Oklahoma City Showdown: Huskers March to Sweet 16
In a thrilling finish that felt more like a Hollywood script than a basketball game, the Nebraska Huskers punched their ticket to the Sweet 16, leaving the Vanderbilt Commodores in their wake. Head coach Fred Hoiberg summed it up perfectly: “That last shot, man, it just took my breath away.” Freshman forward Braden Frager delivered the game-winning layup, showcasing poise beyond his years.
With the game tied at 72, Frager executed a perfect play, thanks to an unselfish assist from junior forward Pryce Sandfort. Frager's contribution was immense, scoring 15 of Nebraska’s 17 bench points, proving pivotal in the Huskers' victory.
Reflecting on his moment of glory, Frager said, “Once I saw the whole team run at Pryce, I screened for the ball. He made an unbelievable, unselfish play and gave me the ball with a wide-open lane; all I had to do was make a left-handed layup. I made a million of those.”
The Huskers’ rise to the Sweet 16 is nothing short of remarkable, especially considering they were projected to finish 14th in the Big Ten Conference. Their dedicated fan base turned the Paycom Center into a sea of red, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a home game in Lincoln.
“The crowd was once again an unbelievable factor,” Hoiberg noted. “We expect another big turnout again next weekend.”
Nebraska's fast start was crucial, jumping to a 14-4 lead by the 15-minute mark of the first half. Senior forward Rienk Mast was instrumental, hitting two early 3-pointers and dominating the paint with five rebounds. Mast ended the night with 13 points, reinforcing his importance to the team.
True freshman Leo Curtis also made his mark, delivering a highlight-reel dunk that electrified the crowd. “It’s amazing, it’s an unbelievable experience,” Curtis shared.
Frager, who had been in a bit of a slump, leaned on the guidance of senior guards Sam Hoiberg and Jamarques Lawrence. Their veteran advice helped him regain his confidence and shine when it mattered most.
“Rienk and Sam were probably the first two guys that came to talk to me before the game,” Frager said. “Rienk told me just play your game, do what you’ve been doing, that’s why you have been successful all year.”
Despite some challenges, including a tough defensive effort from Vanderbilt’s Tyler Tanner, who finished with a game-high 27 points, the Huskers managed to maintain control for most of the game. Tanner's relentless play kept Vanderbilt in the hunt, but Nebraska's resilience won out.
The rebounding battle was fierce, with Nebraska edging out Vanderbilt 31 to 30. Sandfort’s crucial defensive rebound with eight seconds left was a defining moment, sealing the Huskers’ victory.
“They crushed us on the glass in the second half,” Hoiberg admitted. “Gritty effort by our group, and I’m thankful to continue to be able to coach these guys going into next weekend.”
Next up, Nebraska will face the winner of the Florida-Iowa matchup in the Sweet 16. The Huskers are ready to keep their Cinderella story alive, and with the support of their passionate fans, anything is possible.