Everything but the W

[DukeSlater]

What a game. What an effort. What a crowd. What a heartbreaking loss.

The kids played last night like I expected to see every game. They played their hearts out. They took on a team that has a huge talent advantage, a huge height advantage, that is #3 in the country, and took them down to the final second. One more good call, one more good break and the Hawkeyes pull off one of the great upsets in recent memory. But I guess that's not how it goes right now. Maybe they'll pull that off when it matters most--in the NCAA tourney.

But I can't say enough about the crowd noise and the energy and effort the Hawkeyes displayed against mighty Michigan. I just hope they can recover in time for Sunday in Lincoln. Nebraska played Tuesday night, so they'll have a significant advantage in terms of rest. It's not gonna be easy for Iowa to replicate last night's effort again so soon. But at least the Hawkeyes know they match up well with Nebraska and they've already beaten them, so maybe they can get the sweep.

 

[Franisdaman]

I am really glad we have turnovers under control (only 5 for Iowa; 18 for Michigan).

The big thing that stands out is shooting percentages; it's hard to win when you are only shooting 39% and the #3 team in the country is shooting 53%.

The announced attendance (total tickets sold & distributed) was 13,854. Actual butts in the seats (scanned tickets) is always less.

Michigan 71-68 Iowa (Mar 5, 2026) Box Score - ESPN

Box score for the Michigan Wolverines vs. Iowa Hawkeyes NCAAM game from March 5, 2026 on ESPN. Includes all points, rebounds and steals stats.

www.espn.com

 

[83Hawk]

What a game. What an effort. What a crowd. What a heartbreaking loss.

The kids played last night like I expected to see every game. They played their hearts out. They took on a team that has a huge talent advantage, a huge height advantage, that is #3 in the country, and took them down to the final second. One more good call, one more good break and the Hawkeyes pull off one of the great upsets in recent memory. But I guess that's not how it goes right now. Maybe they'll pull that off when it matters most--in the NCAA tourney.

But I can't say enough about the crowd noise and the energy and effort the Hawkeyes displayed against mighty Michigan. I just hope they can recover in time for Sunday in Lincoln. Nebraska played Tuesday night, so they'll have a significant advantage in terms of rest. It's not gonna be easy for Iowa to replicate last night's effort again so soon. But at least the Hawkeyes know they match up well with Nebraska and they've already beaten them, so maybe they can get the sweep.

Agree, good game and effort.

I just want the Hawks to make the ncaa tournament. I still don’t think they are a lock, until I see their name called on selection day. Been disappointed too many times in the past. I NEVER want Iowa to lose, but if they ARE a lock, then an early exit from the BTT could be more beneficial for the ncaa, as the players will be able to get some much needed rest.

For Ben to have done as well as he has with a roster of mid-major players is amazing. They are just wearing down from the grind of the Big 10.

 

[Max Rebo]

Always be happy when your team wins; always be disappointed when they lose.

I believe in that philosophy, and as such, I am disappointed to have lost the game.

But aside from that, I am encouraged by the effort, the crowd support, and that it was so close, particularly when many predicted a blowout.

All signs point to qualifying for the Dance, which most considered to be this team's ceiling heading into the season in McCollum's first year. So, still on track for what I think should be seen as a successful season, even if modestly so. That said, ending the season with a string of losses won't leave a particularly great taste in anyone's mouth, even if a number of the losses were predictable.

But one thing that this season has shown us -- and I don't think this is debatable -- is that we need more talent on the roster. More size. More guys who can score. It's going to be an interesting portal season. I've said it before, and I'll say again ... the next couple of months will tell us a lot about what we can truly expect out of the McCollum era.

I remain highly optimistic.

 

[Pharcyded]

Is it not a tech any longer to throw the ball against the backboard in frustration? I saw at two goaltending missed calls as well. I don't think the refs were going to let Iowa win this one. I'm not saying Iowa is the better team but it was apparent that the refs wanted to control the narrative of the game.

 

[Rambler Hawk]

What a game. What an effort. What a crowd. What a heartbreaking loss.

The kids played last night like I expected to see every game. They played their hearts out. They took on a team that has a huge talent advantage, a huge height advantage, that is #3 in the country, and took them down to the final second. One more good call, one more good break and the Hawkeyes pull off one of the great upsets in recent memory. But I guess that's not how it goes right now. Maybe they'll pull that off when it matters most--in the NCAA tourney.

