How sweet it is: Nebraska survives, advances to program’s first ever sweet 16
Huskers historic season continues, downing Vanderbilt in the round of 32.
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Nebraska Cornhuskers squared off with Vanderbilt for their first ever round of 32 NCAA tournament Saturday night.
It was a hot start for the Big Red, beginning on a 8-0 run. The Huskers knocked down six three pointers in the first half. Rienk Mast made three of them, nailing his first three attempts.
For Nebraska, they shot well in the first twenty minutes, shooting 60% from the field.
Whereas for Vanderbilt, they shot 37% from the floor.
Nebraska led 39-32 at the break.
The second half picked up right where it left off, a back and forth affair.
Nebraska led 50-47 with 12:53 remaining.
The Huskers found themselves in foul trouble. Jamarques Lawrence committed his fourth foul with over 12 minutes left in regulation.
Vanderbilt took their first lead of the game with 8:22 remaining by a Commodore three pointer.
In the final few minutes, there were several lead changes.
Braden Frager layed in a two with 2.4 seconds remaining, taking the lead 74-72.
.@HuskerMBB TAKES THE LEAD WITH SECONDS LEFT pic.twitter.com/4VPHoFj4Dx
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 22, 2026
Vanderbilt had a last second half court heave that almost went in, but Nebraska survived by two.
The Huskers will now enter their program’s first ever sweet 16 appearance.
Braden Frager and Pryce Sandfort each led the team with 15 points each. There were a total of four Huskers in double figures.
Nebraska will face the winner of Florida vs. Iowa. Tip off for that game will be Sunday 6:10 CT.
