ncaab College Basketball

#5 Vanderbilt vs #4 Nebraska NCAAB Pick: Commodores face Cornhuskers in 2nd Round (Mar 21)

Published Mar 21, 12:40am ET by

Gabriel Kozlow - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer

Last updated Mar 21, 12:40am ET

Pick status

Updated Mar 21, 12:40am ET

  • #5 Vanderbilt beat McNeese with a 78-68 score in the First Round.
  • #4 Nebraska embarrassed Troy with a 76-47 result in their opening game.
  • This will be the first ever meeting between these teams.

It is uncommon for a higher-numbered seed to be favored over its opponent, but that's the case here with Vanderbilt and Nebraska in the second round of the tournament. The Commodores are slight 1.5 point favorites over the Cornhuskers at Paycom Center in Oklahoma.

NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS vs. VANDERBILT COMMODORES Overview Watch On: TNT

DATE & TIME

SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2026 @ 7:45PM EDT
NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS
Paycom Center
Oklahoma City, OK
VANDERBILT COMMODORES
GAME ODDS
BetOnline
NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS +114
VANDERBILT COMMODORES -125

Vanderbilt To Rely on Elite Guards

Vanderbilt has been one of the best teams this season, despite entering the tournament as a No. 5 seed. The Commodores are led by Tyler Tanner and Duke Miles, two guards who have the ability to take over a game on both offense and defense.

For More March Madness Betting Odds and Predictions, See the Full Hub

Their first round victory was their first tournament win since 2012, and they will now look to make it two in a row against Nebraska. Tyler Tanner was outstanding in the 10-point win over McNeese, finishing with 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Nebraska Need Defense to Step Up

Nebraska put together a strong season, finishing 27-6 out of the Big Ten. The Cornhuskers are led by Pryce Sandfort, Rienk Mast, and Sam Hoiberg, all of whom will need to be at their best against Vanderbilt.

Nebraska enters this game as a defensive powerhouse, holding opponents to just 65.6 PPG. That will be put to the test against a Vanderbilt team that averages 86.1 PPG, making this a fascinating matchup. Nebraska has had limited March Madness success in the past and is still searching for its first truly deep tournament run..

Vanderbilt vs Nebraska NCAAB Pick

Vanderbilt is a 1.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 146.5. The moneyline is -125 for Vanderbilt and +114 for Nebraska. If Nebraska wins, it would mark the furthest tournament run in program history.

No. 4 and No. 5 seeds tend to be evenly matched, making this game feel like almost a toss-up. It is a difficult call, but we are leaning toward Vanderbilt advancing to the Sweet Sixteen.

Pick
Vanderbilt Commodores (-125)
New Player Bonus
50% up to $1000
Further Reading
Yankees vs Tigers Spring Training MLB Odds, Injuries, and Lineups (Mar 21)
⚾
MLB
Yankees vs Tigers Spring Training MLB Odds, Injuries, and Lineups (Mar 21)
Mar 20, 2026
As MLB spring training winds down, it's Yankees vs Tigers in Lakeland New York (16-10) starts second-year pitcher Cam Schlittler Detroit (7-12) counters with...
Spurs vs Pacers NBA Pick: Will San Antonio Add To Indiana’s Misery? (Mar 21)
🏀
NBA
Spurs vs Pacers NBA Pick: Will San Antonio Add To Indiana’s Misery? (Mar 21)
Mar 20, 2026
The Spurs improved to 52-18 on the heels of four straight wins. Meanwhile, Indiana fell to 15-55 following their 15th consecutive defeat. These teams...
Magic vs Lakers NBA Pick: Can Orlando Slow Down Los Angeles? (Mar 21)
🏀
NBA
Magic vs Lakers NBA Pick: Can Orlando Slow Down Los Angeles? (Mar 21)
Mar 20, 2026
The Magic dipped to 38-31 following three straight losses. Meanwhile, Los Angeles improved to 45-25 following a 134-126 victory against the Miami Heat. These...
Pelicans vs Cavaliers NBA Pick: Who Keeps Their Win Streak Intact? (Mar 21)
🏀
NBA
Pelicans vs Cavaliers NBA Pick: Who Keeps Their Win Streak Intact? (Mar 21)
Mar 20, 2026
The Pelicans are 25-46 following a 105-99 victory against the LA Clippers. Meanwhile, Cleveland improved to 43-27 after beating the Chicago Bulls 115-110. These...