March Madness is in full swing, and the Iowa Hawkeyes are still in the mix! With a gritty win over the Clemson Tigers, Iowa advances to the round of 32, marking a significant NCAA Tournament victory in Ben McCollum's debut season. Iowa stuck to their game plan and pulled Clemson into their style of play.
In a team effort showcasing contributions from all corners of the court, Iowa defeated Clemson 67-61 in the first round, setting up a clash with either No. 1 seed Florida or No. 16 seed Prairie View A&M.
As Iowa gears up for the next challenge, let's dive into the key takeaways from their victory over Clemson.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
The big question all season was whether Iowa could find support when defenses focused on Bennett Stirtz. Tonight, they got their answer. Despite Stirtz having an off night, shooting just 4-of-17, Iowa's supporting cast rose to the occasion.
Kael Combs led the charge with an impressive 15 points, while Alvaro Folgueiras added 14, Cooper Koch chipped in eight, and Tate Sage contributed seven off the bench. This collective effort was crucial and a welcome sight for the Hawkeyes.
Dominance on the Boards
In a slow-paced, hard-fought game, Iowa's rebounding prowess was pivotal. They dominated the boards with a 40-to-27 advantage, a key factor when shots weren't falling from the field or beyond the arc.
Iowa's 15 offensive rebounds, a season-high, were particularly impactful, allowing them to control the clock and extend possessions. Cam Manyawu deserves special mention, leading the team with 10 rebounds and making his presence felt in the paint.
Survive and Advance
In the unpredictable world of the NCAA Tournament, surviving to play another day is the name of the game, and Iowa has done just that. Ben McCollum's first year as head coach has been a success, now highlighted by a March Madness win.
Next up, assuming no major surprises, is a showdown with the Florida Gators in Tampa. The crowd may heavily favor Florida, but Iowa has pushed top teams to the limit before. Why not shake things up again?