Nebraska players ask fans to stop storming court after Michigan State win

The Nebraska men’s basketball team made an unusual request to Cornhuskers fans amid the program’s historic run: Please stay in your seats. 

Nebraska continued its perfect run and extended its program-best start to 14-0 with a 58-56 win over No. 9 Michigan State at home Friday night, and as 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 Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in Lincoln, Neb.  (AP Photo/Bonnie Ryan)

The win marked the team’s 18th straight victory dating back to last season, the longest active streak in the nation.

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While the players are thankful for the support, they made a plea for fans to stop storming the court.

“If you’re the No. 13 against the 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 got excited for that win. From here on out, we’ve proven we belong in these games, and we’re supposed to win these types of games.

“Every single game we have to prove it, that this isn’t a fluke and that we’re on a hot streak and we can go cold,” he said. “We’ve got to stay poised and keep proving people wrong.”

Fans of the Nebraska Cornhuskers storm the court after a win against the Michigan State Spartans at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb., Jan. 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 court storms, please. I just got to say that.”

Interestingly enough, Spartans head coach Tom Izzo had no issues 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 absolutely loved it, absolutely loved it,” he said after the game. “That doesn’t happen much at our place. And it shouldn’t. But it should happen here. This is kind of a new experience. That’s the beauty of what you do as you build a program.

“They were lining up back there. I was thinking to myself, ‘Go for it.’ I thought it was great.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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