UCLA Dominates Nebraska with a 72-52 Victory
Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 11:00 PM ET · Pauley Pavilion
UCLA Bruins 72, Nebraska Cornhuskers 52, 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 Nebraska Cornhuskers vs UCLA Bruins?
UCLA Bruins beat Nebraska Cornhuskers 72-52 at Pauley Pavilion on March 3, 2026.
Who was favored in Nebraska Cornhuskers vs UCLA Bruins?
UCLA Bruins were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -112 (about 53% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive performance, the UCLA Bruins defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers 72-52 at Pauley Pavilion. This matchup showcased UCLA's strength, particularly after a recent stretch of inconsistent play. The Bruins, with a home record of 20-10, had been struggling, entering this game with a 6-4 record over their last ten outings and a streak of one loss. They averaged 78.0 points scored and allowed 76.0 during this span, but their recent form included a significant drop in scoring, averaging only 72.8 points in their last five games while allowing 80.4.
On the other hand, the Cornhuskers came into this game with a strong away record of 25-5 and a recent winning streak of three games. Nebraska had also posted a 6-4 record in their last ten games, averaging 73.7 points scored and allowing 65.6. Their recent form was even more impressive, with an average of 72.6 points scored and only 59.6 allowed in their last five games.
The match was particularly interesting as UCLA was looking to avenge a previous defeat to Nebraska earlier in the season, where they lost 58-66 on January 4, 2025. This context added an extra layer of significance to the game for the Bruins.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any players missing from either side, suggesting both teams were at full strength for this crucial encounter. The betting lines from DraftKings indicated that UCLA was favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 144.5. The odds reflected a closely contested matchup, but the final score indicated a different narrative.
The game conditions were favorable, with both teams able to execute their strategies effectively. UCLA's home advantage at Pauley Pavilion proved to be a significant factor, as they capitalized on their familiarity with the venue. The Bruins' defense was particularly effective, stifling Nebraska's scoring opportunities and limiting their offensive flow.
As the game progressed, UCLA established control, leading 64-47 midway through the second half. Key contributions came from players like Skyy Clark, who made a notable 26-foot three-point jumper, further extending UCLA's lead to 72-51. The Bruins' ability to convert crucial plays, including several layups and free throws, showcased their offensive efficiency and defensive resilience.
The scoring plays highlighted the Bruins’ dominance in the second half, as they consistently outpaced Nebraska. Despite the Cornhuskers' efforts to close the gap, they struggled to find rhythm against a well-organized UCLA defense.
Overall, this matchup served as a reminder of UCLA's potential, especially after their recent struggles. The Bruins' performance not only secured a much-needed victory but also set a tone for the remainder of the season as they look to build momentum heading into the postseason.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UCLA -1.5 | 144.5 o -115 / u -105 | Nebraska Cornhuskers -108 · UCLA Bruins -112 |
Leaders
- PointsTrent Perry20UCLA Bruins
- AssistsDonovan Dent8UCLA Bruins
- ReboundsEric Dailey Jr.8UCLA Bruins
- PointsSam Hoiberg12Nebraska Cornhuskers
- AssistsJamarques Lawrence5Nebraska Cornhuskers
- ReboundsPryce Sandfort5Nebraska Cornhuskers
Recent form
UCLA Bruins
Last 10: 6-4Streak L178 scored · 76 allowed per game5-1 at home
- L73-78at Minnesota Golden GophersFeb 28
- W81-62vs USC TrojansFeb 25
- W95-94vs Illinois Fighting IlliniFeb 22
- L59-82at Michigan State SpartansFeb 18
- L56-86at Michigan WolverinesFeb 14
- W77-73vs Washington HuskiesFeb 8
- W98-66vs Rutgers Scarlet KnightsFeb 4
- L97-98vs Indiana HoosiersJan 31
- W73-57at Oregon DucksJan 29
- W71-64vs Northwestern WildcatsJan 24
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Last 10: 6-4Streak W373.7 scored · 65.6 allowed per game3-2 away
- W82-67at USC TrojansFeb 28
- W74-61vs Maryland TerrapinsFeb 26
