Game Awards: Iowa Basketball Wins Third Straight Conference Game

Bench Player of the Game: Nicholas Baer

For most of the first half, Iowa leaned on Nicholas Baer to create plays on both ends of the floor to try to give them any energy. In his return to the bench, Baer did his best by recording seven points and five rebounds in 12 minutes in the first half.

Iowa should never have to rely on Nicholas Baer to create offense for them, but he did just that by scoring five points in a row at one point in the first half and looked like their most aggressive shooter.

He finished with seven points, six rebounds, three blocks and a steal in 24 minutes, and he kept Nebraska from pulling away in the first half. Bohannon, Brady Ellingson and Dom Uhl emerged as scorers in the second half, so Baer didn’t need to be as aggressive on offense.

Iowa found a rhythm on offense and let Baer focus on making hustle and defensive plays in the second half. His best defensive play came at the start of the second half when he swatted Isaiah Roby‘s shot into the stands.

It helped bring energy to the crowd, as well as help Iowa’s defensive play for a little after. Nebraska missed three of their next four shots following Baer’s block.

Baer kept the Hawkeyes in the game early and continued to provide solid defense in the second half. This is the fifth straight game Baer has at least five rebounds and two blocks.