The Nebraska Cornhuskers and Iowa Hawkeyes will meet in the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament Sweet 16. This game is set for Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, IA. The game will tip off at 12:00 PM ET.
Nebraska comes into this game with a strong record. They are ranked #15 in the AP poll and have a 26-6 overall record for the 2026 regular season. In the postseason, Nebraska has already secured wins against Arizona State, Georgetown, Boise State, and UCF.
Iowa finished the regular season with a 21-12 record. They had an even 11-11 record in the Big Ten conference. Both teams are part of the Big Ten, adding an extra layer of familiarity to this game.
Iowa Preview
The Iowa Hawkeyes play in the Big Ten Conference. In the 2026 regular season, they had an overall record of 21 wins and 12 losses. Their conference record was 11 wins and 11 losses.
Offensively, the team scored an average of 75.2 points per game during the regular season. They had a field goal percentage of 49.1, ranking 21st. The team made 8 three-pointers per game, with a 3-point shooting percentage of 35.7.
Defensively, the Hawkeyes averaged 7.1 steals and 2 blocks per game. They committed 17.6 fouls per game. In the postseason, their defense improved with 3 steals and 1 block per game.
Key players include Bennett Stirtz, who averaged 20 points per game, and Tavion Banks, who scored 10.5 points per game. Alvaro Folgueiras contributed with 8.1 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. The team reached the second round in the postseason tournament.
Nebraska Preview
The Nebraska Cornhuskers are ranked #15 in the AP poll. They play in the Big Ten Conference. In the 2026 regular season, they had an overall record of 26-6 and a conference record of 15-6.
In the 2025 postseason, Nebraska won four games. They defeated Arizona State 86-78, Georgetown 81-69, Boise State 79-69, and UCF 77-66. These wins show their strong performance in the postseason.
During the 2026 regular season, the Cornhuskers scored 77.3 points per game. They had a field goal percentage of 46.5 and made 10.5 three-pointers per game. Their assists per game were 18.0, which ranks 19th.
In the postseason, Nebraska improved their field goal percentage to 48.7. They also increased their three-point percentage to 39.7. The team had 18.0 assists per game, maintaining their strong passing game.
Statistical Breakdown for Iowa vs Nebraska
The game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Nebraska Cornhuskers will be shaped by key stats. Iowa’s field goal percentage of 49.1 ranks them 21st, while Nebraska’s 46.5 ranks 105th. Nebraska’s three-point shooting is strong with 10.5 made per game, compared to Iowa’s 8.0. Nebraska also averages 18.0 assists per game, ranking 19th. Iowa’s defense will need to focus on Nebraska’s three-point shooting and passing to stay competitive.
- Iowa Hawkeyes Field Goal Percentage: 49.1 (21st)
- Nebraska Cornhuskers Field Goal Percentage: 46.5 (105th)
- Nebraska Cornhuskers Three-Point Made Per Game: 10.5 (37th)
- Iowa Hawkeyes Three-Point Made Per Game: 8.0 (192nd)
- Nebraska Cornhuskers Assists Per Game: 18.0 (19th)
- Iowa Hawkeyes Assists Per Game: 15.3 (111th)
Betting Insights
The Nebraska Cornhuskers and Iowa Hawkeyes have different betting trends from last season. Nebraska had a better record straight up as a favorite, while Iowa struggled as an underdog. Both teams have mixed results against the spread and on totals. Here are the top betting trends to consider for this game:
- Nebraska is 14-6 straight up as a favorite.
- Iowa is 14-2 straight up as a favorite.
- Nebraska is 6-5 against the spread as an underdog.
- Iowa is 5-12 against the spread as an underdog.
- Nebraska’s over/under record in the last 10 games is 6-4.
Free Betting Prediction for Iowa vs Nebraska
The game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Nebraska Cornhuskers will be competitive. Nebraska has a strong record and a higher ranking. Their ability to score from beyond the arc and their passing game give them an edge. Iowa’s defense will need to step up to counter Nebraska’s strengths.
Iowa has a better field goal percentage, which could help them stay in the game. However, Nebraska’s three-point shooting and assists are key factors. Nebraska’s postseason performance shows they can handle pressure. This may give them an advantage in close situations.
Considering the stats and betting odds, Nebraska is favored to win. Their consistent scoring and strong postseason record make them a tough opponent. Iowa will need a strong defensive effort to challenge Nebraska’s offense.
- Our Free Prediction: Nebraska -2.5
