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Do You Really SUPPORT Nebraska Men’s Basketball?

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Do You Really SUPPORT Nebraska Men’s Basketball?


I recently sparked a firestorm with a tweet questioning whether Nebraska fans truly support the men’s basketball team. The backlash was immediate and intense, but it revealed some important truths about the future of college sports.

What I discovered is that most fans equate “support” with buying tickets and attending games. While Nebraska boasts impressive attendance figures, the reality of modern college athletics is that genuine support now means financial investment through NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) contributions. Nebraska’s NIL figures hover around $2.5 million, near the bottom of the Big Ten. For comparison, Maryland recently received a $10 million donation for their basketball program.

When I pointed this out, not a single person responded that they had personally contributed to NIL funds. Instead, they defended their fandom through attendance and merchandise purchases. But in today’s competitive environment, that’s no longer enough.

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The impending House settlement will dramatically reshape college athletics in 2025, allowing universities to pay athletes directly—up to $20 million annually. This fundamental shift will further intensify the financial demands of building competitive programs.

For those who think NIL is unsustainable, I encourage you to look at SMU. They’ve strategically used their financial resources to buy their way into the ACC, make the college football playoff, hire top athletic directors and coaches, and even defeat our revered volleyball team. They’re not waiting for perfect circumstances—they’re aggressively investing to create success.

Meanwhile, some Nebraska fans suggest we should wait for “the right coach” or “better players” before investing more heavily in basketball. This passive approach guarantees continued mediocrity and the persistent embarrassment of never having won an NCAA tournament game.

Tom Peters’ business philosophy from “Thriving on Chaos” applies perfectly here: “You’d better obsolete yourself or someone else will.” College athletics is becoming increasingly proactive and investment-driven. Programs can either adapt to this reality or accept perpetual mediocrity.

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I’m not dismissing the importance of in-person support. Our volleyball atmosphere is electric, Memorial Stadium on football Saturdays is spectacular, and baseball fans show remarkable dedication. But financial support for athletes is the new reality we must embrace.

To put my money where my mouth is, I’m donating all proceeds from this month from Youtube to the 1890 Initiative for men’s basketball. Perhaps it’s enough for the “pinky toe of a decent point guard,” but it’s a start.

Whether we like it or not, college athletics is changing forever. The programs that thrive will be those willing to invest aggressively in their athletes.

The question is: will Nebraska basketball fans step up with the financial support needed to finally break through, or will we continue to be dragged nationally for never having won an NCAA tournament game?





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No. 15 Nebraska’s offense picks up in second half to put away UND

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No. 15 Nebraska’s offense picks up in second half to put away UND


LINCOLN, Neb. — No. 15 Nebraska found itself in a rock fight with UND at halftime on Sunday evening.

The Cornhuskers shot 28.1% from the field, barely worse than the Fighting Hawks’ 31.3%, and trailed by two points.

It didn’t take long for the Husker offense to find its rhythm in the second half, though.

Undefeated Nebraska (12-0) pulled away quickly for a 78-55 win at the Pinnacle Bank Arena, shooting 63.3% in the second half.

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The Huskers found scoring from across the lineup, as four different players notched 12 or more points. Forward Braden Frager led the way with 17 points.

UND freshman forward Marley Curtis (0) shoots the ball against Nebraska Cornhuskers forward Braden Frager (5), forward Pryce Sandfort (21) and guard Cale Jacobsen (31) during the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb., on Sunday, Dec 21, 2025.

Dylan Widger/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

UND fell to 5-10. The Hawks will close up non-conference play next Sunday, hosting Dakota State.

The Hawks ended the day shooting 33.3%. They actually were better from beyond the arc than from the field, shooting 34.5% from deep with 10 triples.

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Senior guard Eli King scored a team-high 13 points. Freshman forward Marley Curtis contributed 10 points and six rebounds after missing last Thursday’s game against Winthrop.

Redshirt sophomore guard Zach Kraft did not play against Nebraska. He was out due to illness, according to the broadcast.

King started hot, nailing two 3-pointers as UND jumped out to an 8-2 lead.

NCAA Basketball: North Dakota at Nebraska
UND freshman guard Anthony Smith III (9) drives against Nebraska Cornhuskers guard Cale Jacobsen (31) during the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb., on Sunday, Dec 21, 2025.

Dylan Widger/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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The Hawks clung onto a slight advantage for the entire first half, leading by as much as nine points. By halftime, they led the Huskers 26-24.

Nebraska, which entered Sunday’s contest averaging 11.2 3-pointers per game, shot 2-for-18 from beyond the arc in the first half.

The Huskers ripped off a quick 6-0 to start the second half, capturing a 30-26 lead.

