Fight for Iowa Podcast – NCAA Tournament Preview

The Hawkeyes make their 30th NCAA Tournament appearance—and first since 2022—squaring off with Clemson in an 8/9 matchup Friday in Tampa. Led by senior guard Bennet Stirtz, who averaged 22 points per game in Big Ten play, Iowa enters March with momentum after a 21-win season in one of the nation’s toughest conferences.

Clemson counters with a deep, balanced roster and All-ACC forward RJ Godfrey, but will be without starting center Carter Welling due to injury. With both teams known for their defense, this matchup sets up as one of the most competitive games of the opening round—with a potential showdown against top-seeded Florida looming.

We hear from head coach Ben McCollum and floor leader Bennett Stirtz as the Hawkeyes prepare for Friday’s tip.

Plus, Iowa Women’s Basketball opens NCAA Tournament play in Iowa City as a No. 2 seed, hosting Fairleigh Dickinson at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Head coach Jan Jensen, Kylie Feuerbach, and a veteran Hawkeye squad look to make another deep March run on their home floor.

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