But I can't say enough about the crowd noise and the energy and effort the Hawkeyes displayed against mighty Michigan. I just hope they can recover in time for Sunday in Lincoln. Nebraska played Tuesday night, so they'll have a significant advantage in terms of rest. It's not gonna be easy for Iowa to replicate last night's effort again so soon. But at least the Hawkeyes know they match up well with Nebraska and they've already beaten them, so maybe they can get the sweep.

Well said! I can’t remember when I was that excited for an Iowa basketball game from tip to finish. You could tell CHA was rocking…
It definitely was a David vs Goliath match…if we can replicate that effort in the Dance, any neutral court would definitely cheering for this team…and it can only help recruiting.

 

[oldxbbc]

Great game-wrong team won.

 

[HawksRule25]

What Ben McCollum meant when he said he had fun coaching tonight vs. Michigan. “That's how our teams are going to be. We went down 10 to arguably the best team in the country. … And then you come back. When you coach that, and those guys fight for you, and you're fighting for them. Like, that's what's so cool. It’s fun. I enjoy coaching that. Do you enjoy coaching when they're going half speed in other games? Not a lot, to be perfectly honest.”

 

[Hendy Hawk]

I usually don't comment much about the Refs but I think this game was called in Michigan's favor.

 

[MacMiney]

After seeing this team last night, I hope I am not viewing through gold tinted glasses. I think this team could seriously so some damage in the NCAA tournament. And seed in the NCAA tournament *does*not*matter. This really is literally if a match-up is a 2 -- so what. If Meatchicken is a legit 1, it's all the same. Unless it's Duke then we are ******. However, need to factor in Meatchiken's backup PG being out, into last night's result as well. So just a dose of reality to this thought. Either way, gotta beat Nebby to feel safe. Really need another solid away win badly.

 

[The Big Z]

Always be happy when your team wins; always be disappointed when they lose.

I believe in that philosophy, and as such, I am disappointed to have lost the game.

But aside from that, I am encouraged by the effort, the crowd support, and that it was so close, particularly when many predicted a blowout.

All signs point to qualifying for the Dance, which most considered to be this team's ceiling heading into the season in McCollum's first year. So, still on track for what I think should be seen as a successful season, even if modestly so. That said, ending the season with a string of losses won't leave a particularly great taste in anyone's mouth, even if a number of the losses were predictable.

But one thing that this season has shown us -- and I don't think this is debatable -- is that we need more talent on the roster. More size. More guys who can score. It's going to be an interesting portal season. I've said it before, and I'll say again ... the next couple of months will tell us a lot about what we can truly expect out of the McCollum era.

I remain highly optimistic.

While I remain highly optimistic and think he’s an incredible coach, I’m concerned that he’s pretty ridgid in the type of player he wants. Thompson and Harris both look like nice recruits but the B1G has so many elite athletes. And size. Banks was incredible last night on defense, only allowing Lendeborg 6 shots. Mac’s system is great and he has proven he can win. But can he get and is he willing to outside the box on some players?

 

[DukeSlater]

I am really glad we have turnovers under control (only 5 for Iowa; 18 for Michigan).

The big thing that stands out is shooting percentages; it's hard to win when you are only shooting 39% and the #3 team in the country is shooting 53%.

The announced attendance (total tickets sold & distributed) was 13,854. Actual butts in the seats (scanned tickets) is always less.

Michigan 71-68 Iowa (Mar 5, 2026) Box Score - ESPN

Box score for the Michigan Wolverines vs. Iowa Hawkeyes NCAAM game from March 5, 2026 on ESPN. Includes all points, rebounds and steals stats.

www.espn.com

Based on what I could see on TV all the way from Arizona, I think the 13,854 could actually be an honest count, or pretty dang close. The end zones looked pretty full, and the rest of the place was packed. The Michigan coach said the Carver crowd was really loud, and it was. People were standing and cheering most of the game. Things are moving in the right direction, and the team hasn't caught a break all season. Maybe the basketball gods will look kindly on the Hawkeyes in the NCAA tournament and Ben and the boys can make that long, long awaited sweet sixteen.

 

[Hawksfor3]

Is it not a tech any longer to throw the ball against the backboard in frustration?

When I watched that in real time, I thought, "Here comes the T", but it never happened.