UND counterpunched with a layup from freshman guard Anthony Smith III and a triple from senior guard Garrett Anderson for a one-point advantage.

That was the last time the Hawks led. Nebraska responded with a 13-1 run, and its lead slowly ballooned as the second half progressed.

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The Huskers made a concerted effort to push the ball inside. They made just four triples, content to create easy field goals and force contact by attacking the rim.

Nebraska was 12-for-13 from the stripe in the second half.

NCAA Basketball: North Dakota at Nebraska
UND redshirt freshman guard Greyson Uelmen (3) shoots the ball against Nebraska Cornhuskers guard Cale Jacobsen (31) during the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb., on Sunday, Dec 21, 2025.

Dylan Widger/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Staff reports and local scoreboards from the Grand Forks Herald Sports desk.

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Cowboy Wrestling Set to Scrap With No. 6 Nebraska – Oklahoma State University Athletics

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Cowboy Wrestling Set to Scrap With No. 6 Nebraska – Oklahoma State University Athletics


The Basics 
The No. 5 Oklahoma State wrestling team heads to Lincoln, Nebraska, to face No. 6 Nebraska at 1 p.m. CT on the Big Ten Network at the Devaney Sports Center. The Cowboys met up with the Cornhuskers earlier this season at the National Duals Invitational and defeated them, 33-6. The premier bout of the night is without a doubt No. 2 Sergio Vega vs. No. 3 Brock Hardy at 141 pounds. Vega defeated Hardy by major decision at the National Duals. This marks the 58th meeting between the storied programs. 
 
On the Air 
Sunday’s dual is scheduled for a 1 p.m. CT start and will be available for streaming on the Big Ten Network. Rex Holt also returns as the voice of Cowboy wrestling to provide live radio coverage, which will be carried on Pete 94.3 KSPI-AM. Live stats and results can be found on trackwrestling.com. 
 
The Series 
The Cowboys have dominated the Cornhuskers in their 57 meetings, leading 52-4-1. Oklahoma State is 19-2 in Lincoln, and won the last road contest, 22-10, in 2011. Oklahoma State comes into the matchup having won the previous three by a combined score of 86-22. Despite the history between the squads, before this season’s contest at the National Duals Invitational, OSU and Nebraska had not met since 2011. 
 
About the Cowboys 
The David Taylor era is in full swing after a third-place finish with a pair of individual champions at the NCAA Championships in March. The Cowboys return six NCAA qualifiers and added three more out of the portal, including Richard Figueroa II, Casey Swiderski and Alex Facundo. Despite losing NCAA champions Wyatt Hen- drickson and Dean Hamiti Jr., the Cowboys are primed for another deep run in March. 
Affectionately known as “Sparky,” Troy Spratley is back and ready for another deep run this season in the Cowboys’ leadoff spot. A 2025 national finalist, Spratley holds down the 125-pound slot and is ranked seventh in the nation. Sparkey avenged his Big 12 title bout loss to WVU’s Jett Strickenberger on December 14, where he defeated Strickenberger on the road, 6-2. 
The Cowboy lineup this season features multiple transfers who have made immediate impacts, including 2024 All-American Casey Swiderski, Alex Facundo and Zack Ryder. Konner Doucet retakes the reins at heavyweight after sitting behind Hendrickson in 2025. 
Coach Taylor’s first freshman class has already left its mark on the 2025-26 squad. The hometown hero LaDarion “Dee” Lockett put the country on notice at 165 pounds. Other freshmen who have made an immediate impact are 157-pounder Landon Robideau, 141-pounder Sergio Vega and 133-pounder Ronnie Ramirez. Lockett, Robideau and Vega are all undefeated and ranked No. 2 in the country. 
Last year’s highly touted freshman Cody Merrill has had a dominant start to his 2025-26 campaign, starting his season off 7-1 and ranked No. 7 in the country. 
 
An Oklahoma State Win Would… 
• Make OSU 53-4-1 against Nebraska.
• Make OSU 20-2 in Lincoln.
• Give OSU its seventh ranked win of the season.
• Make OSU 29-3 against ranked opponents since the 2023-24 season. 
• Improve OSU’s record to 52-6 in its past 58 duals.
• Improve David Taylor‘s record against Nebraska to 2-0.
• Improve OSU to 10-1 on the road under David Taylor.
• Improve OSU to 21-2 in dual matches under David Taylor.
• Improve OSU to 17-2 against ranked opponents under David Taylor
 
The Opening Act 
David Taylor‘s opening season for the Cowboys brought the Cowboy faithful a new hope. Taylor’s Cowboys dominated the competition by going 13-1 in dual action, finishing the season unblemished at home in seven matches and winning 10 matches against ranked opponents, including Oregon State, Arizona State, Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, NC State, West Virginia, Northern Iowa, Iowa State, Missouri and Little Rock in dual action. Taylor also led the Cowboys to a Big 12 title for the first time since 2021. On the biggest stage of collegiate wrestling, Oklahoma State had a pair of Cowboys, Wyatt Hendrickson and Dean Hamiti Jr., crowned national champions. It marked the first time since 2016 the Cowboys had multiple NCAA champions in the same season. Taylor’s Cowboys never left the top three in the rankings, climbing as high as two in the polls. 
 
