As March approaches, the buzz of bracket predictions fills the air, and the Iowa Hawkeyes find themselves in the conversation for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Head coach Ben McCollum, while a fan of the bracketology buzz, remains laser-focused on the task at hand: winning games.
McCollum, with a touch of humor, put it simply: “I’m no Joe Lunardi, but if we win the next game, and then the next, our chances improve.” The Hawkeyes are in the mix as one of 10 Big Ten teams vying for a tournament bid, despite a recent rough patch where they dropped three of their last four games. However, a six-game win streak in January has kept their hopes alive.
Iowa’s upcoming schedule is no walk in the park. With the 14th toughest schedule nationally, and the third-hardest in the Big Ten, their final four games are crucial.
The stretch kicks off with a pivotal matchup against Ohio State, a team tied with Iowa in the Big Ten standings. This game could be the key to securing a coveted double-bye in the conference tournament.
Coach McCollum knows the significance of every Big Ten clash. “Every game is big because every team is so good,” he noted.
Ohio State brings a formidable challenge, led by Bruce Thornton, who averages 20.4 points per game and leads the Buckeyes in several key stats. Despite missing John Mobley Jr. due to injury, Ohio State remains a formidable opponent.
For Iowa, these final games are an opportunity to solidify their tournament resume and possibly secure a double-bye. McCollum isn’t dwelling on potential matchups or predictions.
His focus is clear: the next game against Ohio State. As he wisely quoted Nick Saban, “Results are a distraction.”
McCollum’s mantra is about staying in the moment and improving with each game, ensuring his team is ready for whatever comes next.