Every Big Ten victory has a different feeling. Certain wins are standard; you simply record them in the standings and move on. Some stay a bit longer. They are a sign of expansion. conviction. Perhaps even the start of something more significant. In a crowded Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Saturday night, Iowa’s 74–61 victory over UCLA felt precisely like that.
The Hawkeyes jumped out early, created a sizable lead in the first half, and then withstood a strong late push from the Bruins before closing the door. With its 12th victory of the year, Iowa advanced to 12-2 overall and 2-1 in Big Ten play when the final horn blew. More than the stats, though, this was a noteworthy victory for a team that is still figuring out who it is under first-year head coach Ben McCollum. UCLA wasn’t the only team Iowa defeated. The Hawkeyes demonstrated their ability to close.
Bennett Stirtz continues to prove he’s the real deal
Saturday night should have dispelled any doubts regarding Bennett Stirtz’s capacity to shine on a large stage. The former Drake guard torched UCLA for a game-high 27 points on an extraordinarily effective 8-for-10 shooting from the field, giving his most comprehensive performance in an Iowa uniform to date. He was also almost flawless from beyond the arc, making four of his six attempts. In a performance that demonstrated his all-around impact, Stirtz went on to fill the box score with four rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
During parts of the second half, Stirtz was limited by foul trouble, but he never vanished. He had a response every time UCLA narrowed the lead and momentum began to shift. a seamless lane floater. Under pressure, make calm free throws. And lastly, the game-winning deep three-pointer that brought Carver-Hawkeye Arena to its feet late in the game. It was the kind of evening that people remember. The kind of evening that NBA scouts relive. So far in Iowa City, Stirtz has passed every test that has been thrown at him, and Saturday might have been his most powerful statement to date.
Iowa shows toughness when the game tightens
It appeared for the majority of the first half that Iowa would easily win the conference. With just 47 seconds remaining before halftime, the Hawkeyes had amassed an incredible 23-point lead, overpowering UCLA with speed, energy, and shots. However, strong teams don’t disappear quietly, particularly when traveling. The Bruins gradually contributed to the deficit. The cozy lead contracted. The audience became tense. Iowa’s once-dominant lead had vanished into a four-point contest with 2:44 left. The familiar sensation of a Big Ten collapse lingered in the air as momentum had shifted.
This Iowa team demonstrated something unique in that regard. The Hawkeyes responded with poise and purpose rather than giving up. Iowa went on a decisive 13–4 run to end the game in the closing minutes. During that stretch, Tavion Banks and Stirtz combined to go a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. Refusing to let the moment get too big, those two calmly punished UCLA for fouling and scored all 13 points in the final stretch.
This is the kind of game that Iowa might have lost in previous seasons. It felt different on Saturday. The Hawkeyes did not panic under McCollum. They carried out the execution. They had faith in one another. It was an eye-opening moment that revealed a lot about the culture that was starting to take root in Iowa City.
Carver-Hawkeye Arena makes its presence felt again
For many years, Iowa men’s basketball has been frustrated by Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The men’s team found it difficult to recreate the same enthusiasm as the women’s program, which frequently packed the building and produced one of the best environments in the sport. McCollum was clear about his intention when he got there: to get Carver back. Turn up the volume. Make the visiting teams uncomfortable. Make it a real home-court advantage once more.
Saturday night felt like a breakthrough.
The audience was attentive from the beginning. The building shook as Iowa shot to its early lead. More significantly, the supporters did not go away when things became awkward—when UCLA surged and uncertainty began to creep in. Carver continued to be vocal, committed, and supportive of the Hawkeyes. In the final moments, that support was crucial. The noise peaked as Iowa tightened their defense and iced the game at the free-throw line. UCLA sensed it. Iowa benefited from it. The outcome was a finish that was both competitive and communal.
Carver-Hawkeye Arena showed up and showed out, and it played a real role in getting Iowa across the finish line.
A win that feels like more than just one game
Yes, this was just one conference victory in early January. But it carried weight.
Iowa defeated a strong UCLA squad. The Hawkeyes responded to hardship. Their star came through. The supporting cast performed admirably. And the home crowd made a comeback. Programs build on those kinds of evenings. Iowa basketball is still starting a new chapter under Ben McCollum. Although Saturday’s victory didn’t complete the story, it seemed to be the point at which people began to pay more attention to what would happen next.
