Iowa Makes a Statement in Bloomington: Hawkeyes Roll Past Indiana Behind Backcourt Brilliance
After stumbling a bit out of the gate in Big Ten play, Iowa found its rhythm in a big way - and did it on the road in one of the conference’s most iconic venues. The Hawkeyes, led by head coach Ben McCollum, delivered a convincing 74-57 win over Indiana inside Assembly Hall, snapping their recent skid and reminding everyone that this team still has plenty to say in the Big Ten race.
This one wasn’t just a bounce-back win - it was a statement. Iowa improves to 13-5 overall and 3-4 in conference play, and with a more favorable stretch of the schedule coming up, the Hawkeyes are positioning themselves to climb back into the thick of things. Quietly, they’re turning into one of the teams to watch - and CBS Sports took notice, listing Iowa among the weekend’s biggest winners in college basketball.
Banks and Stirtz Take Over
The story of the night? Guards Tavion Banks and Bennett Stirtz. The duo put on a clinic, combining for 53 of Iowa’s 74 points - and doing it with a flair that silenced a packed house of over 17,000 in Bloomington.
Banks was especially electric in the second half, dropping 17 of his career-high 27 points after the break. Stirtz was right there with him, and together they accounted for 23 of Iowa’s final 25 points. That late-game explosion was part of a 25-7 run that completely shut the door on Indiana, turning a tight contest into a rout.
This wasn’t just two guys getting hot - it was two guards taking over a game, on the road, in a hostile environment, and doing it with poise and confidence. That kind of backcourt performance can be a game-changer in March, and Iowa fans have to be thrilled with what they saw.
A Quad 1 Breakthrough
Coming into the game, Iowa had been one of the highest-ranked teams in the NET rankings (22nd) without a Quad 1 win. That box is now checked. Beating Indiana on the road not only gives the Hawkeyes that elusive résumé-builder, but it also strengthens their case in the NCAA Tournament picture.
According to CBS Sports’ latest Bracketology, the win boosts Iowa to a projected No. 8 seed. It’s a significant step forward - not just for the bracket, but for the team’s confidence as well.
Trouble Brewing in Bloomington
For Indiana, the loss stings - and it’s part of a troubling trend. The Hoosiers have now dropped three straight and still haven’t secured a Quad 1 win.
Their NCAA Tournament hopes are slipping, and the road doesn’t get any easier. Next up: a trip to face No.
4 Michigan. That’s a tall task for a team still searching for answers.
What’s Next for Iowa?
The Hawkeyes don’t have much time to savor this one. They’re back in action tonight, hosting Rutgers in a game that could bring their Big Ten record back to .500. Iowa enters as a heavy favorite, and if they play anything like they did in Bloomington, they’ll be tough to stop.
After Rutgers, Iowa gets a bit of a breather before returning to action on January 28 against USC. That stretch - with two home games and some momentum - gives the Hawkeyes a real opportunity to keep climbing.
Bottom line: Iowa’s backcourt just delivered a performance that could shift the trajectory of their season. If Banks and Stirtz keep playing at this level, the Hawkeyes are going to be a problem - not just in the Big Ten, but come March as well.