41 years in the making: Nebraska players celebrate March Madness win with longtime announcer

[ASFN Admin]

Nebraska basketball is headed to the Sweet 16 for the first time in program history.

The No. 4 seed Cornhuskers defeated No. 5 Vanderbilt 74-72 when Tyler Tanner's potential game-winning half-court heave at the buzzer rattled in — then out — of the rim. It was Nebraska's second win ever in the Men's NCAA Tournament, both coming in the last three days, moving it to 2-8 all-time in NCAA Tournament games.

REQUIRED READING: Nebraska advances to first Sweet 16 in program history, survives Tyler Tanner heave

Of course, the honor of calling the game went to a 41-year veteran announcer for the Cornhuskers, Kent Pavelka. Following the game, Nebraska players made sure to find Pavelka and celebrate the historic moment with him.

#Huskers made sure to find @KentPavelkapic.twitter.com/YoaLiH5fkE

— Michael Bruntz (@michaelbruntz) March 22, 2026

Watch: Kent Pavelka calls Nebraska's win over Vanderbilt​

Here is Pavelka's call of the final 41.5 seconds of Nebraska's second-round victory over Vanderbilt.

Heroes come and go.

But legends like @KentPavelka live forever.
pic.twitter.com/FJxbPLVbLv

— Nebraska Men's Basketball (@HuskerMBB) March 22, 2026

The win advances the Cornhuskers to the Sweet 16, where they will play the winner of No. 1 Florida and No. 9 Iowa in Houston.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nebraska players celebrate March Madness win with Kent Pavelka

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