The highly anticipated matchup between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones is set to take place on Thursday, highlighting a storied rivalry known as the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series. This year marks the second consecutive season that the Hawkeyes will face a top 10 ranked Cyclones team, adding another layer of excitement for fans and players alike.
The Hawkeyes, currently sitting at 23rd in the coaches’ poll and 26th in the Associated Press poll, have enjoyed an impressive 8-1 start this season, the program’s best since the 2000-01 campaign. Their recent victory over Maryland, where they triumphed 83-64, featured four players scoring in double figures, showcasing the team’s depth and talent. Bennett Stirtz has stood out as a key player, leading the team with an average of 18.8 points per game and having earned MVP honors at the Acrisure Classic after scoring 29 points against Ole Miss.
On the other side of the court, the Cyclones enter the game with a perfect 9-0 record, boasting notable victories against teams such as Purdue and Syracuse. Iowa State has excelled on offense, leading the nation with a 54.9 field goal percentage and an impressive scoring average of 84.6 points per game. Their standout player, Milan Momcilovic, averages 18.3 points and is among the NCAA leaders in 3-pointers, contributing significantly to Iowa State’s explosive offense.
Historically, this matchup features a competitive edge, with Iowa leading the all-time series 48-30. However, Iowa State has captured wins in their last two encounters, making this game critical for Iowa’s quest to reclaim dominance in the rivalry. Notably, Iowa’s last win at Hilton Coliseum came in 2019, ending a challenging eight-game losing streak in Ames.
As both teams prepare for Thursday’s showdown, fans can tune into the action via the Hawkeye Radio Network or catch the live television broadcast on FS1, with Kevin Kugler and Miles Simon covering the game. With the stakes high and both teams eager for a win, this contest promises to deliver thrilling basketball and potentially set the tone for the remainder of the season.