Nebraska players make unusual appeal to fans after beating Michigan State to extend historic streak
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The Nebraska men’s basketball team made an unusual request of Cornhuskers fans amid the program’s storied run: Please remain in your seats.
Nebraska continued its perfect streak and extended its program-best start to 14-0 with a 58-56 victory over No. 9 Michigan State at home on Friday night, and when the final buzzer sounded, fans stormed the court to celebrate.
Nebraska guard Jamarques Lawrence reacts after a basket against Michigan State during the first half on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in Lincoln, Nebraska. (AP Photo/Bonnie Ryan)
The victory marked the team’s 18th consecutive victory dating back to last season, the longest active streak in the country.
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While the players were grateful for the support, they asked fans to stop storming the court.
“If you’re No. 13 against No. 9 and you’re at home, in my opinion, you’re supposed to win that game,” Nebraska forward Rienk Mast said. “I don’t blame the fans. They were excited about that victory. From now on, we have shown that we belong in these games, and we are supposed to win these types of games.
“In every game we have to show it, that this is not a coincidence and that we are on a good streak and that we can stay cold,” he said. “We have to stay prepared and continue to prove people wrong.”
Nebraska Cornhuskers fans storm the court after a win against the Michigan State Spartans at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, on January 2, 2026. (Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
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Guard Jamarques Lawrence echoed that sentiment.
“We’re supposed to win that game, guys,” he said. “No more storms in court, please. I just have to say that.”
Interestingly, Spartans head coach Tom Izzo had no problem with the celebration.
Nebraska fans celebrate after a play against Michigan State during the second half in Lincoln, Nebraska, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Bonnie Ryan)
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“I loved it, I loved it,” he said after the game. “That doesn’t happen a lot at our place. And it shouldn’t happen. But it should happen here. This is kind of a new experience. That’s the beauty of what you do when you build a program.
“They were lining up back there. I was thinking, ‘Come on in.’ I thought it was cool.”
The News contributed to this report.
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