Iowa Hawkeyes Edge Nebraska Cornhuskers 57-52
Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Carver-Hawkeye Arena
Iowa Hawkeyes 57, Nebraska Cornhuskers 52, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Iowa Hawkeyes?
Iowa Hawkeyes beat Nebraska Cornhuskers 57-52 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on February 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Iowa Hawkeyes?
Iowa Hawkeyes were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -120 (about 55% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Iowa Hawkeyes secured a narrow victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers with a final score of 57-52 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. This win marks Iowa's third consecutive triumph against Nebraska, having previously defeated them twice in the 2025 season.
Iowa entered the game with a home record of 19-7 and had been struggling recently, holding a 6-4 record over their last ten games, including a two-game losing streak prior to this matchup. They averaged 72.7 points scored and 71.0 points allowed during this stretch. Their last two games resulted in losses to the Purdue Boilermakers and the Maryland Terrapins, with scores of 57-78 and 70-77, respectively. In contrast, Nebraska came into the game with a stronger away record of 22-4 and had won seven of their last ten games, including their most recent victory over Northwestern Wildcats with a score of 68-49. The Cornhuskers averaged 76.8 points scored and allowed 66.3 points during their last ten games, showcasing a more potent offense compared to Iowa.
The matchup was marked by a competitive atmosphere, with both teams displaying their strengths. Iowa's defense was crucial in limiting Nebraska's scoring opportunities, particularly in the second half. The Cornhuskers had been on a one-game winning streak and were looking to build momentum, but Iowa's home advantage proved significant.
The odds from DraftKings favored Iowa slightly, with the Hawkeyes listed at -1.5 on the spread and a money line of -120. Nebraska was priced at +100 on the money line, indicating a close contest expected by the market. The total for the game was set at 139.5, reflecting expectations for a moderately low-scoring affair.
As the game unfolded, Iowa maintained a slim lead throughout the second half, with key free throws from Cooper Koch and Tavion Banks helping to seal the victory in the closing minutes. The scoring plays highlighted the tension, with Bennett Stirtz contributing with crucial free throws and Jamarques Lawrence making a pivotal three-point jumper that kept Nebraska within striking distance.
The conditions were competitive, with both teams showcasing their defensive capabilities. Iowa's ability to control the pace of the game was evident, as they managed to limit Nebraska's scoring to just 52 points, well below their average. The Hawkeyes' home court advantage and defensive strategy were key factors in their success.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any notable absences that affected either team. Both squads appeared to field their strongest lineups, which contributed to the intensity of the game.
Overall, this matchup was a testament to Iowa's resilience and ability to perform under pressure at home, while Nebraska will look to regroup after a hard-fought battle. The victory not only boosts Iowa's confidence but also reinforces their historical dominance over Nebraska in recent encounters.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | IOWA -1.5 | 139.5 o -115 / u -105 | Nebraska Cornhuskers +100 · Iowa Hawkeyes -120 |
Leaders
- PointsBennett Stirtz25Iowa Hawkeyes
- AssistsBennett Stirtz2Iowa Hawkeyes
- ReboundsTavion Banks10Iowa Hawkeyes
- PointsPryce Sandfort13Nebraska Cornhuskers
- AssistsSam Hoiberg5Nebraska Cornhuskers
- ReboundsRienk Mast8Nebraska Cornhuskers
Recent form
Iowa Hawkeyes
Last 10: 6-4Streak L272.7 scored · 71 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L57-78vs Purdue BoilermakersFeb 14
- L70-77at Maryland TerrapinsFeb 11
- W76-70vs Northwestern WildcatsFeb 8
- W84-74at Washington HuskiesFeb 5
- W84-66at Oregon DucksFeb 2
- W73-72vs USC TrojansJan 29
- W68-62vs Rutgers Scarlet KnightsJan 21
- W74-57at Indiana HoosiersJan 17
- L72-79at Purdue BoilermakersJan 14
- L69-75vs Illinois Fighting IlliniJan 11
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Last 10: 7-3Streak W176.8 scored · 66.3 allowed per game4-1 away
- W68-49vs Northwestern WildcatsFeb 14
- L77-80vs Purdue BoilermakersFeb 11
- W80-68at Rutgers Scarlet KnightsFeb 7
- L69-78vs Illinois Fighting IlliniFeb 1
- L72-75at Michigan WolverinesJan 28
- W76-57at Minnesota Golden GophersJan 24
- W76-66vs Washington HuskiesJan 22
- W77-58at Northwestern WildcatsJan 17
- W90-55vs Oregon DucksJan 14
- W83-77at Indiana HoosiersJan 10
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Nebraska Cornhuskers | Iowa Hawkeyes |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 18-44 | 17-51 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 33 |
| Three-pointers | 5-24 | 6-23 |
| Three-point % | 21 | 26 |
| Free throws | 11-14 | 17-18 |
| Free throw % | 79 | 94 |
| Rebounds | 24 | 37 |
| Offensive rebounds | 2 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 25 |
| Assists | 10 | 5 |
| Steals | 9 | 4 |
| Blocks | 2 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 3 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 18 |
| Fouls | 18 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 10 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 24 | 49 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half21-20Tavion Banks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half21-21Tavion Banks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half21-23Tavion Banks makes layup
- 1st Half21-24Bennett Stirtz makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half21-25Bennett Stirtz makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half21-26Alvaro Folgueiras makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half21-27Alvaro Folgueiras makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half21-30Alvaro Folgueiras makes 26-foot three point jumper (Bennett Stirtz assists)
- 1st Half22-30Pryce Sandfort makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half23-30Pryce Sandfort makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half23-33Bennett Stirtz makes 26-foot three point jumper (Alvaro Folgueiras assists)
- 1st Half25-33Sam Hoiberg makes driving layup
- 1st Half28-33Cale Jacobsen makes 26-foot three point jumper (Rienk Mast assists)
- 2nd Half28-36Cooper Koch makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kael Combs assists)
- 2nd Half29-36Jamarques Lawrence makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half30-36Pryce Sandfort makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half32-36Rienk Mast makes layup
- 2nd Half34-36Berke Buyuktuncel makes driving layup (Jamarques Lawrence assists)
- 2nd Half34-39Isaia Howard makes 26-foot three point jumper (Bennett Stirtz assists)
- 2nd Half36-39Berke Buyuktuncel makes layup (Sam Hoiberg assists)
- 2nd Half39-39Pryce Sandfort makes 25-foot three pointer (Sam Hoiberg assists)
- 2nd Half41-39Rienk Mast makes layup
- 2nd Half41-41Bennett Stirtz makes driving layup
- 2nd Half43-41Braden Frager makes 4-foot dunk (Jamarques Lawrence assists)
- 2nd Half43-43Tate Sage makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half43-45Bennett Stirtz makes 18-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half45-45Rienk Mast makes layup (Sam Hoiberg assists)
- 2nd Half45-47Bennett Stirtz makes driving layup
- 2nd Half45-50Bennett Stirtz makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half46-50Pryce Sandfort makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-50Pryce Sandfort makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-51Bennett Stirtz makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half47-52Bennett Stirtz makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half47-53Bennett Stirtz makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half50-53Jamarques Lawrence makes 24-foot three point jumper (Sam Hoiberg assists)
- 2nd Half50-54Cooper Koch makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-55Cooper Koch makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-56Tavion Banks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-57Tavion Banks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-57Jamarques Lawrence makes driving layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Iowa Hawkeyes, below favours Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Venue
- Carver-Hawkeye ArenaIowa City, IA
- Attendance11483
- OfficialsMike Reed, Jeffrey Anderson, Owen Shortt
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond