Iowa Plays Host to Upstart Huskers

Nebraska Visits Carver-Hawkeye Friday Night

Iowa's Payton Sandfort looks to pass around a double-team by Nebraska's C.J. Wilcher (0) and Sam Griesel (5) on March 5, 2023 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. (Rob Howe/HawkeyeNation.com)

Nebraska comes into Carver-Hawkeye Arena for Friday’s late-night game against Iowa having knocked off the No. 1 team in the nation.

The Huskers, at 13-3 overall and 3-2 in the Big Ten after Tuesday’s 88-72 home win over Purdue, aren’t a surprise to Iowa coach Fran McCaffery.

“I think they have a sound defensive philosophy,” McCaffery said on Wednesday. “The offense is really clicking — it's not easy stuff to guard. But I think they have a good culture, they're sharing the ball and moving the ball.”

It’s been a struggle for coach Fred Hoiberg, in his fifth season with the Huskers. Nebraska won just seven games in each of his first two seasons, went 10-22 in the 2021-22 season, then went 16-16 last season, 9-11 in the Big Ten.

“I think Fred's upgraded the roster substantially,” McCaffery said. “They've got pieces. It takes a while to put pieces together. And that's what he did.”

The Huskers have four players averaging in double figures, led by guard Keisei Tominaga’s 14.6 points per game. Tominaga has a team-high 33 3-pointers.

Forward Rienk Mast averages 13.3 points and a team-high 8.7 rebounds, while Brice Williams adds 13.3 points and 5.6 rebounds. Williams also leads the team with 45 assists.

“They’ve got a lot of guys that are playing at a high level but they're playing together and I think that's the key,” McCaffery said.

Iowa is 16-4 against the Huskers at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Nebraska, though, swept the season series last season.

PATRICK’S STATUS: Iowa forward Patrick McCaffery missed last Saturday’s win over Rutgers with an illness.

“Patrick's still struggling a little bit, not feeling great, but much better — I talked to him today,” said Fran McCaffery, Patrick’s father. “I think he's going to be over here today doing some stuff. So I think he’ll be ready for Friday. So we'll see.”

Patrick is averaging 9.7 points and 3.4 rebounds in 14 starts this season.

FREEMAN’S HONOR: Iowa’s Owen Freeman was named the Big Ten’s freshman of the week for the fifth time this season after averaging 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks in two games last week.

Fran McCaffery appreciates that Freeman is being noticed for his play.

“It's well deserved and I'm thrilled for him,” McCaffery said. “He's a hard working young guy that just keeps wanting to get better. I know that sounds simple, but it's true.”

Freeman is averaging 10.3 points and 5.7 rebounds this season. He has started the last six games, averaging 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds, with two double-doubles in that stretch.

“He's got a tremendous attitude,” McCaffery said. “And he just keeps kind of grinding, both on the physical side but also the mental side, with scouting and information, trying to expand his game.

“To be recognized five times in this league is really hard to do, as you all know. And any time you have one of your guys honored who really works hard and prepares, you're just thrilled for them.”