In a thrilling Big Ten game inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Friday, Iowa basketball will turn the page to 2026 as the Hawkeyes take on UCLA in an early conference-season test. It’s one of the more interesting games on Iowa’s schedule thus far because it combines momentum, star power, and a little bit of history. With an 11-2 overall record and a 1-1 Big Ten record going into the game, the Hawkeyes are hoping to establish consistency as the calendar turns. Iowa’s most recent performance was very encouraging. The Hawkeyes defeated UMass Lowell 90-62 in their final game of 2025, controlling the entire contest and displaying the offensive balance they’ll need against more formidable opponents.
Bennett Stirtz, a senior guard, was crucial to that victory and is still a reliable member of Iowa’s team. On a productive 7-for-13 shooting night, Stirtz scored 22 points, but his influence went far beyond that. He added two steals on defense and distributed eight assists, constantly placing teammates in advantageous positions. Such performances highlight his value as a floor general and scorer, particularly in games that require composure and judgment.
UCLA has its own momentum when it gets to Iowa City. The Bruins are on a three-game winning streak, are 10-3 overall, and are undefeated in Big Ten play at 2-0. UCLA defeated UC Riverside 97-65 in their most recent game, demonstrating how potent their offense can be when it gets going. Tyler Bilodeau, a senior forward, dominated that game by scoring 34 points and making four three-pointers. It was the kind of performance that makes early and frequent adjustments to opposing defenses.
The obvious center of UCLA’s attack is Bilodeau. With an impressive 54.8% field goal percentage and an impressive 46.7% three-point percentage, he leads the Bruins with 19.0 points per game. He is a matchup problem because of his ability to score inside and stretch the floor, especially for teams that find it difficult to defend versatile forwards.
However, UCLA is not a one-man show. The team has depth and balance thanks to three other Bruins who average double figures. Skyy Clark, a senior guard, adds experience and shot-making to the backcourt while scoring 14.2 points per game. Junior guard Eric Dailey Jr. contributes 10.6 points per game, while senior guard Donovan Dent adds 12.6 points per game, completing a group that can score in a variety of ways. Instead of concentrating on a single player, Iowa will probably need to play disciplined team defense to slow down the Bruins.
From a historical standpoint, Iowa has a 5-4 lead over UCLA in the all-time series. With a 2-0 record against the Bruins in Iowa City, the Hawkeyes have been especially effective at home. But Iowa didn’t win the most recent meeting. The Hawkeyes are further motivated by UCLA’s convincing 94-70 victory in Los Angeles on January 17 of last season.
There’s also a contemporary twist to how fans can follow the game on Friday. The Iowa vs. UCLA basketball game will only be available on Peacock, so viewers will need the streaming service to watch the action. 5 p.m. CT is the tipoff time. Play-by-play will be handled by Paul Burmeister, and color commentary will be provided by former Hawkeye Jess Settles, a well-known voice that Iowa fans are familiar with.
This game feels like a litmus test as Iowa begins the new year. UCLA offers a step up in competition and an opportunity to make an impression in Big Ten play, but the Hawkeyes have demonstrated that they can rule when they’re playing well. The stage is set for an exciting start to 2026 with two teams on winning streaks and Carver-Hawkeye Arena delivering its customary energy.
