In a thrilling first for Nebraska men's basketball, the Huskers clinched a spot in the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16 by edging out Vanderbilt in a nail-biter on Saturday night. With the clock winding down, Braden Frager delivered the decisive blow, driving in for a layup with just 2.2 seconds remaining, sealing a 74-72 victory. Nebraska fans erupted as Vanderbilt's last-second three-point attempt fell short, cementing this historic moment.
The Huskers displayed remarkable resilience, overcoming a 67-62 deficit with just over five minutes on the clock. Their 12-5 run to close the game not only showcased their tenacity but also extended their school-record season to 28 wins. This marks head coach Fred Hoiberg's second journey to the Sweet 16, having previously led Iowa State there in the 2013-14 season.
Nebraska's shooting was on point, hitting 29-of-52 from the floor and an impressive 9-of-19 from three-point territory. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt made a strong second-half push, especially from beyond the arc, where they went 10-of-22. Tyler Tanner spearheaded the Commodores' effort with a standout 27-point performance.
The Huskers' balanced attack was key, with four players scoring in double digits, combining for 55 points. Frager and Pryce Sandfort were pivotal, each contributing 15 points and five rebounds. Frager was efficient, hitting 6-of-11 shots, while Sandfort connected on 5-of-9, including three treys.
Rienk Mast added 13 points, shooting 5-of-10 overall and 3-of-6 from deep, while grabbing five rebounds. Berke Büyüktuncel chipped in with 12 points, nearly perfect at 5-of-6 from the field and flawless from three. Jamarques Lawrence added nine points, shooting 4-of-6, and Sam Hoiberg rounded out the scoring with eight points, four rebounds, and a team-high six assists.
Next up for Nebraska is the South Regional in Houston, where they'll face the winner of the Florida/Iowa matchup. The Huskers' incredible journey continues as they aim to keep their dream season alive.