Published Jan 5, 2017
Hoops Gameday: Iowa
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Robin Washut  •  InsideNebraska
Senior Writer
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@RobinWashut

WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN

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Nebraska Cornhuskers (8-6, 2-0) vs Iowa Hawkeyes (9-6, 1-1)

Thursday, Jan. 5, 2016 - 8:00 p.m.

Pinnacle Bank Arena

TV: BTN

Radio: Husker Sports Network

Internet: btn2go.com

Nebraska projected starters
NAMEHT/WTYEARNOTES

Glynn Watson

6-0/175

So.

Had 17 points, five boards and three steals at Maryland

Tai Webster

6-4/195

Sr.

Named Big Ten Co-Player of the Week after averaging 19.5 ppg, 3.5 apg, 3.0 spg vs. Maryland and at Indiana

Evan Taylor

6-5/206

Jr.

Totaled a career-high eight rebounds and four points at Maryland

Edward Morrow

6-7/234

So.

Leads NU with three double-doubles, including 12 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks at No. 16 Indiana

Michael Jacobson

6-9/239

So.

Nearly had a double-double at Maryland with 10 points and nine boards

Iowa projected starters
NAMEHT/WTYEARNOTES

Jordan Bohannon

6-0/182

Fr.

Averaging 9.1 points per game following a 17-point, six-assist performance against Michigan

Isaiah Moss

6-5/205

RFr.

Averaging 7.0 ppg and 1.0 made 3-pointers per game

Peter Jok

6-6/205

Sr.

Leads Big Ten in scoring at 22.1 points per game and also tops team in rebounding at 6.1 per game

Cordell Pemsl

6-8/249

Fr.

Averages 9.8 points per game while leading Big Ten in shooting at 67% from the field

Tyler Cook

6-9/253

Fr.

Averaging 13.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game

3 KEYS TO VICTORY

1. Bring the defense once again

For the third game in a row Nebraska will face one of the most potent offensive teams in the Big Ten Conference, as Iowa comes in ranking third in the league in scoring offense at 83.5 points per game and is sixth in 3-point shooting at 37.5 percent. The Hawkeyes thrive behind the 3-point line, boasting multiple perimeter threats who all can get hot at any time. Nebraska struggled mightily last time out containing Maryland's 3-point ace Kevin Huerter, who went off for for 26 points and was 7-of-11 from behind the arc.

2. Keep Jok in check

Without question, the best way to beat Iowa is to contain the Hawkeyes' most productive scorer, senior guard Peter Jok. After turning down a chance at the NBA to return for his senior season, Jok has lit up scoreboards all year and is leading the Big Ten with 22.1 points per game. He does the bulk of his damage from 3-point range, so Nebraska cannot afford to give him open looks the way it did for Huerter on Sunday.

3. Avoid the second half letdown

One of the most impressive aspects of Nebraska's 2-0 start to league play has been the fact that the Huskers have overcome large second-half deficits to rally back for victories. While that resiliency is certainly impressive, NU would be much better off if it could just find a way not to fall into those late-game holes going forward. Nebraska's offense has been much improved, but it can't continue to rely on huge scoring runs in the final minutes to win games. Take control early and don't let up.

QUOTABLE

It was a really critical win tonight… You don’t get it without buy in, and these guys have bought into each other. A lot of guys didn’t have their best game, we didn’t shoot free throws well. But you look at a guy like Michael Jacobson with nine rebounds, and a great attitude every huddle. He was really picking it up. Tai (Webster) having to guard Melo Trimble and carry the whole offense. That’s not easy. So, these guys are a tough minded team, they practice hard and they play hard and stay with it. And that was the thing tonight, to not freak out and stay with it.”

- Head coach Tim Miles following Nebraska's win over Maryland on Sunday

PREDICTION

Nebraska 75-73

Robin's season record: 10-4