Iowa Seeks Seventh Straight Win at Maryland

Hawkeyes' Bennett Stirtz looks to continue hot streak against struggling Terrapins

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Iowa Hawkeyes, ranked No. 20 in the NET Rankings, will look to extend their six-game winning streak when they travel to face the Maryland Terrapins on Wednesday. Iowa is led by guard Bennett Stirtz, who scored a career-high 36 points in the team's last game against Northwestern. Maryland, on the other hand, has struggled this season, losing four of its last five games by an average of 28 points. However, the Terrapins are coming off a much-needed 67-62 victory over Minnesota, in which guard David Coit scored 29 points.

Why it matters

This game is an important one for both teams as they look to position themselves for the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Iowa is seeking a signature win to bolster its tournament resume, while Maryland is hoping to build momentum and turn its season around with a victory over a ranked opponent.

The details

Iowa has yet to beat a ranked team this season, but the Hawkeyes have been nearly flawless against the rest of their competition, leading to their current No. 20 ranking in the NET. Maryland, on the other hand, has struggled mightily, losing four of its last five games by an average of 28 points. However, the Terrapins are coming off a much-needed 67-62 victory over Minnesota, in which guard David Coit scored 29 points.

  • The game will take place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Bennett Stirtz

Iowa's starting guard, who scored a career-high 36 points in the team's last game against Northwestern.

David Coit

Maryland's starting guard, who scored 29 points in the team's recent victory over Minnesota.

Ben McCollum

Iowa's head coach, who praised Stirtz's performance and the team's collective effort.

Buzz Williams

Maryland's first-year head coach, who was pleased with his team's fight and togetherness in their recent win.

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What they’re saying

“We were kind of in a little lull, a little asleep. And I knew that I needed to get going late in the first half.”

— Bennett Stirtz, Iowa Guard (Iowa City Press-Citizen)

“The thing with really good players that people don't realize is the players around him have to allow him to be great. A lot of teams have great players ... but their teammates want some more shine out of it, so they won't allow that player to be great.”

— Ben McCollum, Iowa Head Coach (Iowa City Press-Citizen)

“I thought the fight, the togetherness was as good as it's been in a long, long time.”

— Buzz Williams, Maryland Head Coach (statenews.net)

What’s next

The winner of this game will take a step closer to securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament, while the loser will have to regroup and try to build momentum for the stretch run.

The takeaway

This game showcases the contrast between a surging Iowa team and a struggling Maryland squad. The Hawkeyes' collective effort and Bennett Stirtz's individual brilliance will be put to the test against a Terrapins team desperate for a signature win to turn its season around.