Iowa Shows Grit on the Road Against Washington in Physical Matchup
The Iowa Hawkeyes took a cross-country trip to Seattle and walked out of Alaska Airlines Arena with a hard-fought win over the Washington Huskies - a game that was every bit as physical and gritty as you'd expect in early February. This wasn’t a showcase of highlight-reel dunks or a three-point shootout. It was a game defined by tough possessions, rebounding battles, and clutch execution down the stretch.
Ben McCollum’s Blueprint Taking Hold
In his first year at the helm, Iowa head coach Ben McCollum is starting to put his stamp on this team. The former D-II coaching standout is known for his structured, disciplined approach, and it’s beginning to show in how the Hawkeyes handle themselves in tight moments - especially on the road.
Against a scrappy Huskies squad, Iowa didn’t flinch. They stuck to their game plan, trusted their ball movement, and leaned on their depth.
Frontcourt Steps Up in a Big Way
The frontcourt trio of Cooper Koch, Alvaro Folgueiras, and Cam Manyawu came up big - not just on the stat sheet, but in the way they controlled the paint. Koch was active on the glass and found ways to create second-chance opportunities. His ability to stretch the floor and still mix it up inside gives Iowa a valuable versatility.
Folgueiras, meanwhile, brought a steady presence on both ends. Whether it was hitting free throws late or battling for positioning against Washington’s bigger bodies, he played with poise. Manyawu showed flashes of his athleticism, rising up over Franck Kepnang for a strong finish that energized the bench and helped shift momentum.
Backcourt Holding Steady
Isaia Howard continues to be a steadying force in the backcourt. Whether he was navigating pressure or finding his spots in the midrange, Howard’s composure stood out. His ability to create off the dribble gave Iowa key buckets when the offense bogged down.
Freshman Tavion Banks also had his moments, showing confidence in attacking mismatches and knocking down a key jumper late in the second half. Bennett Stirtz played his role defensively, drawing the assignment on Washington’s Zoom Diallo and making him work for every touch.
Defensive Identity Emerging
What’s becoming clear is that this Iowa team is starting to embrace its defensive identity. They’re not locking teams down for 40 minutes, but they’re making opponents earn it. Against Washington, they rotated well, contested shots, and didn’t give up many easy looks in transition.
The Huskies tried to push the pace at times, but Iowa was disciplined getting back. And when it came time to close out possessions, the Hawkeyes rebounded as a unit - a major key in a game that was tight throughout.
A Road Win That Matters
This wasn’t a marquee win on paper, but it’s the kind of road victory that builds confidence and chemistry. Conference play is a grind, and winning away from home - especially in a place as tough as Seattle - says a lot about where this team is mentally.
For McCollum and the Hawkeyes, it’s another step forward. They’re not just learning how to win - they’re learning how to win together. And that’s a dangerous development for the rest of the Big Ten.