3 keys and a prediction for Nebraska basketball vs. Iowa

A few weeks ago, Nebraska basketball looked like a strong bet to make the NCAA tournament.

Now, after a four-game losing streak, Nebraska basketball isn’t guaranteed a berth in the Big Ten tournament.

The Huskers could clinch a berth in the Big Ten tournament before the game against Iowa on Sunday. Nebraska needs a win from USC, a loss from Northwestern which already happened, and a loss by Minnesota on Sunday.

Otherwise, Nebraska will need to beat Iowa to extend their season. An NIT berth is still possible with a loss, but the 16th team in the Big Ten might not be a sure bet to make it. We’ll see.

Nebraska is a quality team, but they have to start showing it. If they win 3-4 games in a row, the Huskers might just sneak into the NCAA tournament. It all starts with a win over Iowa.

Nebraska basketball started its swoon by blowing a big lead against Iowa. Now, it needs to beat the Hawkeyes to ensure the season continues. Here are three keys and a prediction (11:30 CST, Fox).

Defend the 3-point line

This is probably the biggest key. Iowa is second in the Big Ten in 3-point field goals per game (9.1) and shoots 36.9 percent from 3-point range. Nebraska baskeball is 18th in the Big Ten in 3-pointers allowed per game (9.8) and 16th in 3-point percentage defense (36 percent).

The Huskers work hard to limit 2-point attempts but aren’t great at defending those shots either.

It might take some adjustments, but the Huskers can’t allow Iowa to make a ton of 3-pointers, or they will lose this game. Iowa always shoots well, and Nebraska has to have a plan for it.

Let Brice and Juwan cook

Brice Williams is scoring the ball as well as anyone in the Big Ten right now. After a program-record 43 points, he leads the conference in scoring.

Iowa shoots 3s, but they can’t defend — any shot. The Hawkeyes allowed 1.45 points per possession to Michigan State earlier this week. They rank 16th in 2-point percentage defense in the Big Ten, and 17th in 3-point defense, as well as 18th in points allowed.

If this turns into an up-tempo affair, Brice and Juwan Gary might need to combine for more than 50 points to win. The Huskers might want to consider some tempo adjustments because the last thing they want to do is let Iowa get out in transition.

Either way, Gary and Williams probably need to combine for at least 40 points for the Huskers to win.

Nebraska basketball needs extra possessions

Neither team is great at forcing turnovers or rebounding. Defensive rebounding has been a weakness for both. Nebraska has an average margin of -2.6 in terms of offensive rebounds.

Both teams have negative rebounding margins during conference play. Each team is also around plus one in turnover margin. So this game within the game is a tough one to call, but if Nebraska basketball wants to win, getting more offensive rebounds and forcing more turnovers is a good idea.

Prediction: Nebraska 81, Iowa 75 

The Hawkeyes will make a bunch of 3s, however, Brice Williams will score over 30 points, and the Nebraska offense takes advantage of subpar Iowa defense.

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