Nebraska basketball and Sweet 16. Words that fans never imagined in the same breath.
Yet here we are, after a thrilling showdown in Oklahoma City. Braden Frager’s clutch game-winning shot with just 2.2 seconds left secured a 74-72 victory over Vanderbilt, marking Nebraska's second NCAA Tournament win this week and propelling them to the Sweet 16 for the first time.
Frager, coming off the bench, was electric, matching Pryce Sandfort with a team-high 15 points. Rienk Mast and Berke Buyuktuncel each contributed 12, while Sam Hoiberg added eight. Hoiberg’s offensive rebound and put-back was pivotal, though Mast’s play to tie the game at 72 was monumental.
Vanderbilt put up a fierce fight, with Tyler Tanner scoring 27 points and nearly dashing Nebraska's dreams. Here’s a closer look at what made this victory unforgettable for the Huskers.
Braden Frager: The Game Changer
Frager was the spark Nebraska needed. In the high-stakes world of the NCAA Tournament, performances like his are crucial.
With Sandfort struggling to find space, Frager stepped up, hitting 6 of 11 shots, including a crucial three-pointer that kept Nebraska in the game. His decisive cut to the basket for the game-winner was the stuff of hometown heroics.
Nebraska’s Defensive Stand
Despite Vanderbilt's 11 offensive rebounds and 13 three-pointers, Nebraska held firm. The Commodores, a top-10 offense, were limited to 41 percent shooting.
Fred Hoiberg’s switch to a zone defense late in the game proved vital, enabling the Huskers to make critical stops when it mattered most. That’s the essence of winning in March.
A Night to Remember
The celebration was emotional, a culmination of years of perseverance for Nebraska basketball fans. With 28 wins and two NCAA Tournament victories, Fred Hoiberg’s team is on a historic run. Next up, they face either Iowa or the defending national champions for a shot at the Elite 8.
For now, Nebraska fans can revel in this momentous achievement, savoring what is arguably the greatest night in the program’s history-until the next chapter unfolds.