When it comes to NCAA Tournament projections, we're diving into a world of educated guesses. They're built on data and historical trends, but rarely do they hit the bullseye with 100% accuracy.
Take the Iowa Hawkeyes, for example. They're floating around the No. 8 or No. 9 seed in various bracketology forecasts. To solidify their standing and steer clear of the bubble, they need to deliver strong performances against Ohio State and Penn State.
Navigating the emotions and pressure of these projections is no small feat. Iowa's head coach, Ben McCollum, shared his straightforward approach to handling the bracket buzz.
“I’m no Joe Lunardi,” McCollum quipped. “But if we win the next game and then the next game and the next game, it’s going to give us a better chance to make the NCAA Tournament. I do know that.”
Currently, Iowa is pegged as a No. 8 seed in ESPN's latest bracketology by Joe Lunardi. A victory over Ohio State, a team teetering on the bubble, could ease some tension for the Hawkeyes and give them a bit more breathing room.
Tonight, they’ll have their shot at the Buckeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, with tip-off at 8 p.m. CT on the Big Ten Network. Iowa enters the matchup as slight favorites, ready to make their case on the court.