#iowa_hawkeyes

Wisconsin Signs Former McFarland Star, Iowa Hawkeye Teagan Mallegni Wisconsin women’s basketball coach Robin Pingeton continued her efforts to bolster the Badgers’ roster by securing another in-state talent from the transfer portal. McFarland native Teagan Mallegni, a 6-foot-1 guard who previously played for the Iowa Hawkeyes, has officially committed to the University of Wisconsin, the school announced on April 18. Mallegni’s decision marks her fourth addition to the Badgers’ 2026 recruiting class, joining previously announced transfers Addie Deal and Kadidia Toure, as well as incoming freshman Alicia Courthiau from Belgium. Mallegni, who spent her first two seasons at Iowa, averaged 2.6 points and 1.3 rebounds over 45 games during her time with the Hawkeyes. As a freshman, she appeared in 30 of 34 games, averaging 3.2 points and 2.1 rebounds in 8.8 minutes per contest. Her playing time and production declined in her sophomore season, with her minutes per game dropping to 5.6 and her scoring output falling to 1.5 points per game. The Des Moines Register reported that Mallegni faced significant challenges during the 2024-2025 season, including an ankle injury early in the year and a four-game absence in late November and early December following tonsil surgery. These setbacks limited her ability to regain a consistent role in Iowa’s rotation. Despite her struggles at Iowa, Mallegni was highly regarded as a high school prospect. HoopGurlz ranked her as the No. 59 player in the 2024 class, while ESPN placed her at No. 64. Her most notable performance with the Hawkeyes came in a game against Wisconsin, where she delivered a standout effort. In an 81-52 victory, Mallegni recorded season highs with 10 points, 14 minutes of play, four assists, and two steals.#iowa_hawkeyes #university_of_wisconsin #teagan_mallegni #robin_pingeton #des_moines_register

Illinois Basketball's Viral Tradition and Tournament Triumph There comes a time in every basketball team's journey where they can win games while having fun in the process, and Illinois basketball has embodied that mentality. The Fighting Illini have reached a point where the entire program is aligned, moving fluidly together to the point where external pressures begin to fade. The stresses of the season, the voices in their heads, and the weight of expectations start to soften, transforming the tournament into a celebration of the game they love. This mindset was on full display after Illinois’ 71-59 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Elite Eight, where the team embraced a tradition that has become a viral sensation: the postgame Super Soaker battles. Led by head coach Brad Underwood, the Illini turned the locker room into a water-soaked playground, with players like David Mirkovic perched high atop lockers at the Toyota Center. The chaos of the battle, which required five men to help Mirkovic descend from his perch, became a defining moment of the tournament, encapsulating the team’s playful spirit. Mirkovic, a 6-foot-9 forward from Niksic, Montenegro, has been a cornerstone of Illinois’ success in the NCAA Tournament. Through his first four games, the big man averaged a double-double with 14.8 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 48.9% from the field. His ability to impact every phase of the game, combined with his goofy and comedic personality, has made him a fan favorite. The incident with the Super Soaker, which earned him the nickname “Mirk being Mirk,” highlighted not only his physical dominance but also his role as a lighthearted ambassador for the team.#iowa_hawkeyes #david_mirkovic #brad_underwood #illinois_basketball #toyo_toyota_center

La historia de Cenicienta de Iowa ha convertido la magia del March Madness en una narrativa emocionante antes del partido de cuartos de final contra Illinois. La esencia del torneo anual de la NCAA radica en su imprevisibilidad, y en 2026, el equipo de baloncesto de Iowa encarna perfectamente esa dinámica caótica. Al llegar a la ronda Elite Eight como cabeza de serie número 9, los Hawkeyes han transformado su trayectoria de un contendiente desestimado en una historia que define el torneo. La atención nacional se ha centrado en el programa de Iowa gracias a una combinación de determinación, talento y momentos clave. Su camino hasta la ronda de cuartos de final ha sido sorprendente, destacando por victorias inesperadas sobre equipos de mayor clasificación. La victoria contra los Florida Gators, primeros cabezas de serie, se convirtió en un hito emblemático del torneo. El partido se decidió con un tiro en el último segundo, un momento que se ha convertido en uno de los más recordados de la temporada 2025-2026. El éxito de los Hawkeyes no se limita a su desempeño en cancha. Tras vencer a Florida, el equipo continuó su racha con una remontada contra Nebraska, ganando 77-71 tras una desventaja de dos dígitos. Esta victoria demostró su resiliencia, adaptabilidad y cohesión como unidad. Cada paso en el torneo ha desafiado las expectativas, convirtiendo a Iowa en un contendiente que no solo sorprende, sino que también redefine las reglas del juego. El entrenador principal, Ben McCollum, ha sido clave en esta transformación. Con experiencia en la División II del atletismo universitario, McCollum ha logrado adaptarse rápidamente al ritmo caótico del baloncesto de alto nivel. Su liderazgo ha impulsado a los Hawkeyes hacia victorias consecutivas, convirtiéndolo en una figura destacada del torneo.#illinois #iowa_hawkeyes #florida_gators #ben_mccollum #march_madness

