Iowa's trip to Alaska Airlines Arena was a successful one, as the Hawkeyes took down Washington 84-74. The win was fueled by a strong performance from Bennett Stirtz, who led all scorers with 22 points and added 5 assists. The Hawkeyes' victory was predicted by CHD Scout, who had Iowa winning by 6.5 points. Although the margin was slightly larger than expected, the outcome was spot on, with Iowa's 10-point win a reflection of their strength.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with Washington taking a 48-41 lead into the break. Hannes Steinbach was a force to be reckoned with for the Huskies, scoring 12 of his 20 points in the opening period. However, Iowa regrouped and came out strong in the second half, outscoring Washington 43-26. The Hawkeyes' offense was clicking on all cylinders, with Alvaro Folgueiras and Cooper Koch contributing 16 and 11 points, respectively.
Despite the loss, Washington had several notable performances. In addition to Steinbach's double-double, Zoom Diallo had a impressive all-around game with 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 12 assists. Wesley Yates III also chipped in with 15 points. However, it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of Iowa.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The win is a significant one for Iowa's tournament resume, as it counts as a Q1 victory. With a current net ranking of 21, the Hawkeyes are solidifying their position as a top contender. For Washington, the loss is a missed opportunity to bolster their own resume, but it still counts as a Q1 game, which could be beneficial come selection time.
As the season enters its final stretch, Iowa's victory over Washington serves as a reminder of their strength and depth. With a 17-5 record, the Hawkeyes are poised to make a deep run in the tournament. The win over Washington is a key component of their resume, and it will likely play a significant role in their seeding come March.
The outcome of this game has real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. Iowa's Q1 win will undoubtedly boost their resume, while Washington's loss will put a slight dent in their hopes. However, with a 12-11 record and a net ranking of 48, the Huskies still have time to make a push for a tournament bid. As the season continues to unfold, both teams want to build on this performance and make a strong case for themselves come selection time.