Nebraska’s NCAA Hopes Diminish After Senior Day Loss to Iowa

LINCOLN, Neb. — In a pivotal Senior Day matchup, the Nebraska Cornhuskers faced a critical challenge against the Iowa Hawkeyes on March 9, 2025. Nebraska, needing a win to keep its NCAA Tournament dreams alive, fell short in an 83-68 defeat at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Six seniors, including Brice Williams and Juwan Gary, took the court in their last home game, but the Huskers struggled to maintain energy and focus throughout the contest. The loss marked Nebraska’s sixth defeat in its last seven games, effectively canceling its postseason aspirations.

Iowa took advantage of Nebraska’s lack of spark, jumping to an early lead and capitalizing on the home team’s disorganized defense. The Hawkeyes exhibited their scoring prowess, propelled by a strong offense that averages over 82 points per game this season. Nebraska’s defense, having allowed Iowa to score 97 points in their previous encounter, again faltered today.

“We needed to play strong defense today, especially after what happened in Iowa City,” Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg said. “Our rhythm just wasn’t there, and Iowa took full advantage.”

Williams, who was coming off a record-setting 43-point performance in a double-overtime loss against Ohio State, struggled significantly against Iowa’s defense, finishing the game with only seven points and hitting just three of twelve field goals. Gary led Nebraska with 24 points and seven rebounds but could not reignite the team’s energy.

The first half ended with Iowa leading 40-35. Despite a promising start that saw Nebraska take an 18-10 lead, the momentum quickly swung to Iowa, who rattled off an 11-0 run to seize control. The Huskers shot only 22% from beyond the arc, missing their last ten three-point attempts of the half.

Nebraska’s performance was particularly puzzling given the stakes of the game. “With so many seniors, this kind of play is hard to explain,” Hoiberg remarked. “We were tentative on the court, and it cost us.”

Iowa capitalized on the momentum built during the first period, showcasing sharp shooting, particularly from three-point range. The Hawkeyes converted 11 of 28 shots from beyond the arc during the game.

Despite taking a 52-37 lead earlier in the season’s first contest against Iowa, Nebraska could not sustain that energy today. The Huskers are now left with dwindling chances to participate in March Madness. After a disappointing conclusion to the regular season, focus will now shift toward player development and rebuilding for the future.

“It’s about what we do next and how we prepare for what’s ahead,” Williams said. “We have to maintain our pride and learn from this season.”

As the final seconds ticked away, and with emotions running high, Gary reflected on the day. “This is something we play for and set our goals to… we still have a chance to make a run, and that’s what we’re reaching for,” he said.