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Stirtz Hits Game Winning FT in Win Over Trojans
Iowa defeats USC 73-72 in Big Ten men's basketball action
Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:31pm
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Bennett Stirtz hit two free throws with 4.6 seconds left to give Iowa a 73-72 win over USC in a Big Ten men's basketball game on Wednesday. The Hawkeyes led by as many as 17 points in the 2nd half but the Trojans Kam Woods scored 12 straight points to make it close. Woods had 19 straight points for USC and Jacob Cofie gave the Trojans a 72-71 lead with 8 seconds left, but Stirtz was fouled and hit both free throws to win it for Iowa.
Why it matters
This was an important Big Ten conference win for Iowa, who improved to 15-5 overall and 5-4 in the conference. USC dropped to 15-6 and 4-6 in the Big Ten with the close loss.
The details
Stirtz and Tavion Banks each had 20 points to lead Iowa. Alvaro Folguerias added 14 points off the bench for the Hawkeyes. Woods scored 33 points for USC, while Chad Baker-Mazara had 13 points and Ezra Ausar added 10.
- The game was played on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
- Stirtz hit the game-winning free throws with 4.6 seconds left on the clock.
The players
Bennett Stirtz
A player for the Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team who hit the game-winning free throws.
Kam Woods
A player for the USC Trojans men's basketball team who scored 33 points in the game.
Jacob Cofie
A player for the USC Trojans men's basketball team who gave the Trojans a 72-71 lead with 8 seconds left.
Tavion Banks
A player for the Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team who scored 20 points.
Alvaro Folguerias
A player for the Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team who scored 14 points off the bench.
What they’re saying
“This was an important Big Ten conference win for us.”
— Bennett Stirtz
What’s next
Iowa will look to build on this win as they continue their Big Ten schedule, while USC will try to bounce back from the close loss.
The takeaway
This game came down to the wire, with Iowa making the key plays at the end to pull out the victory over a tough USC team in Big Ten play.
