Nebraska Claims Hall of Fame Classic Title with Narrow Win Over Kansas State

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Nebraska secured its first Hall of Fame Classic title on Friday night, edging Kansas State 86-85 thanks to strong performances from its key players. Reink Mast scored 20 points while a player from the Cornhuskers added 21 points in the thrilling contest.

The Cornhuskers improved to 6-0 this season, launching a 15-0 run early in the first half and establishing a 19-7 lead. However, Kansas State, now 5-1, fought back, trimming Nebraska’s lead to 45-35 by halftime.

In the second half, the Wildcats took their first lead of the game with just 7:51 remaining. Despite this, Nebraska’s players consistently answered every challenge posed by Kansas State.

With 2:28 left in the game, Sandfort landed a crucial 3-pointer, putting Nebraska ahead 81-80. Kansas State’s PJ Haggerty responded with a jumper and a free throw, before Mast stepped up with two layups that regained Nebraska’s lead.

With only 27 seconds on the clock, Haggerty tied the game at 85-all with a layup. Sandfort missed a 3-point attempt shortly after, and Nebraska’s Hoiberg secured the rebound and was fouled, sending him to the free-throw line. He scored the first of two free throws, sealing the victory for Nebraska as time ran out.

Haggerty led Kansas State with 27 points, while another player from the Wildcats added 26 points. Hoiberg contributed 12 points for Nebraska, which now boasts the country’s longest winning streak at 10 games, dating back to an 86-78 win over Arizona State on March 31, 2025.

This match marked the 224th meeting between Nebraska and Kansas State, with the first matchup occurring on February 19, 1905, a game Nebraska won 50-14.