OKLAHOMA CITY — In a heartwarming twist that added extra emotion to Nebraska's long-awaited breakthrough in the NCAA tournament, rookie NBA forward Payton Sandfort made a whirlwind trip from New York City to surprise his younger brother Pryce just minutes before tipoff on Thursday. The Huskers, playing on neutral ground at the Paycom Center — home arena of Payton's Oklahoma City Thunder — dominated Troy 76-47, securing the program's first tournament victory since 1998. Pryce Sandfort, a junior forward for Nebraska, led the charge with a game-high 23 points, including seven 3-pointers and a pair of free throws, but the real story off the court was the reunion of the Sandfort brothers.
The game tipped off at 11:40 a.m. local time, drawing thousands of passionate Nebraska fans who had traveled to Oklahoma City, transforming the venue into a sea of red. According to reports, Pryce was caught completely off guard when he spotted Payton in the stands about 10 minutes before the opening whistle. Payton, who had signed a two-way contract with the Thunder earlier this month, had made his NBA debut the night before in New York, where the Thunder routed the Brooklyn Nets 121-92. In that game, the 23-year-old forward notched his first professional points on a 3-pointer, a milestone that made his subsequent appearance at his brother's game all the more poignant.
Less than 12 hours after that debut, Payton hailed a taxi at 3 a.m. from his postgame dinner in Manhattan and boarded a 6 a.m. flight to Oklahoma City. The effort underscored the close bond between the siblings, who had previously teamed up on the court during two seasons at the University of Iowa before Pryce transferred to Nebraska last year. "He's been lying to me this whole week," Pryce said with a laugh after the game, according to ESPN. "He told me he wasn't able to make it, so I'm telling everybody that."
Pryce's performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he drained seven of Nebraska's 14 made 3-pointers in the lopsided victory. The Huskers, seeded sixth in the Midwest Region, never trailed against the 11th-seeded Troy Trojans, building a lead that swelled to as many as 33 points in the second half. Nebraska's defense was equally impressive, holding Troy to just 47 points on 32% shooting. Coach Fred Hoiberg, in his fifth season with the program, praised the team's preparation but couldn't help but note the emotional boost from the family presence.
For Payton, the surprise visit capped a whirlwind 24 hours that bridged his transition from college standout to professional athlete. At Iowa, where he earned Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2023, Payton averaged 11.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game as a senior, helping the Hawkeyes to back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances. Undrafted out of Iowa, he signed with the Thunder on a two-way deal, allowing him to shuttle between the NBA squad and their G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue. His debut points — that timely 3-pointer against the Nets — came in limited minutes off the bench, a small but significant step in his pro career.
"It was the first time he made points last night, and then he showed up for this game," Pryce recounted. "It was unreal seeing him up there." The younger Sandfort, who transferred to Nebraska seeking more playing time, has blossomed under Hoiberg, averaging 12.8 points per game this season while shooting 40% from beyond the arc. His seven 3-pointers against Troy marked a career high and helped propel Nebraska to its first tournament win in 26 years, a drought that had become a punchline for the program.
The atmosphere inside the Paycom Center was electric, with Nebraska supporters outnumbering Troy fans by a wide margin. "The support we got — I got my family, but just the whole crowd in general," Pryce said. "That might have been the best environment I've ever played in, home, neutral, away, but it was truly unbelievable. Our fan base is just incredible, and there's so many fans." The victory sent the Husker faithful into a frenzy, chanting and waving flags as the final buzzer sounded, marking a rare moment of March Madness joy for a program that has struggled to make deep runs.
Nebraska's path to this point has been one of resurgence. After a 7-25 record in Hoiberg's debut season in 2019-20, the Huskers have steadily improved, posting a 23-10 mark this year and earning their first NCAA bid since 2014. The win over Troy advances them to face either Texas A&M or Nebraska's in-state rival, Creighton, in the second round on Saturday. For Pryce, the transfer from Iowa was a calculated move to revive his career after averaging just 4.2 points in his final season with the Hawkeyes.
Payton's journey, meanwhile, represents the next chapter for the Sandfort family. Growing up in South Dakota, the brothers honed their skills together, with Payton often serving as a mentor. Their time at Iowa was highlighted by a 2022 Sweet 16 run, where Payton averaged 16.6 points in the tournament. Now, with Payton establishing himself in the NBA and Pryce shining in college, the surprise visit symbolized their shared basketball legacy.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault, aware of Payton's travel plans, gave his blessing for the quick turnaround, according to team sources. The Paycom Center's dual role as host for both the Thunder and the NCAA games added a layer of serendipity to the story. As Payton watched from courtside, he saw his brother channel the same sharpshooting prowess that has defined their games.
Beyond the family angle, Nebraska's win signals potential momentum for Big Ten basketball in the tournament. The conference has been a powerhouse, with Purdue, Illinois, and others advancing deep in recent years. Hoiberg, a former NBA coach with the Chicago Bulls, has instilled a pro-style system that emphasizes perimeter shooting — evident in the Huskers' 14-of-32 performance from 3-point range against Troy.
Troy, making its second straight NCAA appearance, couldn't keep pace despite a strong regular season in the Sun Belt Conference. Trojans coach Greg Gasparini lamented his team's slow start, shooting just 2-of-15 from the field in the first half. Nebraska's Brice Williams added 15 points, while Juwan Gary contributed 10, rounding out a balanced attack.
As the Huskers celebrate this historic victory, the Sandfort brothers' story has captured national attention, highlighted in social media posts from NBA on ESPN showing Payton's debut and the reunion. For Pryce, the support from his brother and the fans alike has fueled what could be a memorable tournament run. "Our fan base is just incredible," he reiterated, emphasizing the communal lift that propelled Nebraska forward.
Looking ahead, Nebraska faces a tough matchup in the round of 32, but with the momentum from this win and familial inspiration, the Huskers are poised to extend their stay in Oklahoma City. Payton, back with the Thunder for their next game, will no doubt be cheering from afar — or perhaps making another surprise appearance if schedules align. In the unpredictable world of March Madness, stories like the Sandforts' remind fans why the tournament captivates the nation year after year.
This victory not only erases a quarter-century of tournament frustration for Nebraska but also spotlights the personal narratives that make college basketball special. As the bracket unfolds, all eyes will be on whether the Huskers can build on this emotional high and advance further, carrying the spirit of brotherly support into the next challenge.