Nebraska basketball team wins first Sweet Sixteen game in history

Nebraska's basketball team made history by reaching the Sweet Sixteen for the first time. They won a very close game against Vanderbilt, 74-72.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

In a nail-biting encounter that concluded with a shot bouncing off the rim as time expired, Nebraska has secured its passage to the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament's Sweet Sixteen, for the first time in the program's annals. The Cornhuskers outlasted Vanderbilt by a razor-thin margin, 74-72, in a second-round contest that saw lead changes deep into the second half. The decisive blow came with a mere 2.2 seconds remaining, courtesy of a layup by Braden Frager, which ultimately proved to be the game-winner.

Nebraska basketball survives Vanderbilt to advance to the Sweet 16 - 1

The frantic final moments were underscored by Tyler Tanner's near-miraculous attempt from beyond half-court, a shot that ultimately fell short, sealing Nebraska's victory. Throughout the game, Tanner was a force for Vanderbilt, leading all scorers with 27 points. Nebraska's own scoring efforts were distributed, with Rienk Mast contributing 13 points, and Berke Büyüktuncel adding 12. Nebraska's win extends its current season record to a remarkable 28-6, setting a new single-season benchmark for the program.

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Nebraska basketball survives Vanderbilt to advance to the Sweet 16 - 2

A Season Defined by Unexpected Gains

Nebraska's journey through the tournament has been characterized by a persistent upward trajectory, building on what has already been a record-setting season. This advancement to the Sweet Sixteen marks a significant milestone, moving the team beyond previous program highs. The team's 28 wins this season already stand as a testament to their performance. Individual achievements also pepper this narrative: 52 three-pointers for freshman Frager, tying a program freshman record, and 123 for Pryce Sandfort, placing him sixth on the single-season scoring list with 609 points.

Late Drama and Strategic Play

The game, held in Oklahoma City, saw Nebraska hold a 39-32 advantage at halftime, a lead that Tanner's scoring managed to whittle down in the second half. Vanderbilt managed to secure a brief late lead, 72-70, with a layup from Tanner less than a minute from the end. However, Frager's decisive drive and subsequent layup erased that deficit, placing Nebraska ahead. Mast, a 6-foot-10 center, was also an early offensive threat for Nebraska, hitting two three-pointers within the opening five minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did Nebraska beat Vanderbilt to get to the Sweet Sixteen?
Nebraska won against Vanderbilt with a score of 74-72. Braden Frager scored the winning basket with only 2.2 seconds left in the game. This win means Nebraska is in the Sweet Sixteen for the first time ever.
Q: What was the final score of the Nebraska vs. Vanderbilt basketball game on March 10, 2024?
The final score was Nebraska 74, Vanderbilt 72. It was a very close game that went down to the last few seconds.
Q: Who scored the most points for Vanderbilt in the game against Nebraska on March 10, 2024?
Tyler Tanner scored the most points for Vanderbilt. He scored 27 points in the game against Nebraska.
Q: What is Nebraska's basketball team record after beating Vanderbilt?
After beating Vanderbilt, Nebraska's record is 28 wins and 6 losses. This is the best record the team has ever had in one season.
Q: Why is Nebraska's basketball team reaching the Sweet Sixteen important?
This is the first time in the history of Nebraska's basketball program that they have reached the Sweet Sixteen. It is a major achievement for the team and sets a new record for the program.