From Northwest Missouri State to Drake and now Iowa, Ben McCollum's journey has been marked by success, largely thanks to his standout point guard, Bennett Stirtz. Yet, it’s taken more than just one player to capture DII national championships, clinch the Missouri Valley Conference, and propel the Hawkeyes to their first Elite Eight appearance since 1987.
In a thrilling 77-71 comeback win over Nebraska on Thursday night, Stirtz bounced back from a tough outing against Florida. However, it was the clutch performances from Alvaro Folgueiras and Tate Sage off the bench that sealed the deal. Iowa’s bench exploded for 38 points, their highest output against a high-major opponent this season.
While Stirtz often headlines the show in Iowa City, the Hawkeyes’ success isn’t solely tied to his performance. Sure, Stirtz shines brighter in victories, but the real game-changer has been the bench’s contribution.
In wins, Iowa’s reserves average 27.1 points per game, compared to just 18.7 in losses. Thursday’s game was a season-best for the bench, with Folgueiras and Sage combining for 35 of those 38 points on an efficient 12-17 shooting, including 6-10 from beyond the arc.
Folgueiras might have hit the unforgettable game-winner against Florida, but it was Tavion Banks who stole the spotlight with 20 points and six rebounds against their towering frontcourt. In contrast, against Nebraska, it was Sage and Folgueiras who stepped up, while Banks and Cam Manyawu had quieter nights.
Despite Stirtz’s pivotal role as the primary playmaker, his usage rate ranks 227th nationally, and only ninth in the Big Ten among players with significant minutes. This leaves ample opportunity for other players to shine, particularly in the NCAA Tournament, where role players have been crucial.
In McCollum’s debut season, the Hawkeyes are now just one win away from the Final Four, with a showdown against third-seeded Illinois looming on Saturday in Houston. While Stirtz’s talent is undeniable, Iowa’s depth is proving to be just as vital.