Overtime Thriller: Iowa Edges Nebraska 97-87 in Epic Showdown!

In a heart-stopping Big Ten conference battle, the Iowa Hawkeyes pulled off a remarkable comeback victory against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on January 7, 2025, winning 97-87 in an electrifying overtime contest that will be remembered for years to come.

The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Nebraska seemingly in control for much of the contest. The Cornhuskers had built a commanding 15-point lead in the second half, appearing poised to secure a decisive victory. However, Iowa had other plans, mounting an incredible comeback that would ultimately define the evening.

Payton Sandfort emerged as the game’s standout performer, delivering a tour de force performance that will be etched in Hawkeyes basketball lore. The sharp-shooting guard exploded for 30 points, including a series of clutch 3-pointers that brought Iowa back from the brink of defeat. His teammate, Josh Dix, was equally impressive, contributing 31 points and hitting seven three-pointers that kept Iowa’s hopes alive.

Nebraska’s Brice Williams nearly became the game’s hero, drilling a last-second three-pointer that sent the game into overtime and gave his team a glimmer of hope. However, the Cornhuskers would ultimately falter in the extra period, unable to maintain their earlier momentum.

The overtime period was a masterclass in Iowa’s offensive prowess. The Hawkeyes:

1. Scored the first nine points of the extra session
2. Outscored Nebraska 21-11 in the crucial five-minute period
3. Demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure

Key statistical highlights illuminated the game’s narrative:

• Iowa shot an impressive 47.5% from the field
• The Hawkeyes made 17 of 35 three-point attempts
• Nebraska struggled at the free-throw line, converting only 12 of 22 attempts

“It was a total team effort,” said Iowa’s head coach in the post-game press conference. “We never stopped believing, and our guys showed tremendous resilience.“

The controversial officiating added another layer of drama to the already intense rivalry matchup. Nebraska players and fans voiced their frustration with several key calls that they believed impacted the game’s trajectory.

Juwan Gary’s performance for Nebraska was a mixed bag. While he recorded a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds, his shooting struggles (5-of-21 from the field) ultimately contributed to his team’s downfall.

With this victory, Iowa improved to 11-4 overall and 2-2 in Big Ten play, while Nebraska’s record dropped to 12-3 and 2-2 in conference competition. The loss was particularly painful for the Cornhuskers, who will look to rebound in their upcoming game against No. 20 Purdue on January 11, 2025.

The game serves as a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of college basketball, where momentum can shift in an instant and no lead is ever truly safe. Iowa’s remarkable comeback will undoubtedly be discussed in basketball circles for weeks to come.

As the final buzzer sounded and the Iowa players celebrated their hard-fought victory, one thing became crystal clear: in the world of college basketball, anything can happen – and often does.

Final Score: Iowa 97, Nebraska 87 – Overtime