Clemson vs Iowa: First Ever Meeting

0:00On March 20, Clemson's Tigers tip off their 2026 NCAA tournament, run as the number 8 seed against number 9 Iowa. The first round matchup happens Friday at 6.50pm at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida, airing live on TNT. You can stream in on TNTDrama.com slash Watch TNT or catch the radio call on 105.5 FM through the varsity network app. Iowa's a slight 1.5 point favorite, and the winner advances to face the survivor of number 1 Florida versus number 16 Prairie View A. And, and on Sunday, earlier this week, brought big news for Clemson staff, as associate head coach Billy Donlon accepted the head coaching job at Eastern Michigan in the FIM, M-A-C. But it'll stick with the Tigers through the tournament, a mutual call with head coach Brad Brownell. Donlon joked he might bail if 30 years with Brownell gets old, but he's committed to finishing strong with his squad.

1:00Iowa's offense runs through standout point guard, Bennett Sturts, who's averaging 20 points a game, 5th in the Big 10. The 6 foot 4 guard leads his team and assists, and steals 2 with sharp shooting from 3 and the line. Brownell called him an outstanding player with a great story, moving up from Division 2 to potential lottery pick status. Clemson faces challenges without starting forward, Carter Welling, out for the season with a torn ACL from the ACC tournament. The Tigers adjusted by going small last week and planned more tweaks, leaning on players like RJ Godfrey, Jake Wallen, and Benchbig Nick Davidson. With just 10 healthy bodies, coach Brownell says it's next man up, giving reps to Chase Thompson and Trent Steinor. This march the first ever meeting between Clemson and Iowa, with Brownell owning a 6 and 5 tournament record at Clemson across 5 prior trips. Number 9, seeds hold a solid edge lately over 8, winning about 64% since 2018.

2:00Expect a tie battle as both squads chase a deep run.