UF vs Iowa: Intense Pace-of-Play Battle Unfolds
TAMPA — Florida’s staff spent Friday night scouting two potential tournament opponents. Coaches and analysts watched Clemson and Iowa live at Benchmark International Arena. The work set the stage for a second-round NCAA matchup later that weekend.
Rapid scouting and preparation
Florida began focused preparation as soon as the NCAA selection show ended. Video coordinator Nolan Crist assigned managers to cut film of potential first- and second-round foes. Kevin Olsen prepared offensive overviews. Dave Klatsky handled defensive scouting.
Associate head coach Carlin Hartman tracked Clemson. Assistant Jonathan Safir concentrated on Iowa. The staff held a film briefing and a 90-minute practice the next day. They returned to the hotel late that night to share intel.
Contrasting styles and key personnel
The matchup highlights stark contrasts in tempo and approach. Iowa plays one of the slowest paces nationally, ranked 361st in pace of play. The Hawkeyes nevertheless produce efficient offense, ranking 29th in offensive efficiency.
Ben McCollum coaches Iowa. He arrived after one season at Drake, where his team went 31-4 and reached the NCAA Tournament in 2024-25. McCollum had prior success at Division II Northeast Missouri State, winning four national titles. He brought five players from Drake to Iowa.
Point guard Bennett Stirtz is the Hawkeyes’ primary creator. He is 6-foot-4 and listed at 190 pounds. Stirtz earned 2025 Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year honors. He was a 2026 first-team All-Big Ten pick. He averaged 19.9 points, shot 48 percent overall, hit 37 percent from the free-throw line, and added 4.4 assists in 37.5 minutes per game.
Recent results and statistical edges
Iowa beat No. 8 seed Clemson 67-61 in the tournament’s opening session. The Hawkeyes never trailed in that game. They grabbed 15 offensive rebounds on 32 misses, an offensive-rebound rate around 47 percent. Those extra boards produced 16 second-chance points.
Florida advanced by defeating 16-seed Prairie View A&M 114-55. The Gators entered the matchup with a 27-7 record. Iowa stood at 22-12. Florida boasts the nation’s No. 6-rated defense and the top rebounding front court.
Tactical priorities for both teams
Florida must limit offensive rebounds and extended possessions. Preventing second-chance points is vital. The Gators will try to force misses and push the ball when they can.
Iowa aims to slow the clock and reduce possessions. The Hawkeyes are effective late in the shot clock. They rank among the top teams in field-goal percentage inside the final 10 seconds.
Player perspectives and coaching focus
Senior guard Xaivian Lee said Florida plans to impose its style. Backup center Micah Handlogten emphasized the need for quality defensive possessions. Sophomore point guard Boogie Fland stressed discipline and execution.
Staff members stressed extensive prep. Video work, meetings, and walk-throughs filled the 42 hours before tip. The team expects to be ready for whatever pace the opponent chooses.
UF vs Iowa: Intense Pace-of-Play Battle Unfolds as a true test of wills. The winner will advance to the Sweet 16 in Houston.
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