Nebraska Huskers Face Iowa Hawkeyes in Key Big Ten Basketball Clash

The Nebraska men’s basketball team will face the Iowa Hawkeyes in a pivotal Big Ten matchup on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CT, with the game streaming on Peacock and broadcast on the Huskers Radio Network.

Nebraska (12-2, 2-1 Big Ten) enters the game riding a six-game winning streak, including a 66-58 victory over No. 15 UCLA on January 4. The Huskers’ defense has been a key factor in their success, holding opponents to an average of 56.2 points per game during the streak. Nebraska ranks in the top three in the Big Ten in scoring defense (64.6 ppg) and opponent field goal percentage (.381).

Iowa (10-4, 1-2 Big Ten) presents a formidable challenge, leading the conference in scoring offense at 84.9 points per game. However, the Hawkeyes are coming off a 116-85 loss to Wisconsin, where they struggled defensively. Drew Thelwell led Iowa with 25 points in that game, but the team allowed Wisconsin to shoot 65% from the field.

Nebraska’s strong start to the season matches its best since the 1990-91 campaign, when the team won 16 of its first 17 games. The Huskers have also excelled on the road, winning multiple non-conference road games for the first time since the 2011-12 season. Their two non-conference road wins account for half of the Big Ten’s true road wins in non-conference play this season.

Key players to watch include Nebraska’s Brice Williams, who earned MVP honors at the Diamond Head Classic, and senior guard Ahron Ulis, who will face his former team for the first time since transferring from Iowa. Nebraska’s depth has been a strength, with six players averaging at least 7.5 points per game.

The Huskers’ defense will be tested against Iowa’s high-powered offense, but Nebraska has been exceptional when holding opponents to 70 points or less, boasting a 41-4 record in such games over the last two-plus seasons. The game is crucial for both teams as they look to solidify their positions in the competitive Big Ten standings.