Hey Now, You’re an All-Star 
On November 1, Zack Ryder and Casey Swiderski competed in the NWCA All-Star Classic. Casey Swiderski led off the night for the Cowboys by facing Michigan’s three- time All-American Lachlan McNeil. Swiderski controlled the match and nabbed the lone takedown of the bout to win, 4-2. The win vaulted Swiderski up to No. 2 in the poll at 149 pounds. Ryder dominated what was considered the match of the weekend, as he took down Maryland’s Jaxon Smith at 184 pounds. Ryder collected the only bonus-point win of the event with his major decision over Smith, 14-4. He took down Smith four times and did not allow a takedown. Smith, a three-time national qualifier, had only given up bonus points twice in his career – once to Carter Starocci and the other to Aaron Brooks, who have nine national titles between them. Ryder’s win turned heads around the country, and it was seen in the polls as he climbed to fourth at 184 pounds. 
 
The Spark 
The Cowboys have one of, if not the most, vaunted lead-off man in the country in Troy Spratley. Spratley, a returning NCAA finalist from last season now ranks seventh in the latest poll after his win on December 14 against No.
7 Jett Stickenberger. The 125-pounder is 5-2 on the young season. Spratley’s incredible season in 2024-25 included five wins over top-five opponents, gaining bonus points for the Cowboys in over half of his matches as the leadoff man. 
 
Fab Freshmen 
The freshmen on the OSU roster have been the story of the 2025-26 season. 141-pounder Sergio Vega, 157-pounder Landon Robideau and 165-pounder Dee Lockett are all 7-0 and ranked No. 2 in the country at their respective weight classes. Other true freshman Ronnie Ramirez is 6-1 with a Cougar Clash title in the 133-pound division. Other freshmen making an immediate impact are 184-pounder Zack Ryder 
and 197-pounder Cody Merrill. Ryder started his season with an impressive win at the NWCA All-Star Classic. Ryder currently ranks No. 10 in the country with an 8-3 record, while Merrill holsters a 7-1 record on the year and is ranked No. 7. 
 
New Kids On the Block 
David Taylor took the recruiting world by storm, as he brought in the second-ranked recruiting class in the country entering his second season at the helm. The Cowboys led the nation with eight signees ranked inside FloWrestling’s Top 100 Big Board. The group is spearheaded by blue-chip prospects LaDarion “Dee” Lockett, Landon Robideau and Sergio Vega, who make up half of the top six overall spots. Of the 10 wrestlers in the class, six are in-state products while the others hail from Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Arizona and California. The full list includes Kruz Goff, Ishmael Guerrero, Beau Hickman, Austin Johnson, Lockett, Ronnie Ramirez, Robideau, Kody Routledge, Ethan Teague, and Vega. 
 
The Douce(t) is loose 
A familiar face for Cowboy fans, Konner Doucet is back in the lineup for the 2025 season after sitting behind Hodge Trophy winner Wyatt Hendrickson last season. Doucet started the season ranked ninth and has now climbed to seventh. The two-time NCAA qualifier is primed for a breakout season after going 1-0 in his only dual action against Air Force last season and collecting four wins at the Michigan State Open, where he took first. 
 
Made for the Moment 
True freshman Landon Robideau and Dee Lockett made their Cowboy debuts on November 7 against Stanford, both facing All-Americans in Daniel Cardenas and Hunter Garvin. Unafraid of the moment, Robideau picked up a major decision victory and Lockett used a gutsy second period ride out to pick up a 2-1 win. Other true freshman Sergio Vega was incredible in his debut as well, picking up a technical fall win. Of the Cowboys’ 33 points in last Friday’s opener, the true freshman accounted for 12 of them. The trio is now a combined 21-0 and all are ranked No. 2 in the country in their respective weight classes. 
 
