The Iowa Hawkeyes return to play tonight after picking up their first Big Ten win of the season in their last outing.
Iowa (9-6, 1-3 Big Ten) got off to a fast start as its defense suffocated Rutgers (9-6, 1-3 Big Ten) in the early going. The Scarlet Knights connected on just one of their first 15 shots as the Hawkeyes built a quick 19-5 lead over the game’s first eight minutes.
Iowa led by as many as 16 in the first half. Rutgers did surge to close the first half, but it was a quick eight points in the second half’s first two minutes and change from junior Iowa forward Payton Sandfort that reignited the Hawkeyes.
From there, Iowa really kept Rutgers at arm’s length. Sandfort finished with 24 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range. He added eight rebounds and three assists.
Graduate forward Ben Krikke secured his second double-double of the season, scoring 19 points and pulling down 10 rebounds. Senior guard Tony Perkins and freshman Owen Freeman each had 15 points against the Scarlet Knights to round out the Hawkeyes’ double-figure scorers.
Meanwhile, Nebraska enters tonight after collecting its first win over the nation’s top-ranked team since 1982.
The Huskers downed No. 1 Purdue in Lincoln on Tuesday, 88-72. Nebraska sank 14 3-pointers and limited reigning National Player of the Year Zach Edey to just 15 points.
Senior Husker guard Keisei Tominaga led the way with five made 3-pointers and 19 points. He was joined in double figures by Nebraska’s junior forward Rienk Mast (18), junior guard C.J. Wilcher (16) and junior forward Juwan Gary (12).
Iowa is seeking a bit of revenge against the Huskers this evening. Nebraska swept Iowa last season, winning in Iowa City in the regular season finale, 81-77 on March 5, 2023.
As the Hawkeyes look to cool the Huskers, here’s how Iowa fans can watch, stream and listen to tonight’s contest. Plus, a look at each team’s probable starters and game notes.