Nebraska Sweet 16: Tickets, Schedule & Next Opponent in March Madness 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Nebraska Cornhuskers are heading to the Sweet 16 for the first time in program history after a thrilling 74-72 victory over Vanderbilt on Saturday night at Paycom Arena. A late layup by Braden Frager with 2.2 seconds remaining proved to be the decisive basket, sending the No. 4 seeded Cornhuskers through to the next round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Vanderbilt taking their first lead of the night with 8:26 left in the second half. Despite the Commodores’ surge, Nebraska maintained their composure, relying on a balanced offensive attack that saw six players score at least eight points. Tyler Tanner led Vanderbilt with 27 points, but his desperation half-court attempt at the buzzer rimmed out, sealing the Cornhuskers’ win.

Nebraska’s victory marks just their second NCAA Tournament win in program history, following a first-round upset of Troy earlier in the tournament. Prior to this year, the Cornhuskers had never won a March Madness game.

The Cornhuskers will now advance to the South Regional semifinals in Houston, where they will face the winner of Sunday’s matchup between No. 1 seed Florida, and No. 9 seed Iowa. The Sweet 16 game is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, at the Toyota Center. Tickets are currently available, with prices starting at $251, according to ticket vendors.

Saturday’s contest was described as an “instant classic” by observers, with the lead changing hands multiple times in the closing minutes. Braden Frager’s game-winning drive was set up by a pass from Pryce Sandfort, capping off a team effort that propelled Nebraska to its deepest tournament run ever.