The Vanderbilt Commodores nearly pulled off an epic last-second victory over Nebraska as a desperate heave sent the ball dive several inches below the rim only to see it bounce out in heartbreaking fashion.
“That last shot, man, it just took my breath away,” Huskers coach Fred Hoiberg said following the team’s 74-72 victory to advance to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. “That kid [Tanner] is an unbelievable player, and when that thing was up in the air, I was like, ‘Man, that’s going in.’ It hit every part of the rim. Thankfully, it bounced out.”
Most of Nebraska’s roster thought the ball was in, but immediately erupted in celebration when it eventually bounced out. However, the talk following the game was a missed call earlier in the contest that may have cost Vanderbilt the win.
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A video later posted to social media showed a blatant double dribble en route to a two-point layup for Nebraska. While analyst Chris Webber pointed out the issue in real time, the officials missed the call as Nebraska took a 48-44 lead.
“Yikes, this is quite the miss on the double dribble. Webber, the color analyst, called this out right away in real time too,” an officiating social media account pointed out.
Nebraska eventually won the contest by two points.
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington wasn’t focused on a missed call after the game, instead celebrating the atmosphere the two teams enjoyed during the second round contest.
“I know it had to be incredible on TV,” Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington said of the atmosphere. “It was an incredible game. I mean, it sucks that we were on the side that we were on. But, I mean, a high-level game, and I’m sure the crowd lifted them up and had them playing – they played so hard.
“That’s one of the best environments or toughest environments that I’ve ever coached in. The fans were incredible for them, incredibly supportive and wild.”
Nebraska will face off against the winner of today’s showdown between No. 1 Florida and No. 9 Iowa.
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