IOWA CITY – A balanced scoring attack and just enough defense was too much to overcome for Iowa, as the Hawkeyes dropped their home finale to Nebraska, 81-77.
Iowa Iowa (19-12, 11-9) held a 4-point half-time lead and a 7-point lead with just over 21 minutes left in the game, but fell short to Nebraska (16-15, 9-11). A win would have held Iowa in second place in the final conference standings and double-bye in the Big 10 Conference Tournament. Now, those hopes are dashed.
Today’s loss snapped Iowa’s seven-game home win streak. Iowa finished its home schedule 14-3.
Iowa lost to Nebraska earlier this season, 66-50.
Patrick McCaffery netted a team-high 23 points, his highest scoring total since 20 against Southeast Missouri State on Dec. 17, 2022. McCaffery sank a career-high six triples, equaling the most by a Hawkeye this season (Payton Sandfort at No. 15 Indiana).
Connor McCaffery was credited with a game-high nine assists, while also totaling eight points and eight rebounds. The senior has collected 5+ assists in five of Iowa’s last eight contests.
All-America candidate Kris Murray scored 22 points, reaching 20+ points a team-best 15 times this season.
Iowa recorded a season-high 12 steals.
The Hawkeyes made 12 3-pointers today, nine in the first half. Iowa dropped just its second game of the season when making nine or more 3-pointers (12-2).
Iowa has made a combined 42 triples over its last three games (17 vs. Michigan State; 13 at No. 15 Indiana; 12 vs. Nebraska).
Iowa (19-12, 11-9) will travel to the Big Ten Tournament in Chicago later this week.
