Hawkeyes vs Clemson: Tournament Opener

0:00On March 19th, Iowa Hawkeyes basketball fans finally get their tournament fixed today with the first round matchup against the number 8C Clemson. Tigers, the number 9-seated Hawkeyes tip off around 6.50pm, Eastern Time at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa. It's been a long wait after skipping the first four and opening day games. Clemson comes in strong after reaching the ACC semi-finals, but they'll miss their second leading scorer and top rebounder, Carter Welling. That could tilt things for Iowa in this Razor Close number 8, versus number 9 clash. ESPN Analytics sees it as almost a 50-50 split, with Iowa holding a 49.5% win chance right before tip-off. Hawkeyes supporters have buzzed with excitement after years without a deep run, and this game's unpredictability has everyone talking. Local fans can cast the radio call on the Hawkeye Radio Network with Gary Dolphin and Bobby Hanson, starting with a 1-hour pre-game from over 40. Stations across several states, nationwide listeners tune into serious XM on Westwood 1, channels 209 and 202, featuring John Sadak and Tom Kreme.

1:09TV coverage hits TNT with Tom McCarthy, Dan Bonner, and Candace Parker, plus streaming on HBO Max. Expect a battle as these teams size each other up in Tampa, setting the stage for Iowa's tournament hopes.