Iowa Men’s Basketball Hosts Nebraska in Big Ten Showdown

The Iowa men’s basketball team (10-4, 1-2 Big Ten) is set to host Nebraska (12-2, 2-1 Big Ten) on Tuesday night at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. The game, scheduled for 7 p.m. CT, will be streamed exclusively on Peacock, with Paul Burmeister and Robbie Hummel providing commentary.

Iowa, led by head coach Fran McCaffery, boasts the top offense in the Big Ten, averaging 89.4 points per game, which ranks third nationally. The Hawkeyes feature four players averaging double figures: Owen Freeman (16.8 points per game), Payton Sandfort (15.5), Josh Dix (13.5), and Drew Thelwell (10.1). All four are shooting at least 40% from beyond the arc.

Nebraska, coming off a 12-point victory over No. 15 UCLA, brings one of the nation’s top defenses to Iowa City. The Huskers rank 10th in adjusted defensive efficiency, according to KenPom, and will look to contain Iowa’s high-powered offense. Head coach Fred Hoiberg emphasized the challenge of preparing for Iowa’s dynamic attack, stating, “They’re so potent in their attack. They’ve always got five guys on the floor that can make a play and make a shot.”

Despite their offensive prowess, Iowa’s defense has struggled, allowing 77.1 points per game, which ranks last in the Big Ten and 315th nationally. Nebraska’s top scorers, Brice Williams and Connor Essegian, will aim to bounce back after a combined 2-of-18 shooting performance against UCLA. Williams, however, still managed 16 points, largely due to his 11-of-12 performance from the free-throw line.

Hoiberg is wary of Iowa’s potential response after their 31-point loss to Wisconsin last Friday. “I anticipate them coming out all over the place with what happened in their last one,” he said. The Huskers will need to avoid a slow start, as they did in last year’s matchup, when they trailed 17-2 early before ultimately falling by 18 points.

Tuesday’s game marks a critical juncture for both teams as they navigate the competitive Big Ten schedule. Iowa seeks to rebound from their recent blowout loss, while Nebraska aims to build on their momentum following the UCLA victory.