Jay Bilas predicts the winner of Vanderbilt vs. Nebraska Round of 32 clash
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We’re through day one of the NCAA Tournament. With day two just getting underway, nobody wants to peek ahead too much to day three. However, when you have a matchup between No. 5 seed Vanderbilt and 4-seed Nebraska on tap, it’s hard not to do so.
The Commodores and Cornhuskers are two of the best stories in college basketball this year. Both were among the final unbeaten teams in the country, starting a combined 36-0. Vandy hadn’t won an NCAA Tournament game since 2012 before Thursday afternoon. Meanwhile, Nebraska had never advanced in the Big Dance prior to defeating Troy. Now, they’re both in search of a Sweet 16 berth.
ESPN’s Jay Bilas had both the Commodores and Cornhuskers advancing in his bracket preview earlier this week. Bilas said Vanderbilt guards Tyler Tanner and Duke Miles were “too good” for McNeese to pull a first-round upset. He pointed to the ‘Dores guards again — Miles in particular — when explaining why Vandy would also beat Nebraska.
“This is a great matchup. Nebraska can beat almost anyone,” Bilas wrote. “But Vanderbilt’s guards will be the difference… take Duke Miles’ Commodores. He made a steal in the SEC final on Sunday at midcourt against Arkansas with his left hand that I thought was one of the best thefts I’ve seen all season long. He’s legit.”
The Commodores and Cornhuskers follow Houston and Texas A&M on Saturday evening. Their tipoff is scheduled for 8:45 p.m. E.T. (TNT).
Will Vanderbilt or Nebraska make the Sweet 16? Predict the game on Kalshi!
