Northwestern Wins, Advances To Second Round In First Trip To NCAA Tournament

EVANSTON, IL — After leading for most of the game, a flurry of lead changes in the final minutes left Northwestern trailing Vanderbilt with just 18 seconds left.

But thanks to a baffling mistake, eighth-seeded Northwestern came away with their first ever NCAA Tournament victory Thursday and booked a second round match-up with Gonzaga.

The Wildcats had been up by as many as 15 points, but the No. 9 seed Commodores managed to claw their way back with a go-ahead basket from Riley LaChance in the final seconds.

But then: a moment of madness from Vanderbilt's Matthew Fisher-Davis.

Vandy with the late go-ahead bucket! And then... the... foul????? pic.twitter.com/qDI1ANU3NC
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 16, 2017

As Wildcat guard Bryant McIntosh dribbled up court with fewer than 16 seconds remaining, Fisher-Davis made the extremely poor split-second decision to grab him from behind. The obvious foul gave Northwestern the decisive free throws and go-ahead points to win.

Commentators suggested Fisher-Davis may have forgotten the score.

Vanderbilt still had a final possession to win the game, but LaChance's deep attempt at a three-pointer was off the rim.

The dream continues for Northwestern, who will play No. 1 seed Gonzaga on Saturday at 4:15 p.m. in Salt Lake City.