Nebraska advanced Saturday night with a 74-72 victory over Vanderbilt in a scintillating second-round NCAA tournament game, escaping when Tyler Tanner’s desperation heave from the half-court line rimmed out at the final horn.
The closing seconds delivered the kind of drama March is known for, with Vanderbilt getting one last look to tie or win. Tanner launched from near midcourt as time expired, but the shot caromed off the rim, allowing Nebraska to hold on in a two-point game.
A tight finish in a tournament spotlight
The result capped a back-and-forth contest that came down to a single possession, with Nebraska doing just enough to withstand Vanderbilt’s final push. In a game defined by urgency and momentum swings, the Huskers’ ability to see out the final sequence proved decisive.
Vanderbilt’s last-gasp attempt underscored how little separated the teams, but Nebraska’s 74 points were ultimately enough to survive and move on from the second round.