As the early morning light barely began to peek over the horizon, the scene was set for a heart-stopping moment that left fans buzzing. Braden Frager's clutch drive and left-handed finish gave Nebraska a two-point lead with just two seconds on the clock. The tension in the air was palpable as Tyler Tanner launched a half-court shot that seemed destined for glory, only to cruelly rattle out, leaving over 10,000 Nebraska fans holding their breath.
Tanner himself was convinced it was going in, and he wasn’t alone. Sam Hoiberg and Rienk Mast, who had a perfect view from the bench, thought the same. But whether it was a twist of fate, the quirks of an NCAA Tournament ball, or simply Nebraska's long-awaited turn of fortune, the shot didn't fall.
With that narrow escape, Nebraska is now gearing up to head back to Lincoln, their sights set on a Sweet 16 showdown in Houston against either Florida or Iowa. The excitement continues to build as Nebraska's journey in the tournament takes another thrilling turn.