Iowa players discuss narrow loss to Michigan

Hawkeyes rally late but fall short against top-ranked Wolverines

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team came up just short in a 71-68 loss to Michigan on Thursday night. Despite trailing by 10 points late in the second half, Iowa rallied to tie the game twice in the final minutes before a last-second three-point attempt by Bennett Stirtz missed at the buzzer. Stirtz and teammate Cam Manyawu combined to score 35 points in the defeat.

Why it matters

This close loss to a top-ranked opponent shows the Hawkeyes' potential and competitiveness, even against elite teams. While they came up short, the team's late-game effort and ability to erase a double-digit deficit demonstrates their resilience and ability to compete at the highest level of college basketball.

The details

Iowa trailed Michigan by 10 points late in the second half, but fought back to tie the game twice in the final minutes. Bennett Stirtz and Cam Manyawu led the Hawkeyes' scoring effort, combining for 35 points. Stirtz had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer but his three-point attempt fell short.

  • The game was played on Thursday, March 6, 2026 in Iowa City, Iowa.

The players

Bennett Stirtz

A key player for the Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team who scored 18 points in the loss to Michigan.

Cam Manyawu

An Iowa player who scored 17 points and helped lead the Hawkeyes' late comeback effort against the Wolverines.

Michigan

The top-ranked college basketball team that narrowly defeated Iowa 71-68.

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What they’re saying

“I thought the shot was going in at the end, but it just didn't fall for us.”

— Bennett Stirtz, Iowa Player (on3.com)

“We showed a lot of fight and effort tonight, and that's what we need to keep doing to make a run in March.”

— Cam Manyawu, Iowa Player (on3.com)

What’s next

The Hawkeyes will look to bounce back in their next game against a conference opponent as they continue their push towards the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

Despite the narrow loss, this game demonstrated the Hawkeyes' ability to compete with top teams in the country. With continued effort and resilience, Iowa has the potential to make noise in the postseason.