Nebraska Cornhuskers Edge Vanderbilt Commodores in Close Matchup
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 9:02 PM ET · Paycom Center
Nebraska Cornhuskers 74, Vanderbilt Commodores 72, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Vanderbilt Commodores vs Nebraska Cornhuskers?
Nebraska Cornhuskers beat Vanderbilt Commodores 74-72 at Paycom Center on March 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Vanderbilt Commodores vs Nebraska Cornhuskers?
Vanderbilt Commodores were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested battle at the Paycom Center, the Nebraska Cornhuskers emerged victorious over the Vanderbilt Commodores with a final score of 74-72. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as both teams entered the game with strong records, Nebraska at 28-6 and Vanderbilt at 27-9, showcasing their competitive spirits in the NCAAB landscape. The game drew attention not only for its stakes but also for the performance of both teams leading up to this encounter.
Nebraska's recent form has seen them go 6-4 in their last ten games, with a scoring average of 71.4 points per game while allowing 66.7 points. Their last five games reflect a record of 3-2, with an average of 70.0 points scored and 69.8 points allowed. However, they entered this game on a one-game losing streak after a defeat to the Purdue Boilermakers, where they lost 58-74. At home, the Cornhuskers have performed decently with a 4-2 record over their last six games.
On the other hand, the Vanderbilt Commodores also posted a 6-4 record in their last ten games, but they have been more prolific offensively, averaging 80.8 points while allowing 78.6 points. Their last five games show a record of 4-1, scoring an average of 83.2 points and allowing 79.2 points. Their most recent game was a loss against the Arkansas Razorbacks, where they fell 75-86, marking their own one-game losing streak. Vanderbilt has had a mixed performance away from home, with a 3-3 record in their last six away games.
The odds for this matchup were set by DraftKings, with Vanderbilt favored by 1.5 points. The total points line was set at 146.5, with the over at -108.0 and the under at -112.0. Nebraska's money line was priced at +114.0, while Vanderbilt's was at -135.0, indicating a slight edge for the Commodores in the betting market.
In terms of previous meetings, the block does not provide specific details, but the competitive nature of both teams suggests that past encounters could have been closely fought as well. The injury situation is not mentioned in the block, leaving it unclear if either team was affected by player absences.
The game conditions at the Paycom Center were conducive to a high-stakes matchup, with both teams looking to capitalize on their strengths. Nebraska's ability to score efficiently at home contrasted with Vanderbilt's high-scoring offense, setting the stage for an exciting game.
As the game unfolded, key scoring plays highlighted the tension and shifting momentum. With the score tied at 72, Braden Frager made a crucial layup, assisted by Pryce Sandfort, giving Nebraska the edge they needed to secure the win. In the final moments, both teams exchanged leads, emphasizing the competitive nature of the contest. The scoring plays included significant contributions from players like Pryce Sandfort, who was involved in critical free throws and assists, and Berke Buyuktuncel, who made important baskets for Vanderbilt.
Overall, this matchup showcased the resilience and skill of both teams, with Nebraska ultimately prevailing in a close finish. The Cornhuskers' victory adds to their impressive season record, while Vanderbilt will look to bounce back from this narrow defeat.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | VAN -1.5 | 146.5 o -108 / u -112 | Vanderbilt Commodores -135 · Nebraska Cornhuskers +114 |
Leaders
- PointsPryce Sandfort15Nebraska Cornhuskers
- AssistsSam Hoiberg8Nebraska Cornhuskers
- ReboundsPryce Sandfort5Nebraska Cornhuskers
- PointsTyler Tanner27Vanderbilt Commodores
- AssistsDuke Miles6Vanderbilt Commodores
- ReboundsDevin McGlockton8Vanderbilt Commodores
Recent form
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Last 10: 6-4Streak L171.4 scored · 66.7 allowed per game4-2 at home
- L58-74vs Purdue BoilermakersMar 13
- W84-75vs Iowa HawkeyesMar 8
- L52-72at UCLA BruinsMar 4
- W82-67at USC TrojansFeb 28
- W74-61vs Maryland TerrapinsFeb 26
- W87-64vs Penn State Nittany LionsFeb 21
- L52-57at Iowa HawkeyesFeb 18
- W68-49vs Northwestern WildcatsFeb 14
- L77-80vs Purdue BoilermakersFeb 11
- W80-68at Rutgers Scarlet KnightsFeb 7
Vanderbilt Commodores
Last 10: 6-4Streak L180.8 scored · 78.6 allowed per game3-3 away
- L75-86at Arkansas RazorbacksMar 15
- W91-74at Florida GatorsMar 14
- W75-68vs Tennessee VolunteersMar 13
- W86-82at Tennessee VolunteersMar 7
- W89-86at Ole Miss RebelsMar 4
- L77-91at Kentucky WildcatsFeb 28
- W88-80vs Georgia BulldogsFeb 26
- L65-69vs Tennessee VolunteersFeb 21
- L80-81at Missouri TigersFeb 19
- W82-69vs Texas A&M AggiesFeb 14
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 27-8 | - | 16-2 |
