Particle.news
Download on the App Store
10 ARTICLES
·
5d ago

Iowa Edges USC 73-72 on Bennett Stirtz’s Late Free Throws

Kam Woods’ career-high 33 points erased most of Iowa’s big lead before the Hawkeyes closed it out at the line.

USC freshman Jazzy Davidson looks on amid a team huddle during a loss to Maryland on Jan. 15, 2026, at the Galen Center. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • Bennett Stirtz scored 20 and sank two free throws with 4.6 seconds left after a foul on Jerry Easter II to secure the win.
  • Iowa led by as many as 17 in the second half before USC rallied to briefly take the lead in the final seconds.
  • Kam Woods finished with 33 points on 12-of-17 shooting in 40 minutes, scoring 19 straight for USC before missing a potential game-winning three.
  • Tavion Banks matched Stirtz with 20 for Iowa before fouling out, and Alvaro Folgueiras added 14 points and five rebounds.
  • The Hawkeyes improved to 15-5 (5-4 Big Ten) while the Trojans fell to 15-6 (4-6) with depth still thinned by Rodney Rice’s season-ending shoulder surgery and Amarion Dickerson’s absence.