The highly anticipated Big Ten Conference opener has the Iowa Hawkeyes facing off against the Michigan State Spartans on Tuesday, marking a significant fixture in both teams’ early season campaigns. The game will be broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network featuring Gary Dolphin and Bobby Hansen, and will also be streamed on Peacock with Paul Burmeister and Nick Bahe calling the action.
Iowa comes into the matchup with an impressive 7-0 record, boasting their best start since the 2021-22 season. This will be a momentous occasion for head coach Ben McCollum as it marks his Big Ten debut and his first encounter with a conference opponent. Remarkably, McCollum joins the ranks of only three previous Iowa coaches who have opened their tenures with seven consecutive victories, a feat last achieved by Dr. Tom Davis during the 1986-87 season.
The Hawkeyes have shown offensive prowess, currently ranked eighth nationally with a .531 field goal percentage and an outstanding 63.2 percent shooting from two-point range. Recently, Iowa claimed the title at the Acrisure Classic after securing wins against Ole Miss and Grand Canyon. Senior guard Bennett Stirtz was named MVP of the tournament, averaging 21 points and notably scoring a career-high 29 points in the victorious match against Ole Miss.
In terms of performance metrics, Stirtz leads the team, averaging 18.6 points, along with significant contributions in assists, rebounds, and steals. Among active players, he stands out nationally, ranking in the top 10 for both points and assists.
On the other hand, the Spartans are also undefeated with a 7-0 record, having recently triumphed in the Fort Myers Tip-off. Michigan State has secured victories over ranked rivals including No. 14 Arkansas and No. 12 Kentucky. They boast a potent lineup with four players averaging double-digit points, including leading scorer Jaxon Kohler with 14.6 points per game. The team’s defensive efforts have been lauded as they allow only 61.6 points per game, ranking them 11th in the nation for scoring defense.
Historically, the matchup sees the Spartans leading the all-time series 78-60, although Iowa has found success in recent years, winning five out of the last seven meetings. With their last encounter in East Lansing resulting in a 78-71 victory for Iowa, the Hawkeyes hope to continue this positive trend as they aim for an emphatic start to their conference play.
As both teams are set to compete in what promises to be an exciting clash, this game not only symbolizes the beginning of their Big Ten journeys but also highlights the competitive spirit of college basketball. Fans are eager to witness how this thrilling contest will unfold, filled with rich tradition and intense rivalry.