The Power of the Pivot 
The Cowboys brought in transfers Richard Figueroa II, Casey Swiderski, Alex Facundo, Zack Ryder and Gary Steen to bolster the lineup this season, and if last year’s transfers are any indication of what they can do in David Taylor‘s program, the sky is the limit for those five. Last year’s transfers that started for the Cowboys were Caleb Fish, Cam Amine, Dean Hamiti Jr. and Wyatt Hendrickson. All four of them earned All-America status and two of them went on to win national titles. 
 
Wrestling’s House of Horrors 
No venue in America has a richer wrestling tradition than Gallagher-Iba Arena, home of the Oklahoma State wrestling program since 1939. In its beginning as Gallagher Hall, the gymnasium was named for Ed Gallagher, but when renovations were completed in January 1988, it was renamed Gallagher-Iba Arena to honor the late Mr. Henry P. Iba, Oklahoma State’s legendary basketball coach. Alongside 54 NCAA championship banners, Gallagher and Iba’s names have looked over Oklahoma State’s historic venue for nearly 40 years. 
Since 1939, Oklahoma State has captured 25 NCAA team titles, completed 45 perfect campaigns at home and won over 90% of its duals inside Gallagher-Iba Arena. The building’s opening coincided with the longest home unbeaten streak in program history, as the Pokes won their first 37 duals inside GIA as part of a 67-dual unbeaten streak at home. That stretch still stands as the program’s longest home unbeaten streak, as OSU never suffered defeat from 1933 to February 1951. 
Oklahoma State’s next-longest home unbeaten streak 1. occurred from the 1959 finale to the middle of the 1967 2. season, going undefeated for 57 duals in a row.
Not far 3. behind, the Cowboys won 51 consecutive duals inside 
Gallagher-Iba Arena from 1986-1993, good for the third-longest such streak in program history. More recently, John Smith guided the Cowboys to a 26-dual home winning streak from 2018-2022. Not long after the streak was snapped, Oklahoma State defeated South Dakota State on February 4, 2022, for the program’s 500th victory inside the venue. 
 
The Home of Wrestling 
Oklahoma State is the gold standard in the college wrestling world. On the national level, the Cowboys have won 34 NCAA team titles, crowned 145 NCAA individual champions and earned 492 All-America honors. No other program comes close to those astounding numbers. It’s a similar story on the conference level, with OSU winning 56 team titles and Cowboy wrestlers combining for 297 individual championships. 
From an individual perspective, any list of the greatest wrestlers in NCAA history must include Oklahoma State’s Yojiro Uetake, who was a perfect 57-0 with three NCAA titles, and Pat Smith, the first four-time NCAA champion in history. Pat’s older brother, John Smith, was a two-time NCAA champion for the Cowboys and went on to win six straight world gold medals from 1987-92. His OSU teammate, Kenny Monday, also won gold in 1988 and 1989 as part of his four world medals. That group is just part of Oklahoma State’s consistent representation on the Olympic stage every four years. Since 1924, 32 Oklahoma State wrestlers have fought their way to Olympic team membership a total of 41 times, with nine athletes winning 11 gold medals. 
All told, 40 members of the Cowboy wrestling family have been inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, the most in the country. 
 
NCAA Team Championships 
  1. Oklahoma State 34
  2. Iowa 24
  3. Penn State 13

 
NCAA Individual Champions 

  1. Oklahoma State 145
  2. Iowa 85
  3. Iowa State 71

 
NCAA All-Americans 

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  1. Oklahoma State 492
  2. Iowa 367
  3. Iowa State 310

 
Olympians 

  1. Oklahoma State 41
  2. Iowa 23
  3. Oklahoma 22



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Nebraska Lottery results: See winning numbers for Powerball, Pick 3 on Dec. 20, 2025

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The Nebraska Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Lottery players in Nebraska can choose from popular national games like the Powerball and Mega Millions, which are available in the vast majority of states. Other games include Lotto America, Lucky For Life, Pick 3, Pick 5, MyDaY and 2 by 2.

Big lottery wins around the U.S. include a lucky lottery ticketholder in California who won a $1.27 billion Mega Millions jackpot in December 2024. See more big winners here. And if you do end up cashing a jackpot, here’s what experts say to do first.

Here’s a look at Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025 results for each game:

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Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

04-05-28-52-69, Powerball: 20, Power Play: 3

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

05-08-19-23-43, Powerball: 06

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

1-9-0

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Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

08-17-19-25-36

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning 2 By 2 numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

Red Balls: 13-26, White Balls: 08-21

Check 2 By 2 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

08-21-30-41-47, Lucky Ball: 15

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning MyDay numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

Month: 11, Day: 01, Year: 07

Check MyDay payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

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When are the Nebraska Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Pick 3, 5: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
  • Lucky For Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
  • 2 By 2: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
  • MyDaY: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
  • Lotto America: 9:15 p.m CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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