Iowa Looks to Bounce Back Against a Red-Hot Nebraska

The Iowa Hawkeyes are looking for redemption on Tuesday night as they host the surging Nebraska Cornhuskers in Iowa City. Iowa is coming off a tough loss to Wisconsin, while Nebraska is riding the high of a big win over UCLA. Both teams have something to prove, making this matchup one to watch.

Iowa: Time to Tighten Up on Defense

The Hawkeyes (10-4, 1-2 Big Ten) had a rough night in Wisconsin, falling 116-85 while giving up a school-record 21 3-pointers. Their offense, which is one of the best in the country, couldn’t make up for defensive breakdowns.

• Offense Still Clicking: Iowa is averaging 89.4 points per game (third in the nation) and shooting 50.9% from the field (sixth nationally).
• Key Players:
  • Owen Freeman is leading the team with 16.8 points per game.
  • Payton Sandfort is adding 15.5 points and gives Iowa another scoring threat.
• Coach’s Focus: Head coach Fran McCaffery isn’t sugarcoating what needs to change:”Our closeouts weren’t nearly what they needed to be. We’ve got to be quicker and more aggressive.”

If the Hawkeyes can fix their defensive lapses, they’ll be tough to beat, especially at home.

Nebraska: Riding the Wave

The Cornhuskers (12-2, 2-1 Big Ten) are on fire right now. They’ve won six straight games, including a 66-58 win over then-No. 15 UCLA on Saturday. Nebraska’s defense was locked in, holding the Bruins to just 38.6% shooting and a dreadful 4-of-28 from beyond the arc.

• Defensive Identity: Nebraska has been solid on defense all season, holding opponents to just 40.6% shooting.
• Star Power:
  • Brice Williams is Nebraska’s go-to scorer, averaging 18.8 points per game. He dropped 16 in the win over UCLA and has been leading by example.
• Coach’s Warning: While head coach Fred Hoiberg praised his team’s defensive effort, he reminded them that staying consistent is key:”We did a great job defensively, but we’ve got to sustain that effort. We’ve seen what happens when we let our guard down.”

What to Watch For

• Why Iowa Could Win: Their offense is elite, and if they can pair that with even average defense, they’ll be in a great spot. Playing at home gives them the boost they need to reset after the Wisconsin loss.
• Why Nebraska Could Win: Their defense is rolling, and if they can frustrate Iowa’s shooters like they did UCLA’s, they could extend their win streak. Brice Williams’ consistency gives them a strong advantage.

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The Bottom Line

This game is all about which team can execute their strengths better. Iowa’s offense is one of the best in the country, but they’ll need to clean up their defensive issues to take down Nebraska. On the other hand, the Cornhuskers have the defensive discipline to challenge Iowa, but they need to avoid a letdown after their big win.

Can Iowa bounce back at home, or will Nebraska keep their streak alive? This Big Ten matchup promises plenty of action and energy in Iowa City.