'So much at stake': Huskers get set to battle Hawkeyes in Sweet 16
It’s a storyline that seems like it should be in a Hollywood movie, but it's a Sweet 16 game in Houston.
HOUSTON, Tex. - It’s a storyline that seems like it should be in a Hollywood movie, but it's a Sweet 16 game in Houston.
Two bitter border rivals in Nebraska and Iowa are set to face off for the third time this season on Thursday night, with a trip to the Elite Eight at stake.
“We’ve got our game plan, Iowa has there’s... It’s now up to going out and executing and making the right adjustments when things aren’t going as planned,” Nebraska Head Coach Fred Hoiberg said.
“Anytime you go to the Sweet 16 or advance in the tournament, you can settle in a little too much,” Iowa Head Coach Ben McCollum said. “What we’re hoping to do is understand that we’re trying to win and go further and further.”
Nebraska fell to Iowa 57-52 in mid-February before an 84-75 overtime win on senior day.
When in Iowa City, former Pryce Sandfort didn't receive the best welcome back - But the perception the now Husker may receive on Thursday, isn’t on his mind.
“It’s not something I'm focused on,” Sandfort said. “Same approach as we’ve had all season and just have to block out that outside noise.”
Nebraska fans took over Oklahoma City and Rienk Mast and Iowa leading scorer Bennett Stirtz provided their thoughts on what could be another very red arena.
“We’ve got some competing fan bases here, [University of] Houston's just a few miles away,” Mast said. “For any Husker fans who have made it out here, let’s try to be as loud as you can, but I know Husker fans will support us no matter what.”
“We’re thinking there will be more Nebraska fans, they’ve never been to the Sweet 16,” Stirtz said. “Shoutout them, they’ve got a great fan base up there in Lincoln, they care about their teams… I think there will be more red there, but our fans will be ready to go.”
A border battle in the Sweet 16 - Braden Frager says that means bragging rights.
“What’s at stake is going to the Elite Eight when playing your rival,” Frager said. “There’s just so much at stake here. It feels like bragging rights for the whole century. Us or them, they don’t want to end their season like this.”
Nebraska and Iowa tip-off at 6:30 CT on Thursday.