Nebraska Basketball Game Day: Iowa
Here is what you need to know going into Nebraska’s home game against Big Ten Conference rival Iowa tonight at Pinnacle Bank Arena…
Who, What, Where, When
Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-6, 0-2) vs. Iowa Hawkeyes (8-4, 0-1)
Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022 – 6 p.m. CT
Pinnacle Bank Arena (15,500)
TV: Big Ten Network
Radio: Huskers Radio Network
Internet: FOX Sports app
Nebraska projected starters
| Sam Griesel | G | Sr. | 6-7/216 | Scored a team-high 16 points in the win over Queens. |
| Emmanuel Bandoumel | G | Sr. | 6-4/187 | Posted 10 points and 8 rebounds against Queens. |
| C.J. Wilcher | G | So. | 6-5/208 | Shooting just 28.6% and 20.0% on 3-pointers over last 5 games. |
| Juwan Gary | F | Jr. | 6-6/215 | Finished with 11 points and 7 rebounds in the win over Queens. |
| Derrick Walker | F | Sr. | 6-9/245 | Leads team with 14.0 ppg and 8.0 rpg and is second with 3.0 apg. |
Iowa projected starters
| Tony Perkins | G | Jr. | 6-4/205 | Leads team wutg 3.2 assists per game while scoring 11.5 ppg. |
| Payton Sandfort | G | So. | 6-7/215 | Scoring 9.4 points with 3.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. |
| Patrick McCaffery | G | Jr. | 6-9/210 | Averages 14.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. |
| Kris Murray | F | Jr. | 6-8/220 | Averages 19.4 ppg and 10.1 rpg, but has missed the last 4 games. |
| Filip Rebraca | F | Sr. | 6-9/230 | Leads team with 14.0 ppg and 8.0 rpg and is second with 3.0 apg. |
Keep the free throws under control
One of Nebraska’s best strengths this season has been playing aggressive, high-level defense without fouling. Conversely, few teams do a better job of drawing fouls and converting at the charity stripe than Iowa. The Hawkeyes come in averaging 24 free throw attempts per game and have nearly doubled their opponents in total free throws on the year. Meanwhile, the Huskers rank seventh nationally in fouls committed per game (13.1) and have only allowed three opponents to attempt more FTs in a game. They have to slow down Iowa’s potent offense while not giving up free points at the line.
Top 10
- 1Hot
Jake Paul tops Mike Tyson
Netflix fight ends in Paul victory
- 2New
Nico Iamaleava update
UT QB status revealed vs. Georgia
- 3
Nick Saban
Coach regrets leaving LSU
- 4
Gruden talks Tennessee
Ex-NFL coach addresses past rumors
- 5
DJ Lagway
Florida QB to return vs. LSU
Stay out of a shootout
As usual, Iowa boasts one of the most dynamic scoring offenses in the country this season. The Hawkeyes lead the Big Ten and rank in the top 20 nationally at 83.8 points scored per game. For Nebraska to beat pretty much any team left on its schedule, it’s going to have to play elite-level defense for 40 minutes. The Huskers have shown they can play with anyone when they defend up to their potential. Just look at the overtime loss to No. 1 Purdue. When they don’t, however, they’re going to struggle. Just look at the loss to Kansas State. NU has held 10 of its 13 opponents this season to 70 points or less, including nine under 1.0 point per possession. That must continue if there is to be any chance at a win tonight.
Don’t let Kris Murray take over
In order for Nebraska to play at the necessary level defensively, it must keep Kris Murray from taking the game over. The junior forward is one of the top three-level scorers in the Big Ten, averaging 19.4 points along with 10.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. In last season’s meeting in Lincoln, the Huskers trailed Iowa just 58-56 midway through the second half. Then Murray scored seven points during an 11-0 Hawkeye run that sealed the victory. It is certainly worth noting that Murray has missed the past four games due to an injury. He’s expected to return to action tonight, and NU cannot let him get back on track.
Quotable
“It’s always a little bit of an interesting time, I guess, for your team. See what kind of shape they’re in when they come back. You can tell the guys that did some things and some guys that sat and did nothing, which some of them needed it. They needed to get their bodies a nice break heading into this run we’re about to start with tomorrow.”
NU head coach Fred Hoiberg on how the Huskers will respond coming off of the holiday break.
Prediction
Iowa (-4.5) 73, Nebraska 70
Robin’s overall season record: 9-4
Robin’s record vs. the spread: 7-6
Get full access to all of our coverage until the start of next football season for only $25.00!
