The stage is set for Iowa basketball as they prepare to face Clemson in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. This marks the Hawkeyes' return to March Madness after a few seasons away, with their last appearance in the 2022-23 season. The game tips off on Friday, March 20, with the exact start time to be announced.
Clemson enters the tournament with a solid 24-10 record, having secured a fifth-place finish in the competitive ACC. Their journey included impressive matchups, notably a victory over North Carolina, and close contests against top-tier teams like Alabama and BYU. However, their ACC Tournament run ended in the semifinals with a loss to top-seeded Duke.
When it comes to key players, Clemson relies heavily on RJ Godfrey and Carter Welling, both averaging over 10 points per game. Godfrey, standing at 6-foot-8, and Welling, at 6-10, form a formidable duo inside the paint. However, Welling's unfortunate ACL injury in the ACC Tournament sidelines him for March Madness, leaving a significant gap in their lineup.
Jestin Porter, a transfer from Middle Tennessee, is another player to watch. Although he's had a quieter season, averaging just under 10 points per game, his shooting ability from beyond the arc at 34% makes him a potential game-changer. If Porter finds his rhythm, he could be pivotal in Clemson's offensive efforts.
As for the matchup, while Clemson has shown flashes of brilliance, the absence of Welling could tilt the scales. Iowa appears to be peaking at the right time, playing some of their best basketball as they enter the tournament.
The prediction? A close contest with Iowa edging out Clemson, 72-68, setting up a likely showdown with No. 1 seed Florida in the next round.