- W87-64vs Penn State Nittany LionsFeb 21
- L52-57at Iowa HawkeyesFeb 18
- W68-49vs Northwestern WildcatsFeb 14
- L77-80vs Purdue BoilermakersFeb 11
- W80-68at Rutgers Scarlet KnightsFeb 7
- L69-78vs Illinois Fighting IlliniFeb 1
- L72-75at Michigan WolverinesJan 28
- W76-57at Minnesota Golden GophersJan 24
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 | Nebraska Cornhuskers | UCLA Bruins |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 19-49 | 28-60 |
| Field goal % | 39 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 5-24 | 10-29 |
| Three-point % | 21 | 34 |
| Free throws | 9-18 | 6-10 |
| Free throw % | 50 | 60 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 25 |
| Assists | 12 | 17 |
| Steals | 6 | 8 |
| Blocks | 1 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 2 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 5 |
| Points in the paint | 18 | 26 |
| Fouls | 10 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 21 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 99 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half19-29Skyy Clark makes layup
- 1st Half21-29Jamarques Lawrence makes 22-foot step back jumpshot
- 1st Half22-29Rienk Mast makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half22-31Trent Perry makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 1st Half22-32Eric Freeny makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half22-34Eric Dailey Jr. makes driving layup
- 1st Half22-37Trent Perry makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 1st Half24-37Rienk Mast makes layup
- 2nd Half24-39Trent Perry makes 14-foot pullup jump shot (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half26-39Sam Hoiberg makes driving layup
- 2nd Half26-42Trent Perry makes 24-foot three point jumper (Skyy Clark assists)
- 2nd Half28-42Pryce Sandfort makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half28-44Eric Dailey Jr. makes 14-foot jumper (Trent Perry assists)
- 2nd Half28-46Eric Dailey Jr. makes 2-foot dunk (Trent Perry assists)
- 2nd Half31-46Sam Hoiberg makes 23-foot three point jumper (Pryce Sandfort assists)
- 2nd Half31-49Tyler Bilodeau makes 26-foot three point jumper (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half34-49Cale Jacobsen makes 22-foot three point jumper (Sam Hoiberg assists)
- 2nd Half34-50Eric Dailey Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half36-50Jared Garcia makes 14-foot pullup jump shot (Sam Hoiberg assists)
- 2nd Half36-52Brandon Williams makes layup (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half37-52Cale Jacobsen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half38-52Cale Jacobsen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half38-53Brandon Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half38-54Brandon Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half40-54Sam Hoiberg makes 11-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half42-54Rienk Mast makes layup (Jamarques Lawrence assists)
- 2nd Half42-57Trent Perry makes 23-foot three point jumper (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half45-57Pryce Sandfort makes 27-foot three pointer (Jamarques Lawrence assists)
- 2nd Half46-57Rienk Mast makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-57Rienk Mast makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-59Trent Perry makes 12-foot pullup jump shot (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half47-62Tyler Bilodeau makes 25-foot three point jumper (Skyy Clark assists)
- 2nd Half47-64Eric Dailey Jr. makes layup (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half49-64Rienk Mast makes layup (Jamarques Lawrence assists)
- 2nd Half49-66Tyler Bilodeau makes 14-foot pullup jump shot (Eric Dailey Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half51-66Braden Frager makes layup (Rienk Mast assists)
- 2nd Half51-68Eric Freeny makes layup
- 2nd Half51-69Trent Perry makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-72Skyy Clark makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half52-72Justin Bolis makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours UCLA Bruins, below favours Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Venue
- Pauley PavilionLos Angeles, CA
- Attendance9027
- OfficialsMike Littlewood, Nate Harris, Edwin Young
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