Iowa Preps for Late Matchup Against Washington: Key Stats Reset

Avery K. Bristow

Published: February 4, 2026 11:26 PM ET

The Iowa Hawkeyes stand at an impressive 16-5 record, with a 6-4 mark in conference play, following a strong victory over Oregon. This recent success comes despite key absences on the opposing team, showcasing Iowa’s resilience throughout the game. Coach Ben McCollum has achieved a rare 3-0 record during the team’s western tour, a feat previously elusive for the program.

Iowa Preps for Late Matchup Against Washington

As they prepare to face the Washington Huskies, who hold a 12-10 record and 4-7 in the conference, Iowa aims for their fourth consecutive win. Despite a challenging matchup, advanced statistics suggest Iowa holds a favorable chance with a projected win probability of approximately 57% according to both KenPom and Bart Torvik rankings.

Defensive Excellence and Key Stats

Iowa’s defensive performance has been exceptional this season. They allow only 63.0 points per game, ranking fourth nationally and first in the Big Ten. Key defensive highlights include:

Three-point shooting defense: Opponents only shoot 30% from beyond the arc.
Turnover percentage: Iowa forces turnovers at a 22.1% rate, ranking seventh in the nation.
Live ball turnovers: Iowa leads the Big Ten by forcing live ball turnovers 11.3% of the time during league play.

These defensive statistics reflect a disciplined Iowa squad, marking a significant improvement from previous seasons. Players such as Bennett Stirtz, Tavion Banks, and Isaia Howard are pivotal, each ranking nationally in steal percentage, with Howard leading the team.

Offensive Performance

On the offensive front, Iowa maintains a balanced and efficient attack. They rank 27th in adjusted offensive efficiency per KenPom. Key offensive statistics include:

Field goal percentage: 58.5% overall and 60.2% from inside the arc.
Three-point shooting: 37.4%, placing them 29th nationally.

Bennett Stirtz has emerged as a key player, currently averaging 19.0 points and 5.0 assists per game, placing him among the league’s top contributors.

Looking Ahead

With ten conference games remaining, Iowa is well positioned in the standings. A win against Washington could elevate them further, potentially tying them with UCLA and closing in on Purdue and Wisconsin. While challenges remain, the team’s commitment and strategies under Coach McCollum have instilled confidence as they navigate the latter part of the season.