Virginia Stuns No. 2 Seed Iowa to Reach Sweet 16 in Double Overtime Virginia’s 10th-seeded team pulled off a stunning 83-75 double-overtime victory over No. 2 seed Iowa, becoming the first First Four participant to reach the NCAA women’s tournament Sweet 16. The Cavaliers, led by Kymora Johnson’s 28 points, overcame a tough matchup against the Hawkeyes, who were playing in front of a sellout crowd of 14,332 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The win marks Virginia’s first appearance in the second weekend of the tournament since 2000 and the first time a 10-seed has advanced to the Sweet 16 since Creighton’s historic run in 2022. The Cavaliers’ journey to the regional semifinals included three consecutive wins in five days. They began with a 57-55 First Four victory over Arizona State, followed by an 82-73 overtime win against Georgia in the first round. Facing Iowa, Virginia’s resilience shone through. Despite Iowa’s efforts to close the gap, the Cavaliers held their composure, with Johnson delivering key baskets in the final minutes. “Iowa is a really good team. They’re a 2-seed for a reason,” said Virginia coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton. “No matter what they threw at us, we just did not get rattled. We believed we were going to win this game before it even started.” The game was tightly contested, with Virginia leading 28-23 at halftime. The Cavaliers shot 39.3% from the field in the first half but capitalized on Iowa’s struggles, particularly Heiden’s two early fouls and the Hawkeyes’ poor 3-point shooting (1-of-12). Iowa, meanwhile, struggled to find consistency, missing critical shots in the final moments of regulation and overtime. Johnson, a junior who grew up just 2 miles from Virginia’s campus, played all 50 minutes.#iowa_hawkeyes #carver_hawkeye_arena #virginia_cavaliers #kymora_johnson #amaka_agugua_hamilton

Alabama and Louisville Clash in High-Scoring Start, St. John's Stuns Kansas to Reach Sweet 16 The game between Alabama and Louisville opened with a fast-paced exchange, as both teams traded baskets early to set the tone for a competitive matchup. Meanwhile, St. John’s University made a dramatic statement in the final seconds, pulling off a buzzer-beater to defeat Kansas and advance to the Sweet 16. The victory marked a historic moment for the Red Storm, who had been considered underdogs in the tournament. In another thrilling upset, the Iowa Hawkeyes rallied late in the fourth quarter to overcome the Florida Gators, securing a major victory in a game that had been closely contested throughout. Florida’s final defensive play drew criticism from analysts, with Stephen A. calling the decision “obviously stupid,” while others questioned the team’s strategy in the closing moments. The tournament also saw standout performances from individual athletes. St. John’s guard Darryn Peterson, despite a controversial play that raised questions about his draft stock, contributed significantly to the team’s win. Meanwhile, the WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) was ratified by players, with Nneka Ogwumike praising the outcome as a step forward for the league. Commentators and analysts weighed in on several topics, including the historic contract signed by quarterback Jordan St. John, which was hailed as a landmark deal. Stephen A. and Orlovsky both expressed confidence in the contract, with Orlovsky calling it “absolutely deserved.” However, some NFL veterans, like McCourty and Orlovsky, remained skeptical about players participating in the Olympics, arguing that it could detract from their professional commitments.#alabama #iowa_hawkeyes #louisville #kansas #st_john_s_university

Iowa's Bracketology Status Deteriorates After Nebraska Loss The Iowa Hawkeyes' recent defeat to No. 9 Nebraska in overtime has significantly impacted their NCAA Tournament seeding prospects, pushing them further down the bracketology rankings. The loss, which ended Iowa's hopes of securing a single-digit seed, has led to projections of a No. 10 seed in the upcoming tournament. This marks the first time since the start of the season the team is projected to be a double-digit seed, reflecting a steep decline from their earlier AP Top 25 rankings and previous projections of a No. 6 seed. The Hawkeyes' struggles have been evident throughout the season, with six of their last eight games resulting in losses. Four of those setbacks came against ranked opponents, including the recent overtime defeat to Nebraska. The loss not only deepened their woes but also raised concerns about their ability to secure a favorable path in the tournament. Analysts note that a No. 10 seed would present challenges, as the team would face a No. 7 seed in the first round, a scenario that could prove difficult despite the potential for a second-round matchup against a No. 2 seed. Bracketology expert Joe Lunardi has placed Iowa in the Midwest region, where they would play in Philadelphia, with later rounds set to take place in Chicago. Their projected first-round opponent is No. 7 seed Kentucky, a team with a 19-12 record that has fallen from earlier expectations of a No. 2 seed. While Kentucky's performance remains uncertain, the Hawkeyes' path includes a potential matchup with UConn, the No. 2 seed in the region, and a No. 1 seed Michigan, which they narrowly defeated earlier in the season. Despite the challenges, Iowa's position in the bracket offers some hope. A strong showing against a No.#nebraska #iowa_hawkeyes #joe_lunardi #bracketology #midwest_region

