Iowa basketball has chance to deliver March Madness magic vs. Florida
Because of what Iowa men's basketball has already accomplished this season, and the steep challenge Florida presents, this is a low-risk, high-reward scenario for the Hawkeyes.
TAMPA, Fla. — After the field of 68 was sliced in half on March 21, Iowa men’s basketball was still dancing in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. The Hawkeyes never trailed in a 67-61 win over the Clemson Tigers on March 20.
Iowa got impactful contributions from a variety of players and successfully fended off Clemson’s second-half runs en route to the victory. A benchmark victory at that. It was the first time the program won an NCAA Tournament game since 2021.
Whatever happens next, Ben McCollum’s first season at the helm can only be categorized as a success. Iowa’s 22 wins are the most since the 2021-22 season. Not only did Iowa make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2023, it's also now one win away from making an elusive Sweet 16.
McCollum and his first Hawkeye team have begun to revitalize the energy around the program. And now, Iowa faces … the reigning national champion Florida Gators (6:10 p. m.
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