When the Nebraska basketball team tips off its first-round NCAA Tournament game against Troy, the Huskers will be going up against more than the Sun Belt conference champion. They'll also be going up against a load of pressure, expectations, and a long history of losing in this situation.
Knowing all of that, it might surprise some to learn that the spread for Thursday's first 4 vs 13 seed game hasn't moved since earlier in the week. Even with the return of Troy's starting center, Theo Seng, for the first time since February, the Huskers are almost 14-point favorites.Â
It's possible the news of Seng's return hasn't moved the needle because there's still some question as to how much he'll play against Nebraska.Â
"Theo's practiced the last four practices for us," Troy head coach Scott Cross said Wednesday. "He has been able to go full practice, so he will be available in the game barring a setback (Wednesday) or (in pre-game). But he hasn't played in, like, three weeks, so it's going to be a little bit of a challenge getting them back into rhythm. But he will definitely play in the game, like I said, unless there's a setback."
Nebraska basketball vs Troy final odds
The Huskers opened the week as 13.5-point favorites over the Trojans, and according to FanDuel Sportsbook, that's still the spread as of Thursday morning. The projected total points now sit at 137.5, which is pretty standard for these matchups.Â
For comparison's sake, the total is the same as what the oddsmakers laid out for Kansas vs Cal Baptist.
Nebraska vs Troy final prediction
Nebraska has more riding on the first-round game featuring a 4 vs 13 seed matchup. The Huskers are facing off against the Trojans and the pressure of getting the school's first-ever win in the NCAA Tournament. Those factors will make this game closer and lower scoring than most expect.
Nebraska basketball beats the Troy Trojans, 65-60.Â