Nebraska Cornhuskers Edge Michigan State Spartans 58-56
Friday, January 2, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Pinnacle Bank Arena
Nebraska Cornhuskers 58, Michigan State Spartans 56, 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 Michigan State Spartans vs Nebraska Cornhuskers?
Nebraska Cornhuskers beat Michigan State Spartans 58-56 at Pinnacle Bank Arena on January 2, 2026.
Who was favored in Michigan State Spartans vs Nebraska Cornhuskers?
Nebraska Cornhuskers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Nebraska Cornhuskers narrowly defeated the Michigan State Spartans 58-56 at Pinnacle Bank Arena. This victory solidifies Nebraska's impressive home record, now standing at 15-0, while Michigan State falls to 12-3 overall. The game showcased the resilience of both teams, with Nebraska extending their winning streak to 11 games and Michigan State continuing their strong form with a record of 10-1 in their last 11 games.
Nebraska entered the game with an unblemished home record of 14-0, having outscored opponents by an average of 83.5 points while allowing 69.2. Their last ten games had seen them dominate, winning all ten and averaging 81.6 points in their last five outings. Their recent performance included a decisive victory over New Hampshire, where they won 86-55, and a close contest against Illinois, which they won 83-80.
On the other hand, Michigan State came into this game with a strong away record of 4-0 and a recent winning streak of four games. They averaged 82.2 points in their last ten games while allowing 66.2 points. Their most recent game was a high-scoring affair against Cornell, where they triumphed 114-97, showcasing their offensive capabilities.
The matchup was particularly intriguing given their previous encounter, where Michigan State had decisively beaten Nebraska 89-52 in December 2024. This context added an extra layer of tension to the game, as Nebraska sought to avenge that loss.
In terms of injuries, both teams appeared to be at full strength, which contributed to the intensity of the matchup. The conditions were favorable for basketball, with the arena filled with enthusiastic fans supporting the home team.
As the game unfolded, Nebraska found themselves trailing at various points, but they managed to pull ahead in the final moments. Key scoring plays included a crucial three-pointer from Rienk Mast, which put Nebraska ahead 58-55 with just seconds remaining. The final minutes were marked by tense exchanges, with both teams trading points. Sam Hoiberg's free throws and Mast's three-pointer were pivotal in securing the win for Nebraska.
The betting lines from DraftKings indicated Nebraska as the favorite with a spread of -2.5, reflecting their strong home performance. The total was set at 146.5, highlighting expectations for a competitive scoring matchup.
Viewers watching the game were treated to a display of determination and skill from both sides, with Nebraska's ability to execute under pressure ultimately leading them to victory. The close scoreline reflects the competitive nature of college basketball, where every possession counts. Nebraska's ability to maintain their home dominance will be a key storyline moving forward, as they continue to build momentum in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NEB -2.5 | 146.5 o -112 / u -108 | Michigan State Spartans +114 · Nebraska Cornhuskers -135 |
Leaders
- PointsRienk Mast19Nebraska Cornhuskers
- AssistsSam Hoiberg5Nebraska Cornhuskers
- ReboundsRienk Mast7Nebraska Cornhuskers
- PointsJaxon Kohler19Michigan State Spartans
- AssistsJeremy Fears Jr.7Michigan State Spartans
- ReboundsCarson Cooper13Michigan State Spartans
Recent form
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Last 10: 10-0Streak W1083.5 scored · 69.2 allowed per game8-0 at home
- W86-55vs New Hampshire WildcatsDec 31
- W78-55vs North Dakota Fighting HawksDec 22
- W83-80at Illinois Fighting IlliniDec 13
- W90-60vs Wisconsin BadgersDec 11
- W71-50vs Creighton BluejaysDec 7
- W72-63vs South Carolina Upstate SpartansNov 29
- W80-73vs Winthrop EaglesNov 26
- W86-85vs Kansas State WildcatsNov 22
- W84-72at New Mexico LobosNov 21
- W105-99vs Oklahoma SoonersNov 16
Michigan State Spartans
Last 10: 9-1Streak W482.2 scored · 66.2 allowed per game4-0 away
- W114-97vs Cornell Big RedDec 30
- W79-70vs Oakland Golden GrizzliesDec 20
- W92-69vs Toledo RocketsDec 16
- W76-72at Penn State Nittany LionsDec 13
- L60-66vs Duke Blue DevilsDec 6
