Iowa basketball has made a significant return to the NCAA Tournament, reaching the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999. The Hawkeyes will face off against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. CT, in what promises to be a thrilling matchup.
In the second round, Iowa pulled off a stunning upset by defeating the top-seeded Florida, solidifying their place in the tournament’s later stages. As a 9-seed, Iowa will take on the 4-seed Nebraska, which has been favored by 2.5 points in this matchup.
The game will be broadcast live on TBS, allowing fans to witness the excitement unfold. Nebraska’s moneyline stands at -155, while Iowa’s is +130, indicating a competitive atmosphere as both teams vie for a spot in the Elite Eight.
The over/under for the game is set at 133.5 points, reflecting expectations for a closely contested battle. This matchup marks the third meeting between Iowa and Nebraska this season, with each team winning on their home court during the regular season.
Nebraska’s journey to the Sweet 16 included a convincing win over Troy, where they scored 76 points while holding Troy to just 47. They followed that with a narrow victory against Vanderbilt, finishing with 74 points against Vanderbilt’s 72.
The stakes are high as Iowa looks to continue its momentum against a familiar opponent. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this rivalry unfolds in the tournament setting.
As the date approaches, both teams are preparing for what could be a defining moment in their seasons. The excitement surrounding this matchup is palpable, with many hoping for a thrilling game that showcases the best of college basketball.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding player conditions and last-minute strategies, but anticipation is building for this pivotal clash.