For the first time in program history, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are heading to the Sweet 16, and they will match up against a familiar face. The Iowa Hawkeyes were the first team to slay a one-seed in the NCAA Tournament this year and will now look to take down another higher seed in Nebraska.
These teams split their regular season series, both winning on their respective home courts, but this game will be played at a neutral site in Houston, at least that is what it says on paper. If Huskers Nation travels the way it did for the first two rounds, then this game could easily feel and sound like it is in Pinnacle Bank Arena.
This game could be one of the more exciting ones in the Sweet 16, as these are two teams very familiar with one another. The early odds for the Thursday matchup have been released, and it may not be what the Huskers were hoping for.
Early odds, spread, and total for Nebraska vs. Iowa int he Sweet 16
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread
- Nebraska: -1.5 (-118)
- Iowa: +1.5 (-104)
Moneyline
- Nebraska: -132
- Iowa: +110
Total
- O/U: 133.5 (-110/-110)
Nebraska is favored to beat the Hawkeyes, but only by a slim margin. The Vegas oddsmakers must think this will be a very close game, as they have Nebraska as only a 1.5-point favorite. Now, there is still time for that line to move in the coming days, but it could be either for or against Nebraska.
With a line this close, the Huskers will need to have a good couple of days of practice at home before heading back South to Houston. After blowing a late lead in their most recent game vs. Iowa on Senior Day just a couple weeks ago, Nebraska will need to learn from its mistakes to keep this ride going.
The Huskers have gone from never winning an NCAA Tournament game to now winning two in one season for their first-ever Sweet 16 appearance. They could continue history with an Elite Eight trip as well and keep fans happy and traveling all over to support their favorite team.