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Iowa Basketball Escapes With Dramatic Win Over USC
Hawkeyes hold on for 73-72 victory in back-and-forth contest
Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:55pm
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In a thrilling game that went down to the wire, the Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team defeated the USC Trojans 73-72 on Wednesday night. The game featured multiple lead changes and dramatic moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.
Why it matters
This win is an important boost for the Hawkeyes as they look to solidify their position in the Big Ten standings and make a push for the NCAA Tournament. The close victory over a talented USC squad also demonstrates the resilience and competitiveness of the Iowa team.
The details
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to pull away for long. Iowa built a small lead in the first half, but USC battled back to tie the game at halftime. The second half saw the lead change hands multiple times, with both teams making key shots and defensive stops down the stretch. In the final seconds, Iowa made a crucial free throw to seal the 73-72 win.
- The game was played on Wednesday, January 29, 2026.
- Iowa and USC were tied 35-35 at halftime.
The players
Ben McCollum
The head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team.
USC Trojans
The men's basketball team from the University of Southern California.
What they’re saying
“We knew it was going to be a tough game against a talented USC team, but our guys showed a lot of heart and determination to pull out the win.”
— Ben McCollum, Head Coach, Iowa Hawkeyes
What’s next
The Hawkeyes will look to build on this win as they continue their Big Ten schedule, with a key matchup against conference rival Michigan coming up next week.
The takeaway
This thrilling victory demonstrates the competitive spirit and resilience of the Iowa Hawkeyes, who were able to overcome a talented opponent in a back-and-forth battle to secure an important win for their NCAA Tournament aspirations.
