Iowa Men’s Basketball Finds Momentum-and a Crucial Road Win-Heading into Rutgers Matchup
After a week that featured a near-upset of a national title contender and a convincing win over a Big Ten rival, Iowa men’s basketball is trending in the right direction-even if the latest polls haven’t quite caught up yet.
The Hawkeyes came into this week sitting just outside the AP Top 25, pulling in 30 voting points-third among teams not in the rankings. In the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, they’re even closer to cracking the list, earning 52 points and sitting just one spot out after falling from No. 23.
But forget the rankings for a moment. Iowa’s 74-57 win over Indiana on Jan. 17 wasn’t just a bounce-back-it was a statement.
This was the kind of win that does more than pad the record. It resets the tone of a season.
Let’s break it down.
A Breakthrough in Bloomington
First off, this was Iowa’s first true road win under head coach Ben McCollum. That matters.
Winning on the road in the Big Ten is no easy task-especially after a narrow loss to Purdue at Mackey Arena, where few teams escape with a win. The Hawkeyes didn’t just survive in Bloomington-they controlled the game.
And in doing so, they snapped a three-game skid and picked up their first Quad I victory of the season.
That’s the kind of win the NCAA Tournament selection committee circles in red ink. It’s not just about the score-it’s about where and who you beat.
And on the road against Indiana? That checks both boxes.
Building Belief
The confidence boost is real, and it’s showing in the locker room. Junior forward Cam Manyawu summed it up best:
“For this team to get that feeling of, ‘Yes, we can do that on the road and get a Quad I win, all those things,’ it’s a really good feeling.”
Manyawu’s not just talking about one game-he’s talking about belief. And maybe more importantly, he knows this team hasn’t hit its peak yet:
“I think we're nowhere near our ceiling.”
That’s a bold statement, but it’s not without merit. Iowa has shown flashes all season-offensive versatility, depth, and a willingness to grind.
But consistency has been the missing piece. Now, with a confidence-building road win in their back pocket, the Hawkeyes have a chance to string together some momentum.
Next Up: Rutgers
Iowa returns to Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Jan. 20 to face Rutgers, sitting at 13-5 overall and 3-4 in Big Ten play. A win would not only bring the Hawkeyes back to .500 in the conference-it would put them in a strong position heading into a week-long break before their next game on Jan. 28.
This stretch matters. The Big Ten is as unforgiving as ever, and stacking wins-especially at home-is how teams separate themselves from the middle of the pack. If Iowa can handle business against Rutgers, the conversation around this team could shift quickly from “on the bubble” to “firmly in the mix.”
The Bottom Line
The rankings may not reflect it yet, but Iowa is starting to look like a team finding its identity. The win over Indiana wasn’t just a box score-it was a blueprint.
Tough defense, balanced scoring, and belief in the system. And with a chance to get back on even footing in the Big Ten, the Hawkeyes have everything to play for.
The ceiling? According to Manyawu, we haven’t seen it yet. And if that’s true, things could get very interesting in Iowa City.