Braden Frager’s driving layup with 2.2 seconds remaining propelled Nebraska to a 74-72 victory over Vanderbilt, sending them to the Sweet 16. Tyler Tanner’s attempt from beyond half court bounced off the rim as time expired.
“I just froze for two seconds,” Frager said. “I thought it went in. I didn’t know how to react. I was, just — everybody started celebrating. I was like, he actually missed it.”
Byington Praises Nebraska’s Atmosphere
Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington acknowledged the atmosphere created by Nebraska’s supporters. “That’s one of the best environments or toughest environments that I’ve ever coached in,” Byington said. “The fans were incredible for them. Supportive and loud.”
The Cornhuskers celebrated with their fans after the game. Some fans were still chanting “Go Big Red!” inside Paycom Center 30 minutes after Nebraska’s victory.
Close Game Goes Down to the Wire
Frager scored off a pass from Pryce Sandfort, who led the team in scoring. Frager and Sandfort each scored 15 points for Nebraska. Tanner scored 27 points and Tyler Nickel added 16 for Vanderbilt.
Sam Hoiberg, the coach’s son, made a putback with 1:20 to go that tied the game at 70-all. The teams traded the lead four times over the final 2:08.
Duke Miles, Vanderbilt’s No. 2 scorer, had his left thumb taped and was held to nine points. Tanner’s layup with 58 seconds left gave Vanderbilt its final lead at 72-70.
Nebraska’s Early Lead and Vanderbilt’s Comeback
Nebraska started strong, taking an 8-0 lead. Rienk Mast made two 3-pointers in the first five minutes. Sandfort’s turnaround jumper put Nebraska up 27-19.
Nebraska led 39-32 at halftime, despite Tanner’s 15 points. Vanderbilt chipped away in the second half, with Tanner making a layup and getting fouled with 9:05 remaining.
- Nebraska advances to the South Region semifinals in Houston.
- They will face either Florida or Iowa on Thursday.
- This is Nebraska’s first Sweet 16 appearance.
“The hardest thing when you’re in a tournament like this is there’s a side of it with hurt and dejection, and you put everything into it,” Byington said. “We were a play away, an inch away, from being in the Sweet 16.”