Nebraska basketball fans elated after defeating Michigan State

No. 13 Nebraska basketball (14-0, 2-0) pulled off an upset against the No. 9 Michigan State Spartans (12-2, 2-1) on Friday, winning 58-56. The Huskers' win against a top ten opponent was the first since defeating No. 6 Wisconsin during the 2023-24 season.

Nebraska was 18-of-57 from the floor while shooting 13-of-37 from three and 9-of-13 from the free throw line. MSU shot 17-of-50 from the field, 10-of-28 from three and 12-of-16 from the line.

Nebraska forward Rienk Mast led all scorers with 19 points. Pryce Sandfort had 13 points, while JaMarques Lawrence chipped in 12.

Nebraska will return to action on Monday at Ohio State. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT on FS1.

Social media was on fire with reactions and excitement regarding the game. Scroll below to see some of the best.

The Indiana comparisons continue

Nebraska basketball is the Indiana football equivalent.— 🇺🇸🇧🇬💰😈♿️⁉️ (@plummlet) January 3, 2026

Future games suddenly have a bit more meaning

Nebraska and Michigan basketball could be on a collision course for an insane game on 1/27— Debbie Dingell Stan🇺🇦🇬🇪⬜️🟥⬜️ (@AustinHoney30) January 3, 2026

Friday night sealed the deal for some fans

Nebraska is definitely a basketball school— Justin Northrop (@IowaHawkFan85) January 3, 2026

Other fans can't wrap their mind around it

We really live in a world where Nebraska might be top 10 in BASKETBALL— YNW Cringle (@thatguypringle2) January 3, 2026

Many fans feel the same way

Not sure my brain is ready to see a single digit next to Nebraska basketball on Monday morning— Mike 🌽 (@HuskerMike28) January 3, 2026

Fred Hoiberg for Coach of the Year?

Nebraska basketball is 58-25 (70%) the last three seasons. Take that in for a moment. This program has long since turned the corner & tonight there was an EXPECTATION of a win. Fred should be coach of the year in a landslide.— AZHerbie (@Kahneman1875973) January 3, 2026

A great start to 2026

Nebraska is a basketball school. 2026 is already wild man.— DJ (@djv2023) January 3, 2026

They are starting to get believers

Dang #Nebraska basketball for real— Damien Williams (@dayman23) January 3, 2026

Big-time mood

pic.twitter.com/IYBhDEso3h— The Jorster (@jorster) January 3, 2026

Fans like what they see

pic.twitter.com/DzJryIJUv3— Connor Essegian’s #1 Fan (@gnat_rhule) January 3, 2026

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This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Social media reacts to Nebraska basketball's win over Michigan State