Iowa Men's Basketball Overcomes Clemson, Eyes Florida in NCAA Tournament The Iowa men’s basketball team secured a 67-61 victory over 8-seed Clemson in the NCAA Tournament, marking their first win in the event in five years. The win highlighted the team’s collective effort, with guard Bennett Stirtz emphasizing that individual stats take a backseat to the shared goal of winning. Stirtz, a key player for the Hawkeyes, acknowledged the importance of team unity, stating, “Everyone on this team just wants to win, and that’s what makes us so strong.” Stirtz’s performance was notable, averaging 19.9 points per game and earning recognition as an honorable mention All-American and All-Big Ten first team member. However, the Hawkeyes’ success against Clemson was not solely dependent on his individual contributions. Three players scored in double figures during the game: Stirtz, guard Kael Combs, and forward Alvaro Folgueiras. The team’s ability to distribute scoring across multiple players demonstrated their depth and adaptability, a crucial factor in overcoming a quality opponent. The win also showcased Iowa’s resilience in high-pressure situations. Despite facing challenges in meshing their roster at the start of the season, the Hawkeyes proved their ability to perform on the national stage. Now, the team faces an even greater test in their next matchup against top-seeded Florida, a team known for its physical play and fast-paced style. Florida’s roster includes five players averaging double figures in scoring, presenting a significant challenge for Iowa. Head coach Ben McCollum acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming game, stating, “We’re going to need all of it. When you play a team like Florida, which is super physical, well-coached, and plays extremely hard, it’s difficult.#clemson #iowa_men_s_basketball #bennett_stirtz #alvaro_folgueiras #kael_combs
Where Iowa basketball stands in March Madness bracket predictions IOWA CITY — Selection Sunday is here. The men’s NCAA Tournament bracket will be revealed later today. The March Madness Selection Show is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. CT on CBS. Iowa men’s basketball finished the regular season 20-11 overall and 10-10 in Big Ten play under first-year head coach Ben McCollum. The Hawkeyes won their first game in the 2026 Big Ten Tournament, defeating Maryland, but then lost to Ohio State by three points. Iowa is projected to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2023. The Hawkeyes have not won a game in the Big Dance since 2021. While it’s difficult to definitively know where Iowa currently stands in the eyes of the selection committee, here's where experts are predicting the Hawkeyes to land, as of Sunday morning. The men’s NCAA Tournament selection show will start at 5 p.m. CT on CBS. The women’s NCAA Tournament selection show will start at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN. Iowa men’s basketball March Madness projections Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.#big_ten_tournament #ncaa_tournament #iowa_city #iowa_men_s_basketball #ben_mccollum
