This week, Iowa basketball’s steady ascent up the national rankings continued, and the Hawkeyes are once again in the top 20.
Iowa made it into the Top 20 of the most recent AP Top 25 Men’s College Basketball Poll, which was released on Monday, January 5, following yet another outstanding week on the court. The Hawkeyes moved up six spots to No. 19, which is their highest ranking of the year and confirms the increasing perception that this team is starting to play a significant role in the Big Ten race.
Iowa’s ascent follows two convincing wins that demonstrated both star power and balance. The Hawkeyes, who are currently 12-2 overall and 2-1 in conference play, defeated UCLA in Big Ten action after handling business at home against UMass-Lowell. On December 29, Iowa defeated UMass-Lowell 90-62 in a game that never felt very close, kicking off the week.
The River Hawks were 1-0 in the America East and 6-10 overall going into the game, but they were unable to match Iowa’s depth or tempo. Bennett Stirtz, a senior guard, led the way with 22 points to cap off a well-rounded performance in which the Hawkeyes dominated their opponent on both ends of the court and moved the ball effectively.
Iowa’s resume was bolstered by the victory over UMass-Lowell, but the game against UCLA on Saturday carried much greater significance. On January 3, Iowa hosted the Bruins in a crowded and enthusiastic Carver-Hawkeye Arena as they returned to Big Ten play. At the time, UCLA was 2-1 in conference play and 10-4 overall, making it an obvious test. In response, the Hawkeyes put on one of their best performances of the year, winning 74-61 to qualify for the Quadrant 2 and raise their profile in the NCAA tournament.
Once again, Stirtz took center stage.
Against UCLA, the senior scored 27 points, repeatedly stifling the Bruins’ attempts to gain momentum. Stirtz appeared to be a go-to player for a team hoping to make the postseason, whether he was leading vocally during crucial moments, attacking off the dribble, or making timely shots. His performance gave the home crowd a boost and demonstrated how important his presence has become to this Iowa team.
Those two wins were more than enough to catch the attention of AP poll voters.
Iowa was ranked 25th in the previous AP Top 25, which was announced on December 22. The Hawkeyes rose six spots to No. 19 in less than two weeks, demonstrating the increasing regard for their reliability and upward trajectory. At this point in the season, it’s a significant improvement and an obvious indication that Iowa is no longer going unnoticed. In this week’s poll, the Hawkeyes are not the only team representing the Big Ten. With several teams dispersed throughout the rankings, the conference is still demonstrating its depth at the national level.
At No. 2, Michigan is still the best team in the league, only one point behind top-ranked Arizona. Arizona received 32 first-place votes, just ahead of the Wolverines, who received 29. UConn completes the top four at No. 4, while Iowa State, with a perfect 14-0 record, comes in at No. 3. Purdue is still ranked fifth, and Duke is ranked sixth. Gonzaga dropped to No. 8, BYU rose to No. 9, and Houston moved up one spot to No. 7. After an undefeated start to the season, Nebraska made one of the biggest leaps in the poll, moving up three spots to No. 10.
Alabama rose to No. 13, Texas Tech to No. 14, and Michigan State to No. 12. Illinois moved up four spots to No. 16, while Arkansas rose to No. 15. Georgia shot up to No. 18, Iowa landed at No. 19, and North Carolina fell five spots to No. 17. Louisville at No. 20, Tennessee at No. 21, Kansas at No. 22, Virginia at No. 23, SMU at No. 24, and UCF at No. 25 complete the Top 25.
A number of Big Ten programs are hovering just outside the poll in addition to the ranked teams. The fact that USC, Indiana, and UCLA are all getting votes highlights how competitive the conference is overall and suggests that as league play heats up, more ranked games may be in store.
The ranking serves as a reminder as well as a reward for Iowa. The Hawkeyes’ strong leadership, disciplined play, and reliable performances especially at home have earned them national recognition. However, the ascent also raises expectations and draws more attention, particularly as Big Ten play intensifies.
However, the momentum is undeniable for the time being. Iowa’s seasoned leaders are producing top-notch work, winning games, and defending their home court. Reaching the Top 20 is a positive development, and if the Hawkeyes keep going in this direction, it probably won’t be the last time their name appears in the rankings this year.