Bennett Stirtz's NCAA Tournament Performance Could Boost NBA Draft Stock Bennett Stirtz is set to make his mark in the NCAA Tournament, with his performance potentially reshaping his NBA Draft trajectory. The Iowa senior guard, who is out of eligibility after this season, is determined to extend his team’s tournament run while securing a strong draft position. This game represents a pivotal moment for Stirtz, as it could determine whether his stock rises significantly in the upcoming draft. Stirtz has been a cornerstone for the Iowa Hawkeyes this season, following his transfer from Drake last spring. His contributions have been instrumental, as he leads the team in points (20.0 per game), assists (4.5 per game), and steals (1.5 per game). Known for his durability and consistent play, Stirtz rarely sits out, making his availability a key asset for any future team. Before transferring to Iowa, Stirtz generated substantial NBA Draft buzz during his MVP season at Drake. However, he chose to join Ben McCollum at Iowa for one final year of college basketball. If Stirtz delivers a standout performance in the NCAA Tournament, his draft projections could shift dramatically. ESPN currently projects him to be selected No. 20 overall by the Miami Heat, but analysts believe a strong tournament run could elevate his stock. Teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, and Toronto Raptors, which hold picks in the top 15, could consider Stirtz as a viable option. While it may be a stretch for the Mavericks at No. 7 or the Grizzlies at No. 8 to select him that high, a deep tournament run could push him into the top 15. Stirtz’s focus remains on leading Iowa in the NCAA Tournament, but his performance could have far-reaching implications for his NBA future.#ncaa_tournament #iowa_hawkeyes #miami_heat #bennett_stirtz #drake

Bennett Stirtz NBA Draft Projection: Where Iowa Star Is Expected to Land Bennett Stirtz, the standout Iowa basketball player, has consistently demonstrated elite performance since his college career began. After starting at Division II Northwest Missouri State, he transferred to Drake, where he gained national recognition during the NCAA Tournament. For his final season of eligibility, he joined the Iowa Hawkeyes under head coach Ben McCollum, marking a significant step in his basketball journey. His standout play during this season has positioned him as a top prospect for the upcoming NBA Draft. Stirtz’s ability to excel across multiple levels of college basketball has drawn attention from NBA scouts. While his exact draft position remains uncertain, several mock drafts project him as a mid-to-late first-round pick. ESPN’s mock draft has him going to the Miami Heat with the 20th overall selection, while Yahoo Sports places him with the Detroit Pistons at pick 23. USA Today and CBS Sports both have him joining the Toronto Raptors, with USA Today projecting him at 16th overall and CBS at 19th. Tankathon, another mock draft site, lists him as a first-round pick for the Charlotte Hornets at 19th. Before the NCAA Tournament, Stirtz had already made a strong case for his NBA readiness. During the 2025-26 season, he played in 33 games, averaging 20 points per game while shooting 49.2% from the field. His long-range accuracy stood at 37.6%, and he maintained an impressive 84.5% free-throw shooting rate. Over his two seasons at the Division I level, he averaged 19.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. His overall field goal percentage of 49.5% and 38.4% from beyond the arc further highlight his scoring versatility. In the NCAA Tournament, Stirtz’s impact was evident.#iowa_hawkeyes #miami_heat #nba_draft #ben_mccollum #bennett_stirtz

B1G Women’s Hoops Tournament Sunday Hawkeye Huddle Information Fans attending the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament in Indianapolis are invited to join the Hawkeye Huddle before Sunday’s championship game. The event, hosted by the I-Club and the Office of Alumni Engagement, will take place at The Hangar (501 Madison Ave., Indianapolis) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET. The free gathering will include a Hawkeye DJ, light snacks, and beverages, offering fans a chance to connect with the team and other supporters. This year, registration is required for all Hawkeye Huddles. Fans planning to attend Saturday’s event can sign up in advance through the provided link. Unregistered attendees will be placed on a waitlist. The tournament’s championship game will feature the No. 2 seed Iowa Hawkeyes against the No. 1 seed UCLA Bruins, scheduled for 2:15 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. For additional details about the Hawkeye Huddles and the I-Club, visitors can visit jointheiclub.com or follow the I-Club on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The event highlights the team’s engagement with fans during the tournament, emphasizing community and support for the Iowa women’s basketball program.#big_ten #iowa_hawkeyes #ucla_brains #the_hangar #jointheiclub_com