If you watched the game you saw that the fouls were not called evenly during the middle of the game, and most of the 2nd half. There were 3 calls at the end where they finally started enforcing the holds when Sandfort was trying to cut his way open. But Nebraska had multiple key players who had to navigate playing with foul trouble for long stretches. Lawrence played with 4 fouls for quite a while, risky move that paid off. Leo Curtis had to come in for a little while and did decently.
The defensive switch to zone was a great call. It forced Vanderbilt to have to think more in the offensive end. It took them out of their rhythm and ended the momentum they’d had. Risking giving up offensive rebounds, but Nebraska crashed hard and got the crucial rebound at the end that they needed. But Vanderbilt made several big 3s in the closing minutes, credit to them.
Another big coaching move that deserves notice. Jacobsen played a lot in this game. And the nerves were clearly getting to him. He had a stretch with two bad turnovers and a dumb foul. But Hoiberg didn’t take him out immediately. The Nebraska guards needed more rest than a normal game, and needed to dilute the fouls among more defenders against the excellent Vanderbilt backcourt tandem. Hoiberg stuck with Jacobsen and let him play through it. I think Cale would admit he didn’t have a great game, but the minutes he played allowed the starters to be fresher down the stretch and avoided having a key guy foul out.
Finally, I think Sandfort’s unselfishness making the pass instead of trying to force that last shot showed incredible maturity and selflessness. It’s fitting, since that’s been the character of this team all year. But Sandfort had been getting faceguarded and double teamed all game (leading to some beautifully open lay ups for Frager) and still managed to force a couple 3s even when he really wasn’t open. The best shooter on Nebraska should have expected to take the last shot. But he had the wisdom to see that the lane was open for Frager and made the pass with 5 seconds left.
And Frager attacked the basket tonight with an assertiveness and suddenness that was a joy to behold. He didn’t have a hesitant bone in his body. He drove the lane and made that pretty left hand finish. On 95% of teams, Sandfort would have forced up the last shot. On an NBA team he would have. But not on this Huskers TEAM.
They’re close and they clearly love each other. No one needs to get credit more than anyone else. They just play to win and have excellent coaching and preparation.
I feel a little sick to my stomach to be rooting for Iowa today, but can you imagine playing the Hawkeyes in the Sweet Sixteen?! Florida will be a tough, but not impossible opponent. Vanderbilt beat them. It will be like the Michigan game again. I’m not counting the Huskers out yet!
