Nebraska MBB Recap: Huskers Season Ends with 77-71 Loss to Iowa

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 21: Fred Hoiberg of the Nebraska Cornhuskers speaks to reporter after the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Vanderbilt Commodores held at Paycom Center on March 21, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Shane Bevel/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) | NCAA Photos via Getty Images FIRST HALF ANALYSIS: This game features the best two defenses in the Big Ten. If you watched this first half, I have some ocean front property to sell you that exists on the top of Mount Rushmore.

Nebraska started the game off on a heater, going on a 12-2 run. Berke Buyuktuncel was the catalyst, collecting 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Nebraska started 6-10 from the floor and had an offensive rebound on each of their misses.

Iowa finally got its first rebound at the 5-minute mark. The Hawkeyes would not go away that easily, as an 8-0 Iowa run, keyed by Bennett Stirtz brought them back within 5. Braden Frager came off the bench and promptly hit his first 3 attempts, all from beyond the arc.

Remember I said these two defenses were good? Both offenses just decided to obliterate that notion. Both teams would shoot over 60% for the half.