Nebraska defeat Vanderbilt to reach first NCAA tournament Sweet 16
Nebraska have advanced to the NCAA tournament Sweet 16 for the first time in their history after a thrilling 74-72 victory over Vanderbilt in Oklahoma City.
Frager secures historic victory
Braden Frager proved to be the match-winner with a crucial driving layup with just 2.2 seconds remaining on the clock.
Vanderbilt came agonisingly close to snatching the game at the buzzer, but Tyler Tanner’s desperation heave from beyond half-court rimmed out.
The dramatic conclusion sparked wild celebrations among the travelling supporters inside the Paycom Center.
It marks a monumental milestone for the fourth-seeded Cornhuskers, who had never won a single March Madness fixture prior to their opening-round success against Troy two days earlier.
Tanner shines in defeat for Commodores
Tanner delivered an outstanding individual performance for the fifth seeds, recording a game-high 27 points.
The guard’s late layup had given Vanderbilt a slender two-point advantage in a chaotic finale that saw the lead change hands four times.
However, Sam Hoiberg, son of head coach Fred Hoiberg, crucially levelled the contest with a vital putback moments earlier.
Frager and Pryce Sandfort both contributed 15 points to pace a balanced offensive effort from the historic victors.
Houston awaits Hoiberg’s transformed side
The Big Ten coach of the year has masterminded a remarkable turnaround during his seven-year tenure in Lincoln.
His squad garnered national attention earlier this campaign following a flawless 20-0 start that propelled them to fifth in the AP poll.
They will now travel to Houston for the South Region semifinals on Thursday.
A daunting matchup against either top-seeded Florida or ninth-seeded Iowa awaits the surging tournament debutants.