Iowa has won and covered four of the last five meetings with Nebraska, and they meet tonight for the third time this season in the Sweet 16 played in Houston. Iowa was a team that I didn't believe deserved to make the tournament field with 12 losses on the season, but here they are in the Sweet 16 playing their Cornhusker buddies. I think the difference in this game will be Nebraska's defense, which allows only 40.2% shooting, compared to Iowa’s defense that allows 46% shooting. Nebraska reminds me of a poor man's Purdue because they shoot the ball well, pass the ball well, and don't turn it over. Nebraska's dream stays alive as they win tonight.
Many are expecting regression from Iowa after the Hawkeyes stunned No. 1 seed Florida. I think Iowa has room to improve, given star guard Bennett Stirtz went 0 for 9 from deep against the Gators. These teams split in the regular season, Iowa winning by five at home and Nebraska winning by nine in overtime in Lincoln. The Hawkeyes won the rebounding battle in both matchups, and they just held their own on the glass against imposing Florida. In a game that should come down to the wire, I took the points.
The tournament is setup to prevent lower seeds from facing conference opponents early in March Madness. You may see it in the Elite 8, Final Four, or championship game but today we are seeing it because of Iowa’s big upset over Florida. Look for the magic to continue as Iowa limited Nebraska to a season low 52 points in the first matchup, and erased a double digit deficit in the second to play in overtime. Grab Iowa’s mini Cinderella story plus the points.
