The 2026 NCAA Tournament has its first Cinderella story, and it's wearing Nebraska red. The 4th-seeded Huskers, who started this tournament with zero postseason wins, are now dancing their way into the Sweet 16 after a thrilling 74-72 victory over No. 5 Vanderbilt.
It was a nail-biter to the end, with Vanderbilt's last-second half-court heave narrowly missing the mark. For the SEC runner-up Commodores, it was a heartbreaker, but for Nebraska, it’s a testament to their resilience and grit.
After dispatching Troy and now Vanderbilt, the Huskers are proving they belong on this stage. Leading the charge was Pryce Sandfort, who put up 15 points and grabbed five rebounds, showing poise under pressure.
Let's dive into the stats from Saturday’s second-round showdown in Oklahoma City.
Vanderbilt Highlights:
- T. Tanner was a standout, scoring 27 points and hitting 9 of 21 from the field, though his 3-point shooting was a bit off at 3 for 10.
- T. Nickel contributed 16 points, making 5 of 13 shots, and was a presence beyond the arc with five 3-pointers.
- D. Miles added 9 points and dished out six assists, though his shooting was less efficient at 2 for 10 from the floor.
Nebraska Highlights:
- Pryce Sandfort led the Huskers with his 15 points, hitting 5 of 9 shots, including three critical 3-pointers.
- **R.
Mast** was pivotal with 13 points, also knocking down three from deep, and securing five rebounds.
- **B.
Frager** matched Sandfort’s scoring with 15 points off the bench, providing a crucial spark with 6 of 11 shooting.
The Huskers' journey continues, and as they prepare for their next challenge, they carry the hopes of their fans and the spirit of a team that's not ready to stop dreaming. Keep an eye on this squad-they're proving to be as tenacious as they are talented.