Iowa men’s basketball is looking to show that it can bounce back after taking its first blow of the season. This afternoon, the Hawkeyes (7-1, 0-1 Big Ten) return to Carver-Hawkeye Arena for their Big Ten home opener. They hope to recover against Maryland (6-3) in a game that pits two first-year head coaches attempting to establish early momentum in the conference.
The Hawkeyes suffered a frustrating 71-52 loss to No. 8 Michigan State, the Big Ten regular-season champion from the previous year, earlier this week in East Lansing. It was more than just a loss; it was the kind that reveals the gaps you’ve been attempting to hide. The Spartans’ physicality was simply too much for Iowa to handle. Michigan State bullied its way to a 34–18 lead in paint points and dominated the backboards with a 37–18 rebounding margin. The message speaks for itself when a team decisively outperforms you inside.
Ben McCollum, the head coach, is not in a panic, though. He is not that person. Even though he acknowledges that losing hurts a competitor’s pride, the first-year Iowa leader has built his career on stressing process, consistency, and trust. This week, McCollum clarified that delicate balance, admitting that although you can’t let a single loss make you feel like the sky is falling, you also can’t ignore it as if it never happened.
McCollum remarked, “I’m probably more process-focused.” However, there is also a rival who believes that losing is unacceptable. You must go to that area and make the necessary repairs. However, you cannot allow it to have a catastrophic impact, as if this were the end of the world. You must strike a balance between the two. Hopefully, we’ve located it. But on Saturday, we’ll find out.
The matchup today provides an instant—and appropriate—test. Under the direction of head coach Buzz Williams, another seasoned individual beginning a new chapter in the Big Ten, Maryland travels to Iowa City. It’s uncommon for two programs that are starting new eras to clash so early in conference play, and it heightens the suspense of a match that already has significance for both teams.
With victories in the previous three meetings, Maryland has a 10-8 series record. However, the Hawkeyes have outperformed the Terrapins in Iowa City, winning three of the last four games at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. After a difficult road night, returning home to an encouraging—and typically boisterous—Iowa crowd may be just what a team needs to regain rhythm and confidence.
Where to Watch
Fans looking to tune in won’t have to search long. The game will air nationally on FS1, with Connor Onion handling play-by-play duties and Steve Prohm offering color commentary. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. CT, giving Hawkeye fans a prime mid-afternoon window to settle in for a key early-December contest.
Streaming Options
For those watching online, the matchup is available on Fubo, which is currently offering a free trial for first-time subscribers. It’s a straightforward option for cord-cutters or fans looking to catch the game on the go.
Despite Tuesday’s loss, Iowa’s early season has been positive despite the immediate intrigue of today’s game. The Hawkeyes recently made it into the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, demonstrating the widespread recognition they have gained from a solid start and a strong performance in the Acrisure Series, where they defeated Grand Canyon and Ole Miss. These triumphs were more than just boosts to self-esteem; they were the kind of performances that tournament committees remember from March.
There has also been ongoing interest in Iowa’s youthful roster. The team is still considering whether to redshirt one of its rookie forwards, a decision that could affect the rotation this season as well as the development pipeline for the following year. Early predictions, however, are still optimistic. The Hawkeyes were slightly elevated in ESPN’s most recent NCAA Tournament Bracketology due to their strong metrics and steady play during the first month of the season.
But today, they are focused on everything that is directly in front of them: Maryland, 40 minutes of Big Ten basketball, and the chance to demonstrate that the defeat at Michigan State was only a mistake rather than a setback. McCollum’s team thinks it’s headed in the right direction. It’s time to demonstrate it now. By following @HawkeyesWire and @JoshOnHawks on X (formerly Twitter) and liking the Hawkeyes Wire page on Facebook for ongoing Iowa news, notes, and insights, fans can stay up to date on additional coverage, analysis, and breaking updates.
