Pryce Sandfort Shines as Iowa Upsets No. 9 Nebraska Basketball
In a stunning upset, the Iowa Hawkeyes defeated the No. 9 ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers 57-52 in a tense Big Ten matchup in Iowa City. This victory improved Iowa’s record to 19-7 overall and 9-6 in the conference, while Nebraska dropped to 22-4 with an 11-4 conference mark.
Pryce Sandfort Shines in Defeat
Pryce Sandfort contributed significantly for Nebraska, leading his team with 13 points. He made two three-pointers, surpassing Cary Cochran’s record for the most three-pointers in a single season for the Huskers. Despite his efforts, the team struggled offensively in the closing minutes of the game.
The Game Overview
Both teams faced challenges early in the game. Nebraska started with two baskets in the first five minutes, but Iowa struggled for the first three-and-a-half minutes without a score. Neither team managed to build a significant lead, though Nebraska faced foul troubles that hampered their performance.
- Nebraska struggled with just 40.9% shooting overall.
- Iowa converted 33.3% of their attempts.
- Iowa shot an impressive 94.4% from the free-throw line.
As the game progressed, Iowa executed an 11-0 run after a Nebraska lead, extending their advantage to ten points at one point. Nevertheless, Nebraska fought back, erasing the deficit with critical plays, including a buzzer-beater that brought them within five points at halftime.
Second Half Drama
The second half featured multiple lead changes, as Nebraska started strong with a 13-3 run, briefly leading 41-39. However, Iowa regained control and built a lead of 50-45 by the under-four media timeout. Nebraska struggled to score in the final minutes, managing just two points during a long drought.
Statistics Breakdown
| Category | Nebraska | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal Percentage | 40.9% | 33.3% |
| Three-Point Percentage | 20.8% (5-of-24) | 26.1% (6-of-23) |
| Free Throw Percentage | 78.6% (11-of-14) | 94.4% (17-of-18) |
| Rebounds | 24 | 37 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 12 |
Upcoming Matches
Nebraska will have a chance at redemption when they meet Iowa again on March 8, closing out the regular season. Prior to this rematch, the Cornhuskers will host Penn State on Saturday, March 2.
Current Big Ten Standings and Tournament Outlook
As of now, Nebraska is tied for third place in the Big Ten with Purdue. Michigan leads the conference, followed by Illinois. This recent loss to Iowa might impact Nebraska’s NCAA Tournament seeding, as they aim to improve their status before the selection process.
Fans can stay updated on Nebraska’s journey as they continue their season and prepare for what lies ahead in both conference play and the NCAA tournament.
