In a season that felt like a dream come true for Nebraska basketball, the Huskers’ historic 2025-26 run came to a bittersweet end in Houston. Over four months and 28 wins, they shattered records and created unforgettable memories, only to see it all slip away in the final minutes against Iowa.
Junior guard Pryce Sandfort summed it up perfectly: “Going to the Sweet 16 for the first time in school history, getting that first tournament win, it’s special.”
The Huskers led the charge until the 6:33 mark in the second half, but Iowa’s senior guard Bennett Stirtz turned the tide with a crucial 3-pointer. Iowa clinched the 77-71 victory, leaving Nebraska to reflect on what might have been.
Iowa was relentless, shooting an impressive 52% from the field and 43% from downtown. They capitalized on Nebraska’s 10 turnovers, turning them into 20 points, while their bench added a hefty 38 points.
“This one stings,” Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg admitted. “It hurts about as bad as any that I’ve been a part of.”
The Huskers came out strong, with Sandfort and senior forward Rienk Mast leading an early 12-2 charge. Hoiberg praised their early performance: “Offensively, we were clicking; we were humming.”
But Iowa found their rhythm, narrowing the gap to three points by halftime. Freshman guard Tate Sage was a standout, scoring 19 points and grabbing eight rebounds off the bench.
Despite a promising 46-point first half, Nebraska’s offense faltered in the second, shooting just 28% from the field. Sandfort was the lone bright spot, scoring 17 of the team’s 25 second-half points.
Meanwhile, Iowa couldn’t miss, going on multiple scoring runs that Nebraska couldn’t match. It was a tough farewell for seniors Jamarques Lawrence, Sam Hoiberg, Rienk Mast, Jared Garcia, and Kendall Blue, each of whom left a lasting mark on the program.
Coach Hoiberg expressed his gratitude: “Those seniors, I’m so thankful for them. I’m so proud of these guys for everything they’ve accomplished for Nebraska basketball.”
Though the season ended in heartbreak against a rival, Nebraska’s journey to the Sweet 16 will be cherished for years to come.