Brice Williams sets Nebraska scoring record in 77-66 win over UCF for College Basketball Crown title. Senior Brice Williams scored 41 points to set the single- …
In a performance that will be remembered for years to come, senior guard Brice Williams delivered a masterclass on the court, scoring 41 points to lead the Nebraska Cornhuskers to a 77-66 victory over the UCF Knights in the College Basketball Crown title game. Williams’ career night not only secured the championship for Nebraska but also etched his name in the program’s history books, setting a new single-game scoring record.
From the opening tip, Williams was locked in. He scored from all areas of the floor—driving hard to the rim, knocking down mid-range jumpers, and connecting from beyond the arc with deadly precision. His performance carried the Huskers through several key stretches of the game, especially when UCF mounted second-half runs that threatened Nebraska’s lead.
Williams shot an impressive 14-of-22 from the field, including 5-of-9 from three-point range and 8-of-9 from the free-throw line. His ability to create his own shot and score in traffic consistently put pressure on the Knights’ defense, which had no answer for his scoring versatility.
“I just came out with the mindset that this was my moment,” Williams said after the game. “Coach put the ball in my hands, and I knew I had to deliver. This means everything to me and to our team.”
Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg praised Williams’ leadership and poise under pressure. “Brice has been our anchor all season, and tonight he showed exactly why he’s one of the best players in college basketball,” Hoiberg said. “He’s worked for this moment, and I couldn’t be prouder of him.”
The previous Nebraska single-game scoring record stood at 39 points, a mark that had been untouched for decades. Williams surpassed it late in the second half with a contested three-pointer that brought the Nebraska bench to its feet and sent fans into a frenzy.
While Williams was the clear star of the night, Nebraska also received key contributions from forward Rienk Mast, who added 12 points and 9 rebounds, and point guard Jamarques Lawrence , who chipped in with 8 assists and strong perimeter defense.
UCF, despite the loss, played with grit and determination. Forward Taylor Hendricks led the Knights with 20 points and 7 rebounds, but the team struggled to keep pace with Williams’ offensive explosion. Nebraska’s defense clamped down late, holding UCF to just 38% shooting in the second half.
With the win, Nebraska claimed the College Basketball Crown title, a postseason tournament that has gained popularity in recent years as an alternative showcase for high-level teams that narrowly missed the NCAA Tournament.
The victory marks a high point in Nebraska’s season and gives the program a strong foundation heading into next year. For Brice Williams, it was a perfect culmination to his senior campaign—one that will be remembered as one of the greatest single-game performances in Nebraska basketball history.
“This is what you dream of,” Williams said with a smile. “To go out like this, with a win and a record—it’s something I’ll never forget.”
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