 |
| Steals | 5 | 6 |
| Blocks | 2 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 24 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 48 |
| Fouls | 17 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 15 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half53-54Sam Hoiberg made Layup.
- 2nd Half56-54Nate Johnson made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by David Castillo.
- 2nd Half56-56Rienk Mast made Layup.
- 2nd Half59-56David Castillo made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by P.J. Haggerty.
- 2nd Half59-57Berke Buyuktuncel made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half59-59Braden Frager made Layup.
- 2nd Half62-59Abdi Bashir Jr. made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by P.J. Haggerty.
- 2nd Half62-61Jamarques Lawrence made Jumper.
- 2nd Half64-61P.J. Haggerty made Jumper.
- 2nd Half64-63Braden Frager made Layup.
- 2nd Half64-65Braden Frager made Layup. Assisted by Jamarques Lawrence.
- 2nd Half67-65Abdi Bashir Jr. made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Nate Johnson.
- 2nd Half67-66Rienk Mast made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half67-67Rienk Mast made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half69-67P.J. Haggerty made Layup. Assisted by Abdi Bashir Jr..
- 2nd Half70-67Elias Rapieque made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half72-67P.J. Haggerty made Layup. Assisted by Elias Rapieque.
- 2nd Half72-69Rienk Mast made Layup. Assisted by Cale Jacobsen.
- 2nd Half72-72Braden Frager made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Cale Jacobsen.
- 2nd Half72-73Cale Jacobsen made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half72-74Cale Jacobsen made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half72-75Rienk Mast made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half72-76Rienk Mast made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half73-76Abdi Bashir Jr. made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half74-76Abdi Bashir Jr. made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half75-76Abdi Bashir Jr. made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half76-76David Castillo made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half76-77Rienk Mast made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half76-78Rienk Mast made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half77-78David Castillo made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half78-78David Castillo made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half79-78David Castillo made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half80-78David Castillo made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half80-81Pryce Sandfort made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Sam Hoiberg.
- 2nd Half82-81P.J. Haggerty made Jumper.
- 2nd Half83-81P.J. Haggerty made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half83-83Sam Hoiberg made Layup.
- 2nd Half83-85Rienk Mast made Layup. Assisted by Jamarques Lawrence.
- 2nd Half85-85P.J. Haggerty made Layup.
- 2nd Half85-86Sam Hoiberg made Free Throw.
Win probability
Above the line favours Nebraska Cornhuskers, below favours Kansas State Wildcats.
Venue
- T-Mobile CenterKansas City, MO
- OfficialsMatt Potter, Edwin Young, Tommy Johnson
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond