Nebraska Announcer Calls First NCAA Tournament Win After 51 Years

Kent Pavelka, the six-time Nebraska Sportscaster of the Year, finally gets his moment in the NCAA tournament spotlight.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:34am

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Kent Pavelka, the radio voice of Nebraska basketball for over 50 years, called his first NCAA tournament win on Thursday as the Huskers defeated Troy 76-47. Pavelka, known for his distinctive style and catchphrases, struggled to find the words as the clock hit zero, marking a historic occasion for the program that was previously 0-8 in the tournament. After the game, players approached Pavelka at his courtside broadcast position, with senior forward Rienk Mast hugging him during the team's celebration.

Why it matters

Pavelka's long-awaited NCAA tournament call is a feel-good moment for Nebraska basketball fans who have endured decades of tournament futility. The veteran announcer's iconic voice and signature phrases have become synonymous with Huskers hoops, making this milestone even more meaningful for the state's sports community.

The details

Kent Pavelka has been the radio voice of Nebraska basketball for more than 50 years, earning six Nebraska Sportscaster of the Year awards during his Hall of Fame career. On Thursday, he finally got to call the program's first NCAA tournament win, as the Huskers defeated Troy 76-47. Pavelka, known for catchphrases like 'Bang-a-rang' and 'Got It!', struggled to find the words as the clock hit zero, an ironic twist for the legendary announcer.

  • On Thursday, Pavelka called Nebraska's first NCAA tournament win.
  • The Huskers were previously 0-8 in the NCAA Tournament, making this a historic occasion.

The players

Kent Pavelka

The radio voice of Nebraska basketball for more than 50 years and a six-time Nebraska Sportscaster of the Year.

Rienk Mast

A senior forward on the Nebraska basketball team who hugged Pavelka during the team's celebration after the game.

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The takeaway

Kent Pavelka's long-awaited NCAA tournament call is a heartwarming moment that encapsulates his legendary career as the voice of Nebraska basketball. After over 50 years of calling Huskers games, Pavelka's iconic style and passion for the program have made him a beloved figure in the state's sports community, making this milestone even more special for fans who have endured decades of tournament futility.