Iowa Faces No. 7 Nebraska in Crucial Big Ten Showdown Amid Skid
The Iowa Hawkeyes are staring down a pivotal stretch in their season, and the timing couldn’t be more intense. After back-to-back losses, including a tough 78-57 defeat at home to No.
13 Purdue, Iowa now turns its attention to a red-hot Nebraska squad ranked No. 7 in the country. This will be the Hawkeyes’ second ranked opponent in just four days - a gauntlet that could define their postseason trajectory.
At 18-7 overall and 8-6 in Big Ten play, Iowa currently holds the eighth spot in the conference standings - the final position that earns a coveted double-bye in the Big Ten Tournament. That makes Wednesday night’s matchup against Nebraska more than just a chance to get back in the win column - it’s an opportunity to stabilize their footing in a crowded, competitive Big Ten field.
Nebraska’s Rise and Recent Reality Check
Fred Hoiberg’s Cornhuskers come into the matchup at 22-3 overall and 11-3 in the Big Ten, sitting third in the conference. Nebraska opened the season on an absolute tear, rattling off 20 straight wins before finally hitting a speed bump.
Since then, they’ve gone 2-3, including a loss to No. 2 Michigan on Jan. 27 that snapped their perfect start.
Still, this is a Nebraska team that’s dangerous on both ends of the floor. Offensively, they’re balanced and efficient, with four players averaging double figures.
Pryce Sandfort leads the way with 17.5 points per game, followed by Rienk Mast (14.3), Braden Frager (11.8), and Jamarques Lawrence (10.6). That depth makes it tough to key in on just one player - take away one option, and another steps up.
Sandfort’s shooting has been especially lethal. He ranks fourth in the Big Ten in three-point percentage at 40.2%.
Right ahead of him? Iowa’s own Bennett Stirtz, who’s hitting at a 40.3% clip from deep.
That matchup alone could be worth the price of admission.
Series History Favors the Hawkeyes
Despite Nebraska’s national ranking and recent surge, Iowa has history on its side. The Hawkeyes lead the all-time series 27-15 and have dominated in Iowa City, holding an 18-4 advantage at home. They’ve also won the last three meetings between the two programs, including a convincing 83-68 win in Lincoln last March.
But history doesn’t win games - execution does. And right now, Iowa’s looking to rediscover the rhythm that had them climbing the Big Ten ladder earlier this season.
McCollum on the Challenge Ahead
Head coach Ben McCollum knows what’s coming. Nebraska’s offensive system is clicking, and their energy on both ends of the floor has been a problem for just about everyone they’ve faced.
“They've been excellent,” McCollum said Monday. “They have a great offensive system.
(Sam Hoiberg) is one of the more difficult guards to defend, and they play with a lot of energy. It’s going to be a great challenge for us.”
That challenge starts with slowing down Nebraska’s ball movement and perimeter shooting. The Cornhuskers space the floor well and force defenses to stay honest - overhelp, and they’ll find the open man. Under-rotate, and Sandfort or Lawrence will make you pay from deep.
What’s at Stake
For Iowa, this isn’t just about ending a two-game slide - it’s about proving they can hang with the upper tier of the Big Ten. With a tough road game at Wisconsin looming next, the margin for error is shrinking. A win over Nebraska could be a momentum-shifter, a spark that reignites the Hawkeyes’ push toward March.
For Nebraska, it’s a chance to reassert dominance after a few recent stumbles and keep pace with the Big Ten’s elite. Every game matters now, especially when seeding and tournament positioning are on the line.
One team is trying to stay hot. The other is trying to stop the bleeding. And when they meet on the hardwood, expect a battle that lives up to the stakes.