Iowa Hawkeyes vs Nebraska Cornhuskers Picks and Predictions for Thursday March 26 2026
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The Iowa Hawkeyes and Nebraska Cornhuskers meet in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship South Region Sweet 16 on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET, and the game will be broadcast on TBS and truTV. According to DraftKings, Nebraska is a slight 1.5-point favorite with a total set at 131.5, while the Cornhuskers sit at -130 on the moneyline and Iowa comes in at +110. This all-Big Ten matchup brings familiarity and intensity to the Sweet 16 stage, and for more insights, be sure to check out our free college basketball picks.
Iowa’s Momentum Meets Familiar Foe
The Iowa Hawkeyes enter this Sweet 16 contest with a 23-12 overall record and an 11-11 mark in Big Ten play. Iowa has battled its way through the bracket with strong performances, recently winning over Florida and Clemson while also recently losing to Ohio State and Nebraska, along with a recent win over Maryland. Their path to the Sweet 16 has been defined by resilience, particularly in close games where they have executed late.
From a statistical perspective, Iowa has been efficient on both ends of the floor. The Hawkeyes average 74.9 points per game while allowing just 66.0 points, shooting an impressive 49% from the field. They average 29.7 rebounds and 15.0 assists per game, while also contributing 6.9 steals and 1.9 blocks defensively. Their ability to maintain efficiency without relying heavily on second-chance opportunities has been a key factor in their success.
In their narrow 73-72 win over Florida in the second round, Iowa showcased both composure and offensive balance. Tavion Banks led the way with 20 points and 6 rebounds, making a strong impact inside. His ability to score efficiently will be crucial against Nebraska’s defensive structure. Iowa shot 51% from the field in that game but struggled from the free-throw line at just 64%, which could become a concern in another tight contest. The Hawkeyes will need to clean up those mistakes while maintaining their shooting efficiency to advance.
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Nebraska’s Efficiency Driving Deep Run
The Nebraska Cornhuskers come into this Sweet 16 matchup with a 28-6 overall record and a 15-6 record in Big Ten play. Nebraska has been one of the most consistent teams in the country and has carried that form into the tournament, recently winning over Vanderbilt and Troy while also recently losing to Purdue and UCLA, and picking up a key win over Iowa earlier this month.
Statistically, Nebraska has been strong on both sides of the ball. The Cornhuskers average 77.1 points per game while allowing just 65.8 points, shooting 47% from the field. They also hold an advantage on the glass with 34.9 rebounds per game and facilitate well with 18.0 assists per contest. Defensively, they generate 7.3 steals and 2.4 blocks per game, showing their ability to disrupt opposing offenses and create transition opportunities.
In their second-round victory over Vanderbilt, Nebraska delivered an efficient offensive performance, shooting 56% from the field and 47% from three-point range. Pryce Sandfort led the team with 15 points while also grabbing 5 rebounds, leading the team in both categories. That balanced performance highlights Nebraska’s depth and versatility. Additionally, Sam Hoiberg recorded 8 assists in that game, emphasizing their ability to move the ball effectively. Nebraska’s recent shooting efficiency and balanced attack will be critical factors as they face a familiar Iowa team.
Iowa Hawkeyes vs Nebraska Cornhuskers Pick
Iowa Hawkeyes vs Nebraska Cornhuskers Spread Pick
- Pick: Nebraska -1.5
Nebraska’s consistency and recent head-to-head success against Iowa give them a slight edge in this matchup. The Cornhuskers have shown they can control the tempo and execute efficiently on offense, particularly with their strong ball movement and perimeter shooting. While Iowa has been impressive in close games, Nebraska’s defensive pressure and rebounding advantage should help them dictate the pace. I expect this to be a tight game, but Nebraska’s balance and familiarity with Iowa should allow them to cover the short spread.
Iowa Hawkeyes vs Nebraska Cornhuskers Total Pick
- Pick: Under 131.5
I like the under in this matchup because both teams play solid defense and are familiar with each other’s tendencies, which often leads to lower-scoring games. The previous meeting between these teams went to overtime, inflating the score, but this neutral-site tournament setting should slow things down. Both defenses are capable of forcing tough shots, and I expect a more methodical pace. With the pressure of a Sweet 16 game, I see this total staying under.
Final Score Prediction: Nebraska Cornhuskers 68, Iowa Hawkeyes 64
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