The Nebraska Cornhuskers are Sweet 16-bound, and it all came down to one shot between Nebraska and Vanderbilt, one that broke the hearts of Commodores fans and gave Nebraska fans everything they have wanted for so long.
In a game that was as close as any so far in the NCAA Tournament, Nebraska and Vanderbilt gave fans everything they could ever want in March Madness, and it truly came down to the wire.
After a huge shot from Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year Braden Frager with just over two seconds left, Vanderbilt leading scorer Tyler Tanner put up the one shot that could have eliminated the Huskers that rolled in and out, crushing Vandy's hopes for a Sweet 16 appearance.s
While some would say it was the late shots that secured the win for Nebraska, it was actually one key change head coach Fred Hoiberg made with about five minutes left in the game. Hoiberg decided to change up his defense and go from playing man-to-man to a 1-3-1 zone defense that completely stifled the Commodores.
Fred Hoiberg going to a zone defense helped send Nebraska to the Sweet 16
It was all Nebraska in the first half against Vanderbilt, but the Commodores came out of the locker room ready for a fight, and certainly found one with the Cornhuskers. It was a chippy game that was filled with foul calls, and with the majority of his starting lineup in foul trouble, Hoiberg's defensive change just might have cemented his spot in Nebraska basketball history.
Being able to go to a zone play and take away easy shots and drives to the basket, especially from Tanner, who ended with 27 points for Vandy, was key in Nebraska making it to the Sweet 16. The Commodores actually took the lead in the second half, but the defensive change allowed Nebraska to stay within striking distance.
It ended up coming down to a nailbiter that had every Nebraska fan, and probably basketball fans in general, on the edge of their seat, but the Huskers came out on top in the end. Now, Nebraska, as well as probably the entire Husker fanbase, will head to Houston for their Sweet 16 matchup in a few days.
With each win, Nebraska continues to make history, and there is no plan of stopping anytime soon.