Coming off a thrilling victory over a top-ten Nebraska team, the Iowa basketball squad faced a tough road test against Wisconsin. Despite a competitive first half, the Badgers pulled away in the second half, handing Iowa an 84-71 defeat.
This loss drops Iowa to 19-8 overall and 9-7 in Big Ten play, putting them squarely on the NCAA Tournament bubble with just four games left in the regular season. Coach Ben McCollum's team needs to regroup quickly before facing Ohio State on Wednesday.
Key Takeaways from Iowa's Loss to Wisconsin
Defensive Struggles
Defense has been a hallmark of McCollum's teams, but Sunday's performance was uncharacteristically shaky. The Hawkeyes allowed a season-high 84 points, with Wisconsin shooting 54% from the field and 42% from beyond the arc. Iowa forced just eight turnovers and struggled to make crucial stops in the second half.
Wisconsin's Nick Boyd was a standout, tallying 27 points, nine rebounds, and ten assists, causing headaches for Iowa's defense throughout the game. For Iowa to have any postseason success, their defense must tighten up, starting with the upcoming game against Ohio State.
Tate Sage Shines Off the Bench
Freshman forward Tate Sage provided a much-needed spark, contributing 11 points and seven rebounds in 23 minutes off the bench. His energy and activity on both ends of the floor were a bright spot for the Hawkeyes.
With some starters struggling, Sage's performance raises the question of whether he should see more playing time. His ability to make things happen could be crucial as Iowa looks to finish the season strong.
Bennett Stirtz Needs Support
Bennett Stirtz delivered another impressive performance, leading the team with 23 points while playing the entire game. However, he received little support from the rest of the starting lineup, which combined for just 24 points.
Cooper Koch had a tough outing, hitting only 2 of 11 shots despite an early pair of threes. Kael Combs and Tavion Banks also struggled to contribute consistently. For Iowa to make a postseason run, they need more balanced scoring and support for Stirtz.
Pivotal Game Ahead
Wednesday's home game against Ohio State could be a turning point for Iowa's season. A loss would drop them to 9-8 in conference play, with challenging matchups against Michigan and Nebraska looming. A 10-10 conference record would leave their tournament hopes hanging by a thread, making a strong showing in the conference tournament essential.
Ohio State, much like Iowa, is a team that can beat or lose to anyone in the Big Ten. This makes Wednesday's game a must-win for the Hawkeyes.
Securing victories against Ohio State and Penn State would significantly boost their NCAA Tournament chances. The pressure is on, and it will be intriguing to see how Iowa responds.