Game Preview: Iowa vs. No. 7 Wisconsin
As Iowa (18-7, 8-6 Big Ten) gears up to face No. 7 Wisconsin (22-3, 11-3 Big Ten) in a crucial men’s basketball showdown, fans are in for a treat.
Set to tip off at 3 p.m. CT on Sunday, Feb. 22, at the Kohl Center, this matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Series Snapshot
The history between these two teams is rich, with Wisconsin leading the all-time series 90-87. The Badgers have a dominant 58-29 record when playing in Madison and have claimed victory in the last two meetings, including a 74-63 win in Iowa City last February.
Iowa’s Recent Form
Iowa is riding high after a significant 57-52 victory over No. 9 Nebraska, marking their third Quad 1 win of the season and snapping a two-game losing streak.
This win was particularly sweet as it was their first top 10 home victory since 2019. Facing their third consecutive ranked opponent, Iowa is in a stretch reminiscent of the 2019-20 season.
Wisconsin’s Home Court Advantage
The Badgers have been formidable at home, boasting a 13-2 record at the Kohl Center. They've only stumbled against Purdue and USC.
Their recent form is impressive, winning nine of their last 12 games and currently enjoying a three-game home winning streak. Wisconsin has also managed to topple ranked teams like Michigan and Illinois on their home turf.
Key Players to Watch
Wisconsin’s backcourt is led by the dynamic duo of Nick Boyd and John Blackwell, who together average a staggering 39.1 points per game. Boyd stands fourth in the conference with 20.3 points per game, while Blackwell is close behind in seventh with 18.8.
The Badgers have been an offensive powerhouse, scoring at least 90 points in 11 games this season and averaging 83.1 points per game. However, Iowa has been adept at stifling opponents, holding all but one team below their scoring average this year.
Coaches’ Insights
Iowa head coach Ben McCollum acknowledges the challenge ahead, stating, “They can really score. Their offense is probably top 10 in the country.
They’ve had games where they just really shockingly beat teams. They did a good job versus Michigan State.
They’ve had some big, tough wins, and they’re very talented.”
This game is set to be a high-stakes battle, with Iowa looking to continue their momentum and Wisconsin aiming to defend their home court dominance. It’s a clash that basketball enthusiasts won’t want to miss.