The Iowa Hawkeyes are gearing up for a return to the NCAA Tournament, and they've got a solid chance to make a splash in their opening game. Under the guidance of Ben McCollum, the Hawkeyes have secured a No. 9 seed and will face off against the equally ranked No. 9 Clemson Tigers from the ACC.
Tip-off is scheduled for 5:50 p.m. CT on Friday, March 20, in Tampa, Florida.
With a few days to prepare, Iowa will be diving deep into film and analytics to get the upper hand on the Tigers, who boast a 24-10 record. A quick start will be crucial for Iowa to avoid an early exit from the tournament.
CBS Sports has ranked the entire field from No. 1 to No. 68, placing the Hawkeyes right in the middle at No. 31.
31. Iowa Hawkeyes (21-21)
Iowa is in its first season with new head coach Ben McCollum, and the team is showing promise. The Hawkeyes are driven by standout point guard Bennett Stirtz, who has been a key player for McCollum from D-II to Drake and now in Iowa City. Playing 37.5 minutes per game, Stirtz is considered one of the top five most valuable players in college basketball.
The matchup between Iowa and Clemson is a classic No. 8 vs. No. 9 showdown, with both teams closely ranked.
CBS places Clemson just behind Iowa at No. 32.
32. Clemson Tigers (24-10)
Under Brad Brownell, Clemson is making its third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, each time with a single-digit seed. While this year's team might not match the prowess of previous squads, they remain a formidable opponent.
Point guard Dillon Hunter is essential to their strategy, particularly in controlling the game's tempo. Clemson thrives when games are in the mid-to-high 60s.
Clemson is comfortable with Iowa’s slower pace, averaging 74.1 points per game, and their defense ranks 28th nationally, allowing just 66.7 points per game. The Tigers have impressive wins over teams like SMU, Miami, Louisville, and UNC. However, they also have their share of setbacks, including losses to Georgetown and Wake Forest, and they've stumbled into the tournament with a 4-6 record in their last 10 games.
As both teams prepare for this pivotal matchup, fans can expect a tightly contested battle with both Iowa and Clemson eager to advance.