No. 23 There is no better way for Iowa basketball to ring in 2026. The Hawkeyes defeated UCLA 74–61 on Saturday night in a boisterous and packed Carver-Hawkeye Arena, setting the tone for Big Ten play. The outcome wasn’t merely another victory. It was the kind of high-energy, emotional performance that resonates with a fan base, and based on the deluge of post-performance comments on social media, Hawkeye Nation felt every bit of it.
Both teams had identical 2-1 conference play records going into the game. With a 12-2 overall record, Iowa came in ranked No. 23 in the nation, while UCLA, eager to establish itself as one of the Big Ten’s early contenders, came in at 10-4. After a tense, physical battle that alternated between electric and nerve-wracking, Iowa finally closed the door late.
Senior point guard Bennett Stirtz was at the center of it all, putting on one of his most effective and dominant performances to date. Stirtz shot an astounding 8-for-10 from the field and scored a game-high 27 points. He was almost perfect from beyond the arc, making four of his six three-pointers, and he never faltered at the free-throw line, making all seven of his attempts.
However, Stirtz’s influence extended well beyond his ability to score. In 34 minutes, he contributed five assists, four rebounds, and two steals while managing Iowa’s offense with the poise of a seasoned player who is aware of the situation. The crowd erupted in a thunderous response to each big shot, which seemed to arrive just as UCLA was about to gain momentum.
Stirtz is typically the kind of guard who hardly ever gets off the ground. His decision-making, control, and conditioning frequently enable him to play almost the whole game. But Saturday night brought a unique twist. Late in the second half, he was benched due to four fouls, making what had been an exciting showcase a tense waiting game for Iowa supporters.
The Hawkeyes were put to the test during those minutes without their floor general. UCLA increased defensive pressure, made pushes, and appeared ready to make the game a last-possession struggle. Carver’s atmosphere changed; it was still boisterous but tinged with unease. Every possession felt heavier than the last, and every whistle elicited cheers or groans.
Still, Iowa held firm.
The Hawkeyes survived the storm thanks to timely defense, astute shot selection, or just the team’s determination to defend its home court. Stirtz helped Iowa pull away in the closing minutes and secure a 13-point victory that felt even larger than the final score indicated when he returned. Carver-Hawkeye Arena was humming by the time the buzzer went off, and that enthusiasm quickly spread to social media. Timelines were inundated with praise, incredulity, and sheer joy from Hawkeye supporters. Stirtz’s nearly flawless shooting night was highlighted by some. Others emphasized the gritty aspect of the victory, praising Iowa for maintaining composure in the face of pressure and foul trouble.
Fans were reminded of why conference basketball hits differently by this type of performance. In the Big Ten, there are no easy nights, and victories like this one usually have an impact long after the highlights have faded. Iowa’s position on the national scene was also strengthened by the victory. With the victory, the Hawkeyes maintained their No. 23 ranking in the most recent Coaches Poll rankings. More significantly, they conveyed to the rest of the conference that Iowa is not only gifted but also strong, resilient, and capable of winning games against elite opponents.
The schedule won’t get any easier anytime soon, but Saturday’s outcome served as a useful benchmark. Iowa dominated the game’s pivotal moments despite UCLA’s momentum and confidence. As the season progresses into Big Ten play, that blend of star power, poise, and crowd energy may prove vital. This was a night about atmosphere and belief that went beyond the box score. Carver-Hawkeye Arena felt like a true home-court advantage from the first tip to the last horn, reminding everyone why it’s still one of the hardest settings in college basketball.
This victory will be remembered as more than just a January outcome as Iowa looks ahead. It was a test that was passed, a moment that was cherished, and a reminder that the Hawkeyes are a challenging team to manage when they are locked in and Carver is playing well.
