In Iowa City, the Hawkeyes men's basketball team finds itself just outside the Top 25 in the latest AP poll, released on February 23. After splitting their recent games, Iowa received three votes, tying them for ninth among teams not in the Top 25. The USA TODAY Sports Coaches poll echoes this sentiment, placing the Hawkeyes as the fifth team outside the Top 25 for the second consecutive week.
Head coach Ben McCollum celebrated a milestone with a signature win over Nebraska on February 17. This victory marks a significant moment for the program, offering a glimpse of the potential McCollum is cultivating. However, the Hawkeyes faced a setback against Wisconsin, where they kept pace for much of the game but ultimately fell short with an 84-71 loss.
Currently standing at 19-8 overall and 9-7 in Big Ten play, Iowa is on the cusp of an NCAA Tournament berth. But with four regular-season games left, the path isn't entirely clear.
Next, they face Ohio State at home on February 25, before hitting the road to take on Penn State on February 28. The upcoming games are crucial as Iowa looks to solidify its tournament credentials.