Nebraska's basketball season, which began with an impressive 20-0 streak, has hit a rough patch, going 2-4 in the last six games. Head coach Fred Hoiberg, who guided the team to this record-breaking start, is now facing unexpected challenges. The close loss to Michigan seemed to mark the beginning of the struggle, but the recent defeat to Iowa, an unranked team, has added fuel to the fire.
Tuesday's game against Iowa saw Nebraska, ranked No. 9, fall 57-52 in Iowa City. This upset had Hawkeyes fans storming the court in celebration, a move that will likely result in a fine for the university.
The post-game scene turned chaotic as fans flooded the court, with some attempting to film Hoiberg up close. In a moment caught on video, Hoiberg, clearly frustrated, tried to swat a phone away and accidentally made contact with an Iowa assistant coach.
Hoiberg quickly apologized for the incident, but it highlighted his frustration following the game. While fans' enthusiasm is understandable, their proximity to the opposing team can create tense situations. This incident reignites the debate about court-storming protocols, which are meant to ensure everyone's safety by keeping fans off the court until officials and teams have exited.
The Huskers' recent slump is concerning as the season winds down and tournament play looms. Hoiberg's reaction, while understandable given the circumstances, underscores the pressure the team is under. Nebraska will need to regroup and find their early-season form to make a strong push in the upcoming tournaments.