Iowa's Bennett Stirtz stole the show at Matthew Knight Arena, scoring 32 points and dishing out 7 assists to lead the Hawkeyes to a resounding 84-66 victory over Oregon. The win marked a strong performance by Iowa, who outpaced the predicted margin of 9.3 points, as forecasted by CHD Scout. In reality, the Hawkeyes' margin of victory was a convincing 18 points, a reflection of their dominant play.
The first half set the tone for the game, with Iowa taking a 35-26 lead into the break. Oregon's Kwame Evans Jr. kept his team within striking distance, scoring 18 points on the night, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Hawkeyes' balanced attack. Takai Simpkins and Dezdrick Lindsay also chipped in for the Ducks, scoring 16 and 10 points, respectively, but their efforts were overshadowed by Iowa's impressive display.
Bennett Stirtz was the catalyst for Iowa's success, scoring from all levels and creating opportunities for his teammates. Alvaro Folgueiras added 15 points and 8 rebounds, while Brendan Hausen contributed 11 points to the Hawkeyes' cause. As the game wore on, Iowa's lead only grew, with the team outscoring Oregon 49-40 in the second half.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Iowa winning by 9.3 points, but the Hawkeyes had other plans. Their convincing win not only validated the prediction but also demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure. The victory marked a quality win for Iowa, who improved to 16-5 on the season.
For Oregon, the loss dropped them to 8-14, and while it was a Quadrant 1 opportunity, the Ducks were unable to capitalize. Kwame Evans Jr.'s strong performance was a silver lining, but ultimately, the team's inability to contain Iowa's offense proved costly.
As the season enters its final stretch, Iowa's win over Oregon will be a valuable addition to their resume. The Hawkeyes' performance will undoubtedly boost their tournament chances, and with a current net ranking of 22, they are well-positioned to make a deep run. Conversely, Oregon's loss will do little to enhance their tournament prospects, but the experience of competing against a top-tier team like Iowa will be invaluable in their continued development. With this result, Iowa has solidified their position as a formidable contender, and their dominance over Oregon will be a key factor in their pursuit of a successful postseason.