'Just a blessing': After year away from Huskers, Lawrence grateful for NCAA Tournament win

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okl. - Of the many storylines in the 2025-2026 Nebraska Men’s Basketball season, a unique one is that of Jamarques Lawrence. 

After two years with with Nebraska, Lawrence left for a year to play for Rhode Island, before returning to Lincoln this season. In his year back, he helped Nebraska do something that’s never been done before in programs history - win a tournament game. 

Lawrence says the whole experience is nothing short of a blessing.

“It’s been very wroth it,” Lawrence said. “Obviously, that game Thursday was something I wanted to get done. This season has been special because no one really knew how it was going to go… We knew we had the opportunity to make it back to the tournament and then the 20-0 start.  That’s something I’ll never forget about. Being a part of that, and producing a lot, that’s something I’m never going to forget.”

After not finding double figures since mid-February, Lawrence found his footing in Nebraska’s 76-47 win over Troy, recording 13 points, also dishing out three assists. Lawrence said the win was important for him to get for Head Coach Fred Hoiberg, but the entire Hoiberg family as well. 

“Been telling Sam all year we were going to get it done for him,” Lawrence said. “You could also see how much it meant to coach too.”

But the round one win against Troy is in the books. The time for celebrating is ancient history. Now Nebraska is locked in on their Round of 32 battle with SEC torment runner up Vanderbilt. 

Lawrence doesn't want Nebraska’s dance in March to end. 

“When I went back to the hotel, I tuned into the [Vanderbilt] game,” Lawrence said. “I watched more on them as well to help me not think about what we’d just done. Maybe it’ll hit me after the season, but I’m just rally locked into this next one.”

Tip off for Nebraska/Vanderbilt is set for 7:45 p.m. CT at the Paycom Center.