Iowa coach Ben McCollum does not want the Hawkeyes to just be satisfied by getting to the Sweet Sixteen. Iowa and Big Ten rival Nebraska collide Thursday night in Houston in the semifinals of the south region. Iowa advanced with a stunning victory over defending national champion Florida.
It is rare for rivals to meet in the NCAA Tournament and McCollum says that matters to the fans more than the players and coaches.
The teams traded home court victories during the regular season. The Hawkeyes claimed a 57-52 win in Iowa City before the Huskers posted an 84-75 overtime win in Lincoln to close the regular season.
McCollum on the differences between the first and second games.
There are six Big Ten teams in the Sweet Sixteen and McCollum feels the grind of the tough league schedule got them ready for the tournament.
With tickets on the secondary market starting at more than 350 dollars in should be a raucous atmosphere in Houston.
Iowa senior guard Bennett Stirtz on the Iowa-Nebraska rivalry.
Stirtz was limited to 11 points and only 10 shots in the overtime loss in Lincoln.
Junior forward Cam Mayawu says he learned quickly about the rivalry between the Hawkeyes and Huskers.
Manyawu says the win over Florida was a boost for a team that struggled in numerous close games during the regular season.
