Iowa Coach McCollum Vows to End Close-Game Heartbreaks

The Iowa Hawkeyes came painfully close to upsetting No. 3 Michigan on Thursday night, only to fall 71-68, leaving first-year head coach Ben McCollum frustrated yet resolute. The loss marked the Hawkeyes’ fifth defeat in seven games, highlighting a troubling trend in tight contests.

McCollum, reflecting on the game during Iowa’s post-game radio show, called the defeat “heart-wrenching” but stressed that the program is moving in the right direction. “I’m done being two points away,” he said. “This one was really heart-wrenching for me… It’s trending. It’s headed in the right direction.”

Despite Iowa executing much of its game plan—forcing Michigan into a halfcourt battle and dominating the turnover margin 18-5—the Hawkeyes struggled offensively, shooting just 39 percent compared to Michigan’s 53 percent. Scoring was largely limited to senior guard Bennett Stirtz and junior forward Cam Manyawu, leaving the team short-handed in clutch moments.

The 2025–26 season has been a mix of highs and lows for Iowa, as the team now sits 20-10 overall. Big wins over top programs like Nebraska, Ole Miss, UCLA, and Northwestern have showcased their potential, but inconsistent performances against other ranked teams continue to hinder their momentum.

1. Strengths and Challenges

Iowa has demonstrated its ability to compete with elite teams when executing effectively. Against Michigan, the Hawkeyes forced a slower-paced halfcourt game and capitalized on defensive opportunities, showcasing their preparation and discipline. The 18-5 advantage in turnovers underscored their defensive focus. However, offensive inconsistency remains a significant obstacle. Outside of Stirtz and Manyawu, the team struggled to generate points, and poor shooting percentages ultimately undermined their efforts. Against top-tier opponents, these gaps are often the difference between a near-upset and a disappointing loss. The Hawkeyes’ roller-coaster season reflects these dualities. While they have secured victories over ranked opponents like No. 9 Nebraska, they have faltered in other key moments, leaving their record against ranked teams at 1-7 heading into the season finale. McCollum recognizes these issues but remains confident that the team’s growth trajectory is positive. The challenge will be maintaining composure in close games and finding consistent offensive contributions beyond their primary scorers.

2. Big Ten Context

In conference play, Iowa holds a 10-9 Big Ten record, placing them ninth and positioning them to begin the postseason tournament in the second round. Their standing reflects both the competitiveness of the league and the narrow margins in many of their losses. The Hawkeyes’ ability to compete against elite teams while struggling in close games illustrates the volatility of the Big Ten this season. Wins against top opponents highlight potential, but setbacks against comparable or lower-ranked teams have prevented the program from climbing higher in the standings. For McCollum, the key lesson is managing the final moments of tight contests. While the team’s execution has been solid in many areas, missed opportunities and inconsistent scoring in crunch time continue to weigh heavily on results. Iowa’s postseason outlook remains favorable. Despite recent setbacks, they are expected to receive an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, where performance in close games will be critical to advancing past early rounds.

3. Looking Ahead

The Hawkeyes now turn their focus to the regular-season finale rematch against Nebraska. This game represents an opportunity to build momentum heading into the Big Ten Tournament and regain confidence after a string of narrow losses. McCollum’s message to the team is clear: learn from past mistakes, stay composed in close contests, and find multiple scoring options to alleviate pressure on key players like Stirtz and Manyawu. Success will require both mental resilience and balanced offensive execution. For a program trending in the right direction, these experiences may ultimately serve as growth opportunities. McCollum’s first season has already produced significant wins, and he aims to harness the lessons from narrow defeats to push the team toward postseason success. The Big Ten Tournament will test Iowa’s ability to close games under pressure, setting the stage for both development and March Madness positioning. The Hawkeyes’ performance in high-stakes moments will be a defining factor for the remainder of the season.