Nebraska’s Braden Frager (5) defends a drive from Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz (14). (Courtesy: AP)
Late Iowa surge ends historic Nebraska run in Sweet Sixteen
HOUSTON, Texas — The most accomplished season in Nebraska Cornhuskers history came to a painful close Thursday night, as No. 4 seed Nebraska fell 77–71 to the No. 9 seed Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen at the Toyota Center.
Nebraska appeared poised to push through to its first Elite Eight, building an early double-digit lead and maintaining control for much of the night – but Iowa’s shot-making and composure down the stretch proved decisive, ending the Huskers’ breakthrough run one game short of further history.
“Hats off to Iowa,” head coach Fred Hoiberg said. “They played great, especially down the stretch, and they deserved the win. It stings. This one hurts about as bad as any I’ve been a part of, just because of what this group is all about.”
Nebraska opened the game with precision on the offensive end, jumping out to an early 10-point lead before the first media timeout. Ball movement was crisp, shots were falling, and the Huskers dictated tempo against an Iowa team that struggled initially to find rhythm.
Yet even as Nebraska controlled much of the first half, turnovers kept Iowa within striking distance. The Hawkeyes capitalized on those mistakes throughout the night, finishing with a decisive edge in points off turnovers that ultimately swung the game.
“I think it was 20–7 in points off turnovers,” Hoiberg said. “They just took care of the ball way better than we did tonight, and they made the shots.”
Iowa gradually chipped away and entered halftime within one possession, setting the stage for a back-and-forth second half. Nebraska held a lead as late as the five-minute mark, but missed opportunities began to mount.
“They hit more shots than us at the end of the day,” guard Sam Hoiberg said. “I thought I played very poorly offensively… They made more shots at the end of the day. They got their game on the floor and we didn’t.”
A critical late sequence encapsulated the Huskers’ frustration. With under a minute remaining, a miscommunication left Nebraska with only four players on the floor during a key defensive possession, allowing Iowa to convert a pivotal basket.
“I’ll address that one. Put that one on me,” Fred Hoiberg said. “It was a miscommunication and I’m the head coach.”
Despite the late-game execution issues, Nebraska’s defensive lapses and missed open looks in the closing minutes proved just as costly. Meanwhile, Iowa delivered in the biggest moments, knocking down timely shots to seal the victory.
“We just kind of messed up on a couple things defensively,” guard Jamarques Lawrence said.
The loss ends a landmark season for Nebraska — one that included the program’s first NCAA Tournament win, its first Sweet Sixteen appearance, and the most wins in school history.
“These guys will be a part of history of Nebraska basketball forever,” Fred Hoiberg said. “They just did so many things to elevate our program. I’m really proud of them.”
Even in the immediate aftermath, players acknowledged the broader significance of what they accomplished, while still grappling with the sting of falling short.
“We’re going to be really proud of what we did,” Sam Hoiberg said. “But… losing, and not playing well especially, that’s what makes it sting.”
Forward Rienk Mast echoed that sentiment.
“To know that we’ve made a little part of Nebraska history is very rewarding,” Mast said. “Hopefully that feeling comes at some point. Definitely don’t feel that right now, though.”
While the loss halts Nebraska’s tournament run, it also marks a turning point for a program that has established a new standard under Hoiberg. A banner commemorating the Sweet Sixteen appearance will soon hang — the first of its kind — serving as both a reward and a reminder of what is now possible.
“We have to expect to be here,” Hoiberg said. “This can’t be one every eight years… it’s got to be something where we’re competing in this tournament.”