Iowa Hawkeyes Coach Reflects on Loss to Wisconsin Badgers

Ben McCollum discusses defensive struggles and offensive issues in 84-71 defeat

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball coach Ben McCollum spoke to the media following his team's 84-71 loss to the Wisconsin Badgers on Sunday. McCollum acknowledged that while he and his staff had a solid game plan, the Hawkeyes struggled to execute it, particularly in the second half. He cited defensive issues stopping Wisconsin's guards and failing to close out on shooters, as well as an offense that got stagnant and failed to move the ball effectively on the road.

Why it matters

The loss was a setback for the Hawkeyes, who were looking to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. McCollum's comments provide insight into the team's struggles and the areas they need to improve on to be successful against top Big Ten opponents like Wisconsin.

The details

McCollum said the Hawkeyes did a decent job in the first half of implementing their game plan, but the second half proved to be their undoing. He cited the team's inability to stop Wisconsin's guards from driving straight to the basket, as well as failing to close out on Badgers' shooters near the three-point line. On offense, McCollum acknowledged that the Hawkeyes got stuck and the ball movement was not up to par, particularly on the road.

  • The game took place on Sunday afternoon.

The players

Ben McCollum

The head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team.

Nick Boyd

A guard for the Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Coming into the game on Sunday afternoon against Wisconsin, Ben McCollum felt that he and his staff had put together a winning game plan. The problem, of course, is then going out and executing that game plan.”

— Ben McCollum, Head Coach, Iowa Hawkeyes (on3.com)

The takeaway

McCollum's comments highlight the challenges the Hawkeyes faced in executing their game plan against a tough Wisconsin team on the road. The loss underscores the need for the Hawkeyes to shore up their defense and improve their ball movement in order to compete with the top teams in the Big Ten conference.