With my job, I spend most of my time televising games, so very seldom do I get the chance to get to one as a fan. Today I was fortunate enough to be able to sit and watch the Hawks play in person from the front row. So, just a few notes.
Iowa came in relaxed and loose, yet with a sense of purpose. Players were talking with each other before hand and encouraging everyone. Nebraska, on the other hand, came out stiff, tight and overly serious.
Lots of Iowa fans courtside from the moment the doors opened to take pics, talk to players, and just soak up the atmosphere. Zach McCabe was in attendance, as well. Just from looking around the arena, there were at least 100 gold clad fans in just the lower bowl. Couldn't get a decent count since a few had on black as well.
Fran was loose before the game, as were all the coaches. I was surprised after I saw the spread was only 1.5 pts. But they obviously knew something I, nor the odds makers didn't.
Nebraska fans are funny. Before the game all I heard from them was how they couldn't believe Iowa was favored. This was going to be Nebraska's game. 30 seconds in, Iowa's up 2-0 and I hear how Nebraska just can't play defense. 4-0, "Come on, learn to block out". 10-4, "we're not going to win another game this year."
But my favorite came when I looked at the scoreboard and saw fouls at 6 for Iowa and 2 for Nebraska. That was when one Husker fan stood up and yelled, "Come on, Ref, Call em both ways". Well, he got his wish. Nebraska got the next 3 or 4.
The look on Frans face as they left at halftime was priceless. Trying hard not to smile too big, but having a hard time as he looked at one of the assistants and said "Wow.
I loved how the entire bench jumped up and cheered for Ukah as he scored during mop up time. Of course, by that time a third of the fans had left, so it was like a morgue in there.
And remember how I said there were lots of fans before the game courtside. Probably twice as many after the game. The house staff was wondering what to do as they have never had a fan base stick around like that. Which is understandable as Iowa is the closest team to play in PBA, except for Creighton.
But it was very nice to witness Iowa giving Nebraska the biggest loss at Pinnacle Arena.