March Madness Picks 3/26: Iowa Hawkeyes @ Nebraska Cornhuskers

by Liam Bailor for Wannamakeabet.com

The upcoming Sweet 16 matchup between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Nebraska Cornhuskers promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams have demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the season, setting the stage for an intense rivalry game.

Team Analysis

Iowa

• Season Overview and Recent Form: The Iowa Hawkeyes have showcased a commendable performance this season, achieving a 16-5 record through 21 games, marking their best start since the 2018-19 season. They’ve secured four consecutive Big Ten victories, a feat not accomplished since the 2022-23 season. Senior guard Bennett Stirtz has been instrumental, averaging 21.7 points, 4.2 assists, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in Big Ten play, with a shooting line of .497/.371/.833. Notably, Stirtz has six 20-point games in league play. The team’s defense has been formidable, allowing only 63 points per game—the fewest in the Big Ten and fourth-fewest nationally. They’ve held six opponents under 60 points this season. Additionally, Iowa ranks 15th nationally in field goal percentage, shooting 50.8%, and 12th in effective field goal percentage at .585.

Nebraska

• Season Overview and Recent Form: The Nebraska Cornhuskers have had a strong season, finishing with a 22-4 record and an 11-4 mark in Big Ten play. Their last encounter with Iowa was on February 17, 2026, where they suffered a 52-57 loss. Despite this setback, Nebraska has demonstrated resilience, with standout performances from players like Connor Essegian, who, before his season-ending ankle injury on November 25, 2025, was averaging 17.3 points per game on 58% shooting and 4.3 rebounds per outing. His absence has been felt, but the team has continued to compete at a high level. Under the leadership of head coach Fred Hoiberg, Nebraska has maintained a competitive edge throughout the season.

Key Matchup Factors

• Head-to-Head History: The rivalry between Iowa and Nebraska is rich and storied. Their most recent meeting on March 8, 2026, saw Nebraska securing an 84-75 victory, ending a four-game losing streak against Iowa. Historically, Iowa leads the series 28-16, with their largest victory being a 102-64 win in 2021. The longest winning streak in the series belongs to Iowa, with five consecutive wins from 2013 to 2016. The current streak is in favor of Nebraska, with one win.

• Important Player Matchups: The performance of Bennett Stirtz will be crucial for Iowa. His ability to score and facilitate plays has been a cornerstone of their offense. For Nebraska, the team will need to compensate for the absence of Connor Essegian. Players like Tavion Banks, who has made 30 consecutive free throws dating back to December 20 against Bucknell, will need to step up to fill the scoring void.

• Home/Away Performance: The game is set to take place in Houston, Texas, marking a neutral site for both teams. This setting eliminates any home-court advantage, placing emphasis on each team’s ability to perform under neutral conditions.

Betting Analysis

• Spread Analysis: The current spread favors Nebraska at -1.5. Given their recent victory over Iowa and strong season performance, this line appears reasonable. However, considering Iowa’s defensive prowess and the leadership of Bennett Stirtz, the game is expected to be closely contested.

• Total (Over/Under) Analysis: The total is set at 131.5. Both teams have demonstrated the ability to score efficiently, with Iowa shooting 50.8% from the field and Nebraska averaging 17.3 points per game on 58% shooting before Essegian’s injury. However, Iowa’s strong defense, allowing only 63 points per game, suggests that the under might be a prudent consideration.

• Best Value Opportunities: Given the close nature of the matchup, betting on the spread might offer the best value. Additionally, considering the under on the total points could be advantageous, given Iowa’s defensive capabilities.

Key Injury Statuses

• Iowa: No significant injuries have been reported for Iowa leading up to this game.

• Nebraska: The team will be without Connor Essegian, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury on November 25, 2025. His absence has been a significant factor in the team’s lineup adjustments.

Final Pick

This Sweet 16 matchup between Iowa and Nebraska is poised to be a tightly contested game. While Nebraska has the edge in recent head-to-head matchups and overall season performance, Iowa’s strong defense and the leadership of Bennett Stirtz make them formidable opponents. The absence of Connor Essegian for Nebraska could impact their offensive output. Considering these factors, a bet on Iowa to cover the +1.5 spread appears to be a prudent choice.

For those interested in a unique betting experience, Wannamakeabet offers a points-based system where entry is free for all leagues, and payouts are based on the number of participants. It’s an engaging way to test your sports knowledge and potentially earn rewards.