Cornhuskers Edge Out Hawkeyes in a Nail-Biter at Pinnacle Bank Arena
The Nebraska Cornhuskers emerged victorious against the Iowa Hawkeyes with a final score of 82-79. The Cornhuskers, unranked this season, improved their record to an impressive mark while the second-ranked Hawkeyes fell to a still formidable tally. The game was held at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, where 15,042 fans witnessed an intense battle on the court.
From the outset, the Cornhuskers showed resilience despite trailing in the first quarter with only 13 points compared to Iowa's 16. However, they picked up momentum and added 22 points in the second quarter while holding Iowa to 23. The third quarter saw both teams neck and neck as Nebraska scored 20 points and Iowa managed to put up a substantial 30 points. In a dramatic fourth-quarter turnaround, Nebraska outscored Iowa by scoring an impressive 27 points against their opponent's mere ten.
Nebraska's performance was highlighted by their superior rebounding ability as they grabbed a total of 45 rebounds compared to Iowa's 38. Their defensive efforts were also notable with eight steals over Iowa's seven and limiting themselves to just one block against five from their opponents.
Offensively, both teams had similar shooting percentages from beyond the arc; however, it was Nebraska’s efficiency at free throws that made a significant difference – sinking them at a rate of approximately seventy-one percent versus sixty percent for Iowa.
The Cornhuskers capitalized on turnovers as well; scoring eleven points off turnovers while maintaining fewer overall team turnovers than their counterparts (13 vs. sixteen). Additionally, they demonstrated better ball distribution with sixteen assists and showed more opportunities for second-chance points (17), which proved crucial in such a close contest.
Looking ahead after this hard-fought victory for Nebraska fans is another challenge as the Cornhuskers will face off against Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena located in Columbus on February fourteenth at seven o'clock PM Eastern Time. Fans can catch all action live via internet broadcast on Peacock network ensuring not even distance can keep them from supporting their team during this pivotal conference game.