In a gritty battle Tuesday night at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, the Iowa Hawkeyes showed true resilience, rallying from a 15-point deficit to defeat Nebraska 97-87 in overtime. This hard-fought victory improves Iowa’s record to 11-4 overall and 2-2 in Big Ten play, helping the Hawkeyes avoid consecutive league losses and regain momentum.
A Must-Win Comeback
After a demoralizing loss to Wisconsin where the Badgers set records for three-pointers and total points, Iowa desperately needed a bounce-back. Falling behind by 15 in the second half, the Hawkeyes could have succumbed to another tough defeat. Instead, they dug deep, mounting an inspiring rally that brought them back into the game and eventually forced overtime. This win was crucial not only for team morale but also for keeping Iowa’s NCAA tournament hopes alive as Big Ten competition heats up.
Josh Dix’s Heroics Lead the Way
Junior guard Josh Dix was the driving force behind Iowa’s comeback, delivering a career-high 31 points. Dix was exceptional in overtime, scoring five of Iowa’s first seven points with a clutch three-pointer and a layup. His perfect 4-for-4 performance from the free-throw line in the extra period helped seal the win.
Dix’s impact was felt early too, as he poured in 16 of Iowa’s 31 first-half points, connecting on 4-of-6 from deep to keep the Hawkeyes in striking distance. The Council Bluffs native finished with an efficient 10-of-14 shooting night, including a career-best seven three-pointers, alongside seven assists, six rebounds, and only one turnover in 44 minutes of play. Without Dix’s offensive explosion, this comeback simply wouldn’t have been possible.
What’s Next
With this key rivalry win under their belt, Iowa now sets their sights on building consistency as Big Ten play continues. The Hawkeyes showed heart and determination in a high-pressure moment—qualities that will be vital as they push toward the postseason. Fans at Carver-Hawkeye can savor this thrilling win and look forward to more electrifying basketball ahead.
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