Braden Frager made a crucial layup with just 2.2 seconds remaining, propelling fourth-seeded Nebraska to a thrilling 74-72 victory over fifth-seeded Vanderbilt in the second round of the NCAA Tournament”s South Region, held in Oklahoma City.
The victory was not confirmed until Tylor Tanner of the Commodores, who led all scorers with 27 points, narrowly missed a long three-pointer from beyond halfcourt as time expired. His attempt struck the backboard, ricocheted off both rims, and elicited a collective gasp from the crowd, followed by thunderous applause from the Nebraska supporters at the Paycom Center.
Frager and Pryce Sandfort each scored 15 points for Nebraska (28-6), who is set to compete in the Sweet 16 for the first time in program history. They will face either top-seeded Florida or ninth-seeded Iowa on Thursday in Houston. The Gators and Hawkeyes are scheduled to meet on Sunday night in Tampa.
Tyler Nickel contributed 16 points for Vanderbilt (27-9), which made a strong push in the second half by sinking 10 of 22 attempts from beyond the arc. Tanner”s layup had given the Commodores a 72-70 lead with 58 seconds left, but Nebraska”s Sam Hoiberg missed a layup that was tipped in by Mast to tie the game with 37 seconds remaining.
No. 2 Houston also advanced, defeating No. 10 Texas A&M 88-57, with Emanuel Sharp leading the way with 18 points. The Cougars established a commanding lead with an 18-0 run in the first half and are now set to face third-seeded Illinois in the Sweet 16.
No. 3 Illinois triumphed over No. 11 VCU 76-55, with Andrej Stojakovic scoring 21 points, to advance to the Sweet 16 for the second time in 21 years. They will meet Houston next week.
In the West Region, No. 11 Texas pulled off a stunning upset against No. 3 Gonzaga, winning 74-68. Matas Vokietaitis and Jordan Pope each scored 17 points, while a late three-pointer by Camden Heide sealed the victory.
No. 4 Arkansas also advanced, defeating No. 12 High Point 94-88, thanks to a standout performance from Darius Acuff Jr., who scored 36 points.
No. 1 Duke easily defeated No. 9 TCU 81-58, with Cameron Boozer scoring 19 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. They will face the winner of the matchup between No. 4 Kansas and No. 5 St. John”s in the Sweet 16.
No. 3 Michigan State edged out No. 6 Louisville 77-69, with Coen Carr leading the Spartans with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
No. 1 Michigan dominated Saint Louis 95-72, with Yaxel Lendeborg scoring 25 points. They will move on to face either Texas Tech or Alabama.
