The Iowa Hawkeyes have been responsible for one of this year’s biggest March Madness surprises and that is upsetting No. 1 Florida as the No. 9 seed. This time, they run into a familiar foe, the No. 4 Nebraska Cornhuskers, as this Big Ten showdown heads into the NCAA Tournament to see which among them will head to the Elite Eight.
Because they are from the same conference, Nebraska and Iowa have met twice this season, and both games were very close. Iowa won a low-scoring affair in their first game in February, 57-52, while Nebraska took the second game with an 84-75 win in overtime. How will either team fare in this rubber match during March Madness?
Iowa vs. Nebraska March Madness Sweet 16 Projected Starting Lineups
Iowa Hawkeyes
- G Kael Combs
- F Cam Manyawu
- F Cooper Koch
- G Tavion Banks
- G Bennett Stirtz
Nebraska Cornhuskers
- F Rienk Mast
- G Sam Hoiberg
- G Jamarques Lawrence
- F Pryce Sandfort
- F Berke Buyuktuncel
Tavion Banks is coming off his 20-point performance against Florida and he is looking to have yet another big night against Nebraska. Meanwhile. Pryce Sandfort dropped 15 on No. 5 Vanderbilt during the second round, with the Cornhuskers showing off their efficiency during the game. Rienk Mast added 13, as the Cornhuskers had three starters in double figures, Berke Buyuktuncel being the third with 12.
Iowa vs. Nebraska March Madness Sweet 16 Injury Report
Iowa Hawkeyes
- G Peyton McCollum: Out, foot
Nebraska Cornhuskers
- F Ugnius Jarusevicius: Out, undisclosed
- G Connor Essegian: Out , ankle
- F Henry Burt: Out, undisclosed
Both the Hawkeyes and the Cornhuskers will be missing a few key pieces coming into the game, with Peyton McCollum being a big one for Iowa as he is dealing with a foot injury. Meanwhile, the Cornhuskers will be missing the same three players once again, with Jarusevicius being out since January and Essegian and Burt being out since November.
Iowa vs. Nebraska March Madness Sweet 16 Prediction
Nebraska may be the higher-seeded team and the ones considered as the favorites, but the momentum is on Iowa’s side. Given their record against one another, the Cornhuskers are only the -1.5 favorites, so there is a good chance Iowa can get a third straight upset. The Hawkeyes will likely shock another higher-seeded team and advance to the Elite Eight.
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