The Vanderbilt Commodores will take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament. This game is part of the South Region and will be held at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, NE. Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET.
Vanderbilt enters the tournament as the 5 seed with an overall record of 26-8. They are ranked 16th in the AP Poll and play in the Southeastern Conference. Last season, they were eliminated in the first round by Saint Mary’s with a score of 59-56.
Nebraska, the 4 seed, holds an overall record of 26-6. They are ranked 15th in the AP Poll and compete in the Big Ten Conference. In the previous postseason, Nebraska had a strong run, winning games against Arizona State, Georgetown, Boise State, and UCF.
Nebraska Preview
Nebraska Cornhuskers are ranked #15 in the AP poll. They play in the Big Ten Conference. In the 2026 regular season, they had an overall record of 26-6 and a conference record of 15-6.
In the 2025 postseason, Nebraska won four games. They defeated Arizona State 86-78, Georgetown 81-69, Boise State 79-69, and UCF 77-66. These victories highlight their strong performance in the postseason.
The Cornhuskers scored an average of 77.3 points per game in the 2026 regular season. They had a field goal percentage of 46.5% and made 10.5 three-pointers per game. Their effective field goal percentage was 55.4%, ranking them 39th.
During the postseason, Nebraska’s points per game were 76.0. They improved their three-point shooting, making 14.0 per game. They also had a perfect free throw percentage of 100.0%. Their defense was strong, with 10.0 steals per game and only 6.0 turnovers per game.
Vanderbilt Preview
The Vanderbilt Commodores are ranked #16 in the AP poll. They play in the Southeastern Conference. In the 2025 postseason, they lost in the first round to Saint Mary’s with a score of 59-56.
During the 2026 regular season, Vanderbilt had a record of 26-8. Their conference record was 13-8. They scored an average of 86.4 points per game, ranking them 16th in the nation.
On offense, Vanderbilt attempted 61.3 field goals per game and made 47.5% of them. They also made 9.5 three-pointers per game with a shooting percentage of 35.5%. Their free throw percentage was 79.3%, which ranked 28th.
Defensively, Vanderbilt averaged 8.1 steals and 4.6 blocks per game. They committed 19.3 fouls per game. In the postseason, they improved their field goal percentage to 51.0% and their free throw percentage to 85.0%.
Statistical Breakdown for Nebraska vs Vanderbilt
The game between Nebraska and Vanderbilt will be influenced by several key stats. Nebraska’s strong postseason three-point shooting and perfect free throw percentage could be vital. Vanderbilt’s high-scoring offense and solid free throw shooting are also important. Both teams have strong defenses, with Nebraska excelling in steals and Vanderbilt in blocks. These elements will shape the outcome.
- Nebraska Regular Season Points Per Game: 77.3
- Nebraska Postseason Three-Point Made Per Game: 14.0
- Nebraska Postseason Free Throw Percentage: 100.0%
- Vanderbilt Regular Season Points Per Game: 86.4
- Vanderbilt Regular Season Free Throw Percentage: 79.3%
- Nebraska Postseason Steals Per Game: 10.0
- Vanderbilt Postseason Blocks Per Game: 3.0
Betting Insights
As the Vanderbilt Commodores prepare to take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers, bettors have a lot to consider. Vanderbilt has shown strength as a favorite, while Nebraska has struggled recently. Here are the top betting trends to keep in mind for this game.
- Vanderbilt is 12-6 ATS as a favorite, showing a strong performance in this role.
- Vanderbilt’s O/U record in the last 5 games is 4-1, indicating games often go over.
- Nebraska is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games, struggling to cover spreads.
- Nebraska’s SU record in the last 5 games is 0-5, showing recent challenges.
- Vanderbilt is 15-3 SU as a favorite, indicating strong performance in this position.
Free Betting Prediction for Nebraska vs Vanderbilt
Nebraska and Vanderbilt both have impressive records, but they bring different strengths to the game. Nebraska’s postseason performance shows they can shoot well from beyond the arc and maintain composure at the free throw line. Their defense is also strong, with a high number of steals. However, they have struggled recently, losing their last five games.
Vanderbilt, on the other hand, has a high-scoring offense and solid free throw shooting. They have performed well as favorites, with a strong record against the spread. Their defense is notable for blocking shots, which could disrupt Nebraska’s shooting. Vanderbilt’s recent form and ability to cover spreads make them a tough opponent.
Considering these factors, Vanderbilt’s consistent performance as a favorite and Nebraska’s recent struggles suggest a win for Vanderbilt. The game might be close, but Vanderbilt’s offensive strength and Nebraska’s recent form could tip the balance in Vanderbilt’s favor.
- Our Free Prediction: Vanderbilt -1.5
