Nebraska Clinches Title in College Basketball Crown
The Nebraska Cornhuskers triumphed over the UCF Knights with a score of 77-66 in the championship game of the inaugural College Basketball Crown held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on April 6, 2025. This victory showcased a strong performance from Nebraska’s Brice Williams, who contributed 21 points, while teammate Juwan Gary added 20 points to secure the win.
As champions, the Cornhuskers were awarded a $300,000 NIL package, whereas UCF, finishing as runners-up, received $100,000. Additionally, the semifinal participants, Villanova and Boise State, each earned $50,000 as part of the tournament’s prize purse.
Season Overview
With this victory, Nebraska concludes the season with an overall record of 21-14. The team had a challenging finish to the regular season, losing five consecutive games that impacted their potential NCAA Tournament aspirations. Throughout the Big Ten conference, they managed a record of 7-13 and were among three teams that did not qualify for the conference tournament.
UCF Knights Performance
The UCF Knights, who finished their season with a 20-17 record, had a strong tournament run, overcoming Oregon State, Cincinnati, and Villanova to reach the title match. However, the Knights played without their star guard, Keyshawn Hall, who transfered to Auburn shortly after entering the transfer portal.
2025 College Basketball Crown Results
Championship Game
SUNDAY, APRIL 6
Nebraska 77, UCF 66 | Recap
First Round
MONDAY, MARCH 31
- Game 1: Butler 86, Utah 84 | Recap
- Game 2: Boise State 89, George Washington 59 | Recap
- Game 3: Nebraska 86, Arizona State 78 | Recap
- Game 4: Georgetown 85, Washington State 82 | Recap
TUESDAY, APRIL 1
- Game 5: Cincinnati 83, DePaul 61 | Recap
- Game 6: UCF 76, Oregon State 75 | Recap
- Game 7: Villanova 85, Colorado 64 | Recap
- Game 8: USC 89, Tulane 60 | Recap
Quarterfinals
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2
- Game 9: Boise State 100, Butler 93 | Recap
- Game 10: Nebraska 81, Georgetown 69 | Recap
THURSDAY, APRIL 3
- Game 11: UCF 88, Cincinnati 80 | Recap
- Game 12: Villanova 60, USC 59 | Recap
Semifinals
SATURDAY, APRIL 5
- Game 13: Nebraska 79, Boise State 69 | Recap
- Game 14: UCF 104, Villanova 98 | Recap