Nebraska secured its first tournament title since the 2000 San Juan Shootout, edging out Oregon State in a thrilling Diamond Head Classic championship game. The Cornhuskers won three games in the tournament by a combined total of just four points. Fred Hoiberg also made history, becoming the first coach to win multiple Diamond Head Classic titles, having previously led Iowa State to victory in 2013.
The game was tied at 51 with 10:20 remaining, but Nebraska went on a 10-2 run to seize control as Oregon State went over five minutes without a field goal. The Cornhuskers’ lead never dropped below four points the rest of the way.
Berke Buyuktuncel hit a crucial 3-pointer with 1:51 left, extending Nebraska's lead to 72-63. Buyuktuncel finished with 16 points, including three 3-pointers, while Juwan Gary added 14 points for the Cornhuskers (10-2).
Nate Kingz led Oregon State (10-3) with 19 points, and Damarco Minor contributed 16. Nebraska's defense and efficient shooting helped them maintain the lead after a close first half, where they shot 50% from the field and 6-of-11 from beyond the arc to take a 34-33 advantage into the break.
This marked the second consecutive year Nebraska and Oregon State faced off at a neutral site, with last year's game played in South Dakota.
Nebraska will return home to face Southern on Monday, while Oregon State will host Portland.
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