Nebraska MBB Recap: Huskers Make the Sweet 16 With a 74-72 Win

Nebraska's Cale Jacobsen (31) reacts afer the final shot during a second-round game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament between Nebraska Cornhuskers and Vanderbilt Commodores at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday March 21, 2026. | SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images FIRST HALF ANALYSIS: Nebraska started off with an 8-0 run to really amp up a very pro-Huskers crowd. Tyler Tanner would do his best to keep the Commodores in the contest early, as he would have a hand in the first 10 points.

He would have 8 points early for Vandy. Rienk Mast was the go-to guy for Nebraska, as he started 3-4 from deep. The Huskers would shoot over 50% from the floor in the opening 10 minutes.

Tanner would control the game offensively for Vanderbilt, as he would keep things interesting. Nebraska would commit a handful of turnovers, giving up 3 steals to Tanner. Braden Frager came in and gave the Huskers a jolt, scoring 8 points off the bench.

The Huskers would finish the half shooting 60% from the floor and took a 39-32 halftime lead. FIRST HALF STATS: Vanderbilt shot 10-27 for 37% from the floor. They went 3-15 for 20% from deep and 9-12 for 75% from the free-throw line.