Overview
- Iowa closed with a 13–4 run, hitting 8 of 8 free throws, with Tavion Banks' late dunk and a deep Bennett Stirtz three sealing the result.
- UCLA cut a 24-point deficit to 61–57 behind Donovan Dent, who finished with 25 points, including 20 after halftime.
- The Hawkeyes set the tone by shooting 56% in the first half, building a 40–22 halftime lead and going 7 of 16 from three.
- Mick Cronin blasted the Bruins' first-half effort as "soft," highlighting ongoing issues with defense, rebounding and lineup fit; guard Skyy Clark exited with a hamstring injury.
- Iowa improved to 12–2 (2–1 Big Ten) and has risen to No. 19 in the new poll, with Minnesota up next Tuesday; UCLA is 10–4 (2–1) and visits Wisconsin the same night.