- W71-52vs Iowa HawkeyesDec 3
- W74-58at North Carolina Tar HeelsNov 27
- W89-56at East Carolina PiratesNov 25
- W84-56vs Detroit Mercy TitansNov 21
- W83-66at Kentucky WildcatsNov 18
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Michigan State Spartans | Nebraska Cornhuskers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 17-50 | 18-57 |
| Field goal % | 34 | 32 |
| Three-pointers | 10-28 | 13-37 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 35 |
| Free throws | 12-15 | 9-13 |
| Free throw % | 80 | 69 |
| Rebounds | 45 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 34 | 22 |
| Assists | 12 | 15 |
| Steals | 5 | 7 |
| Blocks | 4 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 21 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 9 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 0 |
| Points in the paint | 10 | 10 |
| Fouls | 14 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 14 | 14 |
| Time in front | 25 | 43 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half19-19Trey Fort makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jeremy Fears Jr. assists)
- 1st Half19-22Braden Frager makes 25-foot three point jumper (Sam Hoiberg assists)
- 1st Half22-22Jaxon Kohler makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jeremy Fears Jr. assists)
- 1st Half22-25Rienk Mast makes 25-foot three point jumper (Braden Frager assists)
- 1st Half22-28Rienk Mast makes 23-foot three point jumper (Sam Hoiberg assists)
- 1st Half25-28Jaxon Kohler makes 25-foot three point jumper (Coen Carr assists)
- 1st Half25-31Jamarques Lawrence makes 25-foot three point jumper (Sam Hoiberg assists)
- 1st Half28-31Kur Teng makes 22-foot three point jumper (Jaxon Kohler assists)
- 1st Half31-31Jaxon Kohler makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jeremy Fears Jr. assists)
- 1st Half32-31Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half33-31Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half33-32Jamarques Lawrence makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half33-33Jamarques Lawrence makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half34-33Carson Cooper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half34-35Pryce Sandfort makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half36-35Jaxon Kohler makes layup
- 2nd Half36-36Jamarques Lawrence makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half36-37Jamarques Lawrence makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half38-37Carson Cooper makes layup
- 2nd Half38-40Pryce Sandfort makes 24-foot three point jumper (Braden Frager assists)
- 2nd Half38-41Cale Jacobsen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half38-44Pryce Sandfort makes 24-foot three point jumper (Sam Hoiberg assists)
- 2nd Half38-47Braden Frager makes 23-foot three point jumper (Rienk Mast assists)
- 2nd Half39-47Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-47Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-47Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-47Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-47Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-47Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-50Braden Frager makes 24-foot three point jumper (Berke Buyuktuncel assists)
- 2nd Half47-50Jaxon Kohler makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jeremy Fears Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half50-50Kur Teng makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jeremy Fears Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half50-52Sam Hoiberg makes layup
- 2nd Half53-52Kur Teng makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jeremy Fears Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half55-52Jeremy Fears Jr. makes 12-foot jumper
- 2nd Half55-53Sam Hoiberg makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-54Sam Hoiberg makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-55Rienk Mast makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-58Rienk Mast makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jamarques Lawrence assists)
- 2nd Half56-58Carson Cooper makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Nebraska Cornhuskers, below favours Michigan State Spartans.
Venue
- Pinnacle Bank ArenaLincoln, NE
- Attendance14841
- OfficialsD.J. Carstensen, Tim Comer, Jason Phillips
Elsewhere
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- 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