After a short holiday break, Iowa basketball quickly recovered. To wrap up nonconference play, the No. 23 Hawkeyes defeated UMass-Lowell 90–62 on Monday afternoon at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The triumph served as a last warm-up before the grind of Big Ten play resumes this weekend, bringing Iowa’s overall record to 11-2.
Even though the River Hawks were obviously outmatched going into the game, the afternoon provided insightful information about Iowa’s current situation as it gets ready for a much more difficult portion of its schedule. The Hawkeyes checked a number of crucial boxes, including balanced scoring, intense defense, and Cam Manyawu’s ongoing development.
Defense sets the tone early
From the first tip, Iowa’s defense was unrelenting and overpowered UMass-Lowell with physicality and pressure. The Hawkeyes turned active hands and deft rotations into 10 steals and five blocks while forcing 16 turnovers. Importantly, Iowa only committed seven turnovers while protecting the ball on the other end. Control of the game was a direct result of that defensive advantage. Iowa outscored the River Hawks 54–36 inside, dominating the paint. The Hawkeyes routinely prevailed in the most crucial areas of the floor, whether it was post touches, cuts to the rim, or second-chance opportunities.
Those margins won’t come as easily against Big Ten opponents. Nevertheless, Iowa’s defensive strategy was a positive indication, particularly with conference play approaching.
Balanced offense eases the burden on Stirtz
Bennett Stirtz, a senior guard, led the way once more with 22 points. However, the fact that so many different players contributed to Iowa’s offensive performance was the true lesson to be learned. Going forward, that balance might be crucial because Stirtz will undoubtedly receive more defensive attention in Big Ten games. Trevin Jirak scored nine points off the bench, Tavion Banks added twelve, and Alvaro Folgueiras and Cam Manyawu each contributed fourteen points. It was the kind of teamwork that keeps opponents from focusing on a single scorer and keeps defenses honest.
Iowa finished at 58% after shooting an outstanding 32-of-55 from the field as a team. The Hawkeyes seldom settled for forced looks, the ball moved freely, and shots came in rhythm. It served as a reminder of how dangerous this group can be when they use a variety of offensive strategies.
Manyawu continues to rise
Cam Manyawu gave one of the afternoon’s most noteworthy performances. In just 21 minutes, the 6-foot-9, 250-pound Kansas City forward scored 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting and added nine rebounds, three blocks, and two assists. It was an effective and significant performance. Manyawu narrowly missed his first double-double of his Iowa career by one rebound, but the stat line only provides a partial picture. His ability to finish through contact provided Iowa with a dependable interior option, and his physical presence changed shots at the rim.
The consistency he’s beginning to exhibit is perhaps the most encouraging. Manyawu scored in double figures on Monday for the fourth time in Iowa’s previous five games. When conference play resumes, Iowa’s offense will be much harder to stop if he can continue to produce at that level. The goal of the opposing teams will already be to slow Stirtz down. Manyawu’s productive, self-assured post presence makes defenses choose their poison, which is a luxury that every coach desires.
A confidence-building close to nonconference play
Although blowout victories are sometimes disregarded, this one was significant for Iowa. Before returning to Big Ten competition, it helped the Hawkeyes hone their execution, boost their self-esteem, and strengthen their positive habits. The Hawkeyes now move on to the New Year and a difficult game against UCLA at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Saturday, January 3. The game will only be streamed on Peacock, and tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.
With a 10-3 record and a 2-0 record in Big Ten play, UCLA will be a much tougher opponent than UMass-Lowell. However, Iowa’s performance on Monday indicated that the team is headed in the right direction connected on defense, balanced on offense, and gaining confidence from new players. Iowa couldn’t have asked for a better way to wrap up nonconference play as the calendar turns and the stakes increase.
