Purdue Rolls Past Iowa in Blowout, Exposing Hawkeyes’ Defensive and Offensive Woes
IOWA CITY - Carver-Hawkeye Arena was packed, buzzing with anticipation for a potential signature win in Ben McCollum’s debut season. Instead, Iowa fans watched the Hawkeyes get steamrolled by a dominant Purdue squad, 78-57, in what turned out to be the largest loss of the McCollum era.
Iowa, now 18-7 overall and 8-6 in Big Ten play, has hit a rough patch. After riding high on a six-game win streak, the Hawkeyes have now dropped two straight. And this one wasn’t just a loss-it was a flat-out unraveling on both ends of the floor.
Let’s break down what stood out-and what went wrong-for Iowa in Thursday night’s lopsided home defeat.
The Bright Spots (Yes, There Were a Few)
The Crowd Showed Up
Give credit to the fans.
Carver-Hawkeye was rocking early, marking the first sellout of the McCollum era. There was genuine energy in the building, the kind that can shift momentum in a big game.
But once Purdue took control, the crowd’s impact faded, and the atmosphere quieted along with Iowa’s offense.
Trevin Jirak’s First-Half Spark
Freshman Trevin Jirak hasn’t seen much court time in 2026, but he made the most of his minutes in the first half.
He chipped in six points and provided a brief jolt of energy. It wasn’t enough to change the game’s trajectory, but it was a glimpse of promise from a young piece in Iowa’s rotation.
Ball Security Wasn’t the Issue
If you’re looking for a silver lining, Iowa took care of the basketball.
Just six turnovers on the night. But when the shots aren’t falling, protecting the ball only goes so far.
Bennett Stirtz Did His Part
Stirtz led the way with 19 points on an efficient 7-of-12 from the field, and he added five boards.
He was aggressive, he found his spots, and he kept competing-even as the game slipped away. Unfortunately, he didn’t get much help.
Where It Fell Apart
A Missed Opportunity to Make a Statement
This was a chance to notch a marquee win, a moment that could’ve defined McCollum’s first season.
Instead, Iowa delivered one of its flattest performances of the year. The Hawkeyes looked out of sync from the opening tip, and they never recovered.
Biggest Loss of the Season
The 21-point margin marked Iowa’s worst defeat under McCollum, surpassing the previous low point-a 19-point road loss to Michigan State.
The Hawkeyes had kept things competitive in earlier matchups with Purdue, Illinois, and Iowa State. This time, they were outclassed from start to finish.
Defensive Struggles Mounting
Iowa’s defense has become a recurring concern, and it was front and center again.
Purdue shot 47% from the field and knocked down 40% of its threes. The Boilermakers moved the ball well, found open looks, and made Iowa pay repeatedly.
Offense Goes Cold Again
Since that hot stretch out west, Iowa’s shooting has cooled dramatically.
Against Purdue, the Hawkeyes hit just 38% of their shots and 27% from beyond the arc. Open looks didn’t fall.
Contested ones were rushed. The rhythm just wasn’t there.
Purdue Dominated the 3-Point Battle
This was a game of math, and Purdue won it decisively.
The Boilermakers hit 12 threes to Iowa’s six, outscoring the Hawkeyes 36-18 from deep. That’s a massive gap, especially in a game where every point was hard to come by for the home team.
Finishing at the Rim Was a Problem
Iowa got some decent looks around the basket, but too many of them went begging.
Purdue’s size and length certainly played a role, but the Hawkeyes missed several makeable shots in the paint. Those missed opportunities added up quickly.
Another Slow Start
It’s become a troubling trend.
Iowa fell behind early-down double digits before the midway point of the first half. The Hawkeyes trailed by 11 at halftime, and the gap only widened from there.
When you’re playing a team as disciplined and talented as Purdue, you can’t afford to play from behind.
Purdue’s Depth Was the Difference
Here’s the kicker: Purdue didn’t even need a big night from star Braden Smith.
He scored just five points but orchestrated the offense beautifully with 12 assists and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, four other Boilermakers scored in double figures, showcasing the kind of balanced attack that championship teams are built on.
Free Throws Weren’t Free Enough
Even at the line, Iowa couldn’t find relief. The Hawkeyes went 11-of-17 (65%) from the stripe, missing chances to chip away at the deficit.
What’s Next for Iowa?
This loss stings-not just because of the margin, but because of what it represented. It was a chance to show growth, to prove that this team could rise to the occasion against one of the Big Ten’s best. Instead, it exposed the gaps: defensive lapses, cold shooting, and a lack of offensive cohesion when it mattered most.
The good news? There’s still time to regroup.
Iowa’s got a solid record, and there have been flashes of real potential this season. But if the Hawkeyes want to make noise in March, they’ll need to tighten up on defense, find more consistent scoring options beyond Stirtz, and-most importantly-start faster.
The Big Ten doesn’t wait for anyone. And after a night like this, Iowa’s margin for error just got a little slimmer.