It's Final Four weekend for other teams outside the NCAA Tournament when Nebraska and Boise State face off, with the winner going to the inaugural College Basketball Crown Championship.
These teams have been assured of at least some NIL prize money, but both want more... and my Nebraska vs. Boise State predictions think it'll be the Cornhuskers who pull out the win.
Read why in my college basketball picks for Saturday, April 5.
Who will win Nebraska vs Boise State?
Nebraska. Both teams are playing in this tournament because they played poorly against the Power Four competition. However, that held a little more true for the Broncos, with Boise State logging inexplicable losses to teams like Boston College.
I'll go with the team that's been slightly more consistent this season. It helps the Cornhuskers also have the best player on the floor, Brice Williams.
Nebraska vs Boise State prediction
My best bet: Nebraska moneyline (+125 at bet365)
The beat rolls on for me. I've backed the Nebraska Cornhuskers throughout the tournament and see no reason to stop now.
Finding clear-cut offense is vital in situations like this, where short film work and tiredness play a huge role. Nebraska has yet again the best one-two punch in the game between Brice Williams and Juwan Gary. That will be the difference.
Boise State may have one of its main offensive routes eliminated in this game on the backboard. Even in this tournament, the Broncos have been strong on the backboard (just like in the regular season), posting a Top-25 offensive rebounding rate and a No. 1 defensive rebounding rate.
But Nebraska can match that. In that same timeframe, the Huskers posted a defensive rebounding rate that was 12th nationally and an offensive rebounding rate that was not far behind.
In both tournament games, the Broncos have outscored opponents by roughly a 2-1 margin on second-chance points. They'll likely face their first test of that being evened out, and I'm not sure they'll respond well.
On the other hand, we've talked a ton about Nebraska's cutting bigs to the basket throughout this tournament. It's one of the foundational elements of its offense, as Nebraska runs it at a frequency rate in the 33rd percentile. Boise State has struggled to slow this down all season.
The Broncos have allowed 1.01 points per possession on such sets, which is well above the national average. Georgetown faced a similar problem on paper when it faced Nebraska in the previous round. The Hoyas came into that game allowing nearly an identical amount. How did the Huskers respond?
Attacking it with Gary, who finished with 17 points, as Williams facilitated things by dishing out a couple of dimes and finishing with 28 points. I fully expect Boise State to be put in the same defensive predicament, and I'm not sure it can score enough on the other end.
Such an effective scoring punch gives you a massive advantage in these settings. Nebraska has the best one on the floor. I made the Huskers a slight favorite here and would play this moneyline price down to -110.
Nebraska vs Boise State same-game parlay (SGP)
Nebraska moneyline
Nebraska first half moneyline
I was left with my most limited parlay options for the tournament, so I've kept this simple.
Nebraska has gotten off to strong starts in every tournament game, and I don't expect that to change now. Again, the same philosophy holds for the best bet — I think Boise State will struggle mightily to defend Nebraska in the halfcourt.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Nebraska vs Boise State odds
Nebraska vs Boise State live odds
Nebraska vs Boise State opening odds
- Spread: Nebraska +2.5 | Boise State -2.5
- Moneyline: Nebraska +115 | Boise State -140
- Over/Under: Over 154.5 | Under 154.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Nebraska vs Boise State betting trend to know
Nebraska has covered the spread in 18 of their last 30 games (+4.80 Units / 14% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Nebraska vs. Boise State.
How to watch Nebraska vs Boise State
| Location | MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, NV |
| Date | Saturday, 4-5-2025 |
| Tip-off | 1:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | FS1 |
Nebraska vs Boise State key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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