Iowa Basketball Struggles Continue After Gut-Wrenching Loss at Purdue
Another night, another tough lesson for the Iowa Hawkeyes — and another reminder that progress in college hoops rarely comes without pain.
After the Hawkeyes lost a hard-fought road game to Purdue on January 14, extending a frustrating three-game skid that has detracted from what once appeared to be a breakthrough season, Iowa basketball’s struggles have become the central narrative of mid-January.
Painful growing pains are highlighted by Iowa basketball’s difficulties. Iowa seemed poised to turn things around after rising to No. 19 in the AP Top 25. Rather, reality struck quickly and forcefully. The decline started in Minneapolis against an unranked Minnesota team, where Iowa dramatically overcame a deficit before collapsing in the closing seconds. It was the kind of loss that lingers, both mentally and emotionally.
Back in Iowa City, things didn’t get any easier. The Hawkeyes demonstrated tenacity by overcoming an 18-point deficit against No. 15 Illinois, energizing the home crowd and positioning themselves to steal a decisive victory. However, the last moments once more revealed a well-known tale. Iowa lost, and what could have been a pivotal win became just another one of the increasing number of near-misses.
Then came Purdue.
Iowa battled, clawed, and maintained striking distance against one of the most physical and disciplined teams in the Big Ten while traveling. There was an effort. It was a belief. Sadly, the outcome was not. Another near-miss defeat. Another chance was lost. Ben McCollum, the head coach, clarified after the final buzzer that he is not in a panic.
”There’s a certain amount of failure that comes with trying to be good,” McCollum remarked after the game. “I believe that sometimes, as you strive to become better, you do get defeated, as has happened recently. However, you must not allow that to affect your capacity to fight on.
The evaluation was refreshingly candid and relevant to Iowa City’s overall situation. Emotions surrounding the program are raw at the moment. That will happen after three heartbreaking losses in a row. Supporters recognize the potential. They observe this team’s closeness. And that’s what exacerbates the pain.
But context matters.
Nobody is more familiar with this than McCollum. His coaching career took some time to develop. Patience, perseverance, and enduring hardships like this one were the keys to success. He is now requesting that his players follow suit.
The Hawkeyes are not losing handily. They’re not folding. They are eliminating huge deficits, competing with teams that are ranked, and positioning themselves for victory. Learning how to close is the next step, which is frequently the most challenging. Losses like Purdue, Minnesota, and Illinois hurt because they seem avoidable. However, they also play a role in teaching a team what it takes to win in the Big Ten on a regular basis.
McCollum hasn’t given up. Fans of Iowa shouldn’t either. The building of the foundation is underway. It’s a real fight. Additionally, the narrative surrounding Iowa basketball could shift as quickly as it collapsed if this group is able to transform these difficult lessons into growth. For the time being, the Hawkeyes continue to work hard despite being bruised and frustrated.