| Arkansas | 28-9 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Alabama | 25-10 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Vanderbilt | 27-9 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Tennessee | 25-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Texas A&M | 22-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Georgia | 22-11 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Kentucky | 22-14 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Missouri | 20-13 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Texas | 21-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Auburn | 22-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma | 21-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Mississippi State | 13-19 | 11 | 5-13 |
| Ole Miss | 15-20 | 12 | 4-14 |
| South Carolina | 13-19 | 12 | 4-14 |
| LSU | 15-17 | 13 | 3-15 |
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Vanderbilt Commodores | Nebraska Cornhuskers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-58 | 29-52 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 56 |
| Three-pointers | 13-37 | 9-19 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 47 |
| Free throws | 11-19 | 7-10 |
| Free throw % | 58 | 70 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 31 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 26 |
| Assists | 15 | 17 |
| Steals | 6 | 5 |
| Blocks | 4 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 38 |
| Fouls | 16 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 10 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 18 | 76 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half27-34Duke Miles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half28-34Duke Miles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half29-34Tyler Nickel makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half29-36Leo Curtis makes 1-foot dunk (Braden Frager assists)
- 1st Half32-36Tyler Nickel makes 27-foot three point jumper (Duke Miles assists)
- 1st Half32-39Pryce Sandfort makes 24-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half33-39Tyler Tanner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half36-39Tyler Nickel makes 23-foot three point jumper (Duke Miles assists)
- 2nd Half36-41Sam Hoiberg makes driving layup
- 2nd Half36-43Jamarques Lawrence makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half38-43Duke Miles makes 9-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half38-45Jamarques Lawrence makes layup (Rienk Mast assists)
- 2nd Half41-45Tyler Nickel makes 24-foot three point jumper (Duke Miles assists)
- 2nd Half41-48Berke Buyuktuncel makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jamarques Lawrence assists)
- 2nd Half44-48Duke Miles makes 23-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half44-50Sam Hoiberg makes layup
- 2nd Half47-50Tyler Nickel makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tyler Tanner assists)
- 2nd Half49-50Chandler Bing makes layup
- 2nd Half49-53Pryce Sandfort makes 24-foot three point jumper (Braden Frager assists)
- 2nd Half52-53Tyler Tanner makes 23-foot three point jumper (AK Okereke assists)
- 2nd Half52-54Braden Frager makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-55Braden Frager makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-55Tyler Tanner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-55Tyler Tanner makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-55AK Okereke makes 25-foot three point jumper (Duke Miles assists)
- 2nd Half58-57Rienk Mast makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-57Devin McGlockton makes 23-foot three point jumper (Chandler Bing assists)
- 2nd Half61-60Braden Frager makes 23-foot three point jumper (Sam Hoiberg assists)
- 2nd Half64-60Tyler Tanner makes 23-foot three point jumper (Duke Miles assists)
- 2nd Half64-62Berke Buyuktuncel makes driving layup
- 2nd Half67-62Tyler Nickel makes 26-foot three point jumper (Tyler Tanner assists)
- 2nd Half67-64Pryce Sandfort makes 7-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half67-65Pryce Sandfort makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-66Pryce Sandfort makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-68Berke Buyuktuncel makes layup (Rienk Mast assists)
- 2nd Half70-68AK Okereke makes 23-foot three point jumper (Duke Miles assists)
- 2nd Half70-70Sam Hoiberg makes layup
- 2nd Half72-70Tyler Tanner makes driving layup
- 2nd Half72-72Rienk Mast makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half72-74Braden Frager makes layup (Pryce Sandfort assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Nebraska Cornhuskers, below favours Vanderbilt Commodores.
Venue
- Paycom CenterOklahoma City, OK
- Attendance14887
- OfficialsDoug Shows, Mike Littlewood, A.J. Desai
Elsewhere
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond
- All-SEC F Mitchell reenrolls at Missouri, avoids transfer battle
- Duke's Coach K Court to have sponsorship logo for first time
- Sankey, SEC 'prepared to contest' judge's order in Louisiana