Iowa Hawkeyes vs Clemson Tigers: Tournament Upset?

0:00On March 19th, the Iowa Hawkeyes earned a number 9 seed in the 2025-26 NCAA Tournament with a 21 and 12 record. After missing the big dance the past few years, they're thrilled to be back, even if their Big Ten Tournament run fell short. Now they face the number 8 seeded Clemson Tigers, who finished 24 and 10. Clemson just lost to number 1 Duke by 12 points, showing they can hang with the best. Iowa's season had its ups and downs, including a late cold streak, but this matchup is wide open since 8 vs 9 games are always toss-ups. Hawkeye fans debated whether dropping to a number 10 seed might have been better, but they're sticking with number 9 and feeling optimistic. The team knows a lackluster finish doesn't define them, and making the tournament is a win after recent absences. To pull off the upset, Iowa should dictate a slow pace, as they play the second slowest tempo in the country, while Clemson rarely cracks 80 points. Getting guard Benesterts going early is key to avoid digging a hole,

1:00and they need to build a lead late since they're not built for buzzer. Beaters expect to grind it out battle, but if Iowa executes their plan, they could advance and build momentum for a deep run.