Nebraska knew it would need someone to step up big in order to get its first NCAA Tournament, and no one showed up more than guard Pryce Sandfort for the Huskers. In the first half, Sandfort got Nebraska rolling, hitting five three-pointers and finishing the half with 17 points.
This is a player who averages 17.8 points per game and finished with 23 for the Huskers. Sandfort was the spark Nebraska needed to go on a huge 29-10 run at the end of the first half. Sandfort had a historic day with Nebraska, and he was able to share with someone special in the stands.
Sandfort's older brother, Payton Sandfort, who is now a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder, scored his first NBA points on Wednesday night in Brooklyn vs. the Nets, and then got on a plane to be in the building for his little brother's NCAA Tournament game. Pryce even said his brother lied to him all week, saying he wouldn't be able to make it, but instead pulled off the best surprise.
"He's [Payton] lying to be this whole week," Sandfort said. "He told me he wasn't going to be able to make it, so I'm telling everybody that, I'm telling the media that, and then he shows up and I see him in the stands 10 minutes before the game."
"It was unreal seeing him up there"
— Chase Matteson (@ChaseMatteson) March 19, 2026
Pryce Sandfort says his older brother Payton lied to him all week and surprised him moments before tip-off. He also says with all the #Huskers fans in OKC it was a one-of-a-kind environment.🏀⬇️
(@1011_News, @prycesandfort) pic.twitter.com/HqZJTUBNP0
Prcey Sandfort's huge game meant so much more with his brother Payton Sandfort in the stands
The Sandfort family certainly showed up for Pryce in his first NCAA Tournament game with the Huskers, but no one bigger than his brother Payton. In what was a big surprise for his younger brother, Payton made sure he was able to be in OKC for Pryce, even if it meant a long travel night.
As one of the earlier games in the NCAA Tournament, Payton had his team dinner after the Thunder's win over the Nets and then took an early flight back to OKC to show up for Pryce's game.
It ended up being huge as Nebraska made program history with its first NCAA Tournament win, and Pryce was able to celebrate with his brother. Payton, an Iowa alum, even started "Go Big Red" chants in the stands during the game.
Pryce was grateful for his brother's support, but was even more grateful for the support from Husker Nation, stating it was the best environment he had ever played in.