The Iowa Hawkeyes are finding ways to win, but they’re certainly keeping fans on edge while doing it. Their latest nail-biter came against USC, where a late-game wobble nearly cost them a crucial Big Ten victory.
Fortunately for Iowa, Bennett Stirtz stepped up when it mattered most, calmly sinking two clutch free throws to seal the win. It's another close call in a season full of them - and it's starting to paint a fascinating picture of who this Hawkeyes team really is.
What we’re seeing from Iowa is a group that’s battle-tested, no doubt. They’ve been in the fire, and they’ve come out the other side with wins.
But those late-game stumbles also raise some red flags. Can they keep walking this tightrope without falling?
That’s the question hanging over Ben McCollum’s squad as March creeps closer.
Nationally, Iowa’s place in the college basketball landscape is becoming clearer. In a recent tiered breakdown of 47 NCAA Tournament hopefuls, the Hawkeyes were slotted into the “could win a game” group.
That’s not a slight - it’s a nod to their potential, especially with Stirtz running the show at point guard. He’s the kind of player who can change a game with his poise and shot-making, and that alone puts Iowa in the mix come tournament time.
This tier isn’t just a catch-all for middle-of-the-pack teams. It’s a collection of programs that have shown they can rise to the occasion - even if consistency hasn’t always been their calling card.
Auburn, for instance, knocked off Florida on the road and owns wins over Arkansas and St. John’s.
Wisconsin handed Michigan its only loss - and did it in Ann Arbor. UCLA has been up and down but managed to take down Purdue and is heating up at just the right time.
Georgia? They blew the doors off Arkansas.
Then there are the teams with standout players capable of carrying them to a tournament win. Iowa has Stirtz.
NC State leans on Darrion Williams. Ohio State’s starting five is loaded with talent, and Bruce Thornton is the real deal.
SMU has Boopie Miller, who gives them that same kind of punch.
The key here is that nothing’s set in stone. These tiers reflect what teams have shown so far - not necessarily what they’ll be in March.
And for Iowa, the road ahead is filled with opportunities to move up. Matchups against Purdue, Michigan, and two showdowns with Nebraska give the Hawkeyes a chance to stack quality wins and boost their NCAA Tournament resume.
So yes, the Hawkeyes have been living dangerously. But they’ve also been learning how to win in high-pressure spots.
That experience could pay dividends when the lights get brighter. If they can tighten things up late in games and lean into their strengths - starting with Stirtz’s leadership - this team has the tools to do more than just survive March.
They might just make some noise.