Nebraska Advances in NCAA Tournament Following Nail-Biting Finish
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Nebraska Cornhuskers narrowly secured a victory over Vanderbilt in the NCAA Tournament’s second round, resulting in a historic advancement to the Sweet 16 for the first time. The match was marked by intense moments, particularly the final seconds that almost rewrote March Madness history.
With just 2.2 seconds left on the clock, Nebraska’s Braden Frager executed a crucial driving layup, bringing his team a two-point lead against Vanderbilt. In response, Vanderbilt’s Tyler Tanner attempted a remarkable shot from beyond half court as the game hung in the balance.
The crowd watched as Tanner’s heave hit the backboard and appeared poised to drop through the hoop. However, the ball rattled out, and Nebraska emerged victorious with a 74-72 scoreline. The close call left Nebraska guard Sam Hoiberg in shock, saying, “My heart sank as that ball went in the hoop and went out. I think it took me a half a second to register it didn’t go in, and then I just screamed in elation. I thought it was in.”
Pryce Sandfort, another Nebraska player, expressed the emotional toll of the moment succinctly: “I just about died.” The victory allowed Nebraska to progress further than ever before in the tournament’s history.
Despite the defeat, Tanner delivered an impressive performance, scoring 27 points amidst a sea of Nebraska supporters. Reflecting on the game’s outcome, Tanner remarked, “It hurts pretty bad being that close, especially (in a) hard-fought game.” He concluded the game with a total of nine successful field goals, four steals, and four assists.
Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg also commented on the final moments, stating, “That last shot, man, it just took my breath away. That kid is an unbelievable player. When that thing was up in the air, I was, like, ‘Oh, man, that’s going in.’ Then hit every part of the rim. Thankfully bounced out, and we’re looking forward to next week.”
The game left Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington reflecting on the narrow defeat: “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. We were a play away, an inch away, from being in the Sweet 16.”
For more updates on the NCAA Tournament, visit the AP March Madness bracket and coverage.
