Scott Gleeson

USA TODAY Sports

Northwestern waited 77 seasons to punch its first NCAA tournament bid, and capitalized with its first-ever victory in March Madness. The Wildcats escaped Vanderbilt, 68-66, after coughing up a 15-point second-half lead.

But the play that ultimately defined the game's outcome was a costly gaffe by Vanderbilt. After the Commodores scored the go-ahead basket with 18 seconds left, Matthew Fisher-Davis inexplicably fouled Bryant McIntosh — an 86% free-throw shooter — to help Northwestern seal the historic victory. Afterwards, Fisher-Davis said, "I made a dumb (expletive) foul."

Vandy coach Bryce Drew downplayed Fisher-Davis' foul and miscommunication afterwards: "We're not even in position (to win) without him."

McIntosh spearheaded the victory for the Wildcats, finishing with 25 points on a blistering 10-of-16 shooting from the field. "A dream come true. What a special moment for our program," McIntosh said after the game.

Northwestern coach Chris Collins said: "We didn't feel any pressure today. The pressure was getting to the tournament. We just made one more play in the end."

Although Vanderbilt essentially made that last play for them.

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