Iowa basketball vs. Clemson: Three keys to March Madness victory
What does Iowa basketball need to do to pick up a win over Clemson in March Madness?
The first NCAA Tournament game in three years is imminent for the Iowa men's basketball program. In his first season as the head coach of the Hawkeyes , Ben McCollum has led his team back to the Big Dance. While there were some ups and downs this season, it's hard to argue with the result of a 20-win season and a spot in March Madness.
This team has its flaws, but it's also hung around with some of the best teams in the country, signaling a tournament run isn't all that far-fetched. Any run that Iowa wants to make in March begins on Friday night against Clemson . The Tigers won 24 games in the ACC and will present an interesting challenge for the Hawkeyes.
Even without key big man Carter Welling, Clemson is going to be a difficult matchup for McCollum's squad. Here's what Iowa needs to do to come out with a win and advance in the tournament. Depth must show up for Iowa basketball Bennett Stirtz is great, but he can't do it all by himself.
Clemson and head coach Brad Brownell have spent the entire week devising a game plan predicated on slowing down Stirtz. All season long, Iowa's results in games hinge on how well Stirtz plays. You can count on one hand the number of games the Hawkeyes have won this season where Stirtz didn't play well.