Nebraska needed a dramatic finish to keep its NCAA Tournament run alive, defeating No. 5 seed Vanderbilt 74-72 in the second round Saturday in Oklahoma City. Braden Frager’s layup with 2.2 seconds left sealed the win for the Huskers, who improve to 28-6, while Vanderbilt’s season ends at 27-9.

After opening the tournament with a historic win over Troy, Nebraska moves on to its first-ever Sweet 16, setting up a matchup with the winner of No. 1 seed Florida and No. 9 seed Iowa.

The Huskers jumped out to an 8-0 start and shot an impressive 60% in the first half, including 6-of-10 from three-point range, while Vanderbilt struggled early. The Commodores clawed back with timely three-pointers and free throws, taking their first lead late in the second half.

Nebraska responded with balanced scoring, featuring six players with at least eight points. Pryce Sandfort and Braden Frager led the way with 15 points each, while Sam Hoiberg contributed a key offensive rebound and putback to tie the game in the final minute.

Vanderbilt had 13 made three-pointers, but Nebraska’s composure down the stretch, highlighted by Frager’s game-winner, carried the Huskers into the Sweet 16. The team shot 55.8% overall and 9-of-19 from deep, overcoming free throw disparities and foul trouble to secure the victory.

Nebraska will now head to Houston to face the winner of Florida and Iowa next weekend, continuing its historic March Madness run.