Video: Iowa coach Ben McCollum on non-conference scheduling philosophy
Iowa basketball coach Ben McCollum meets with media on Dec. 27, 2025.
Looking to end the non-conference with one more easy win, No. 23 Iowa basketball hosts UMass Lowell today inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Big Ten Network will televise the 4 p.m. CT affair. The Hawkeyes (10-2) picked up a 94-39 win over Bucknell in Des Moines last time out on Dec. 20. Iowa’s only two losses so far are to top-10 foes.
Meanwhile, UMass Lowell (5-9) has had a hard time getting going. The River Hawks suffered an 88-76 loss to Boston U last time out on Dec. 21. Can’t watch the game? Refresh this page often for updates and analysis from pregame to postgame.
15:40/2H: Iowa 55, UMass Lowell 36.
Hawkeyes still cruising along as we’ve reached the first media timeout of the second half. Bennett Stirtz nearing a double-double with 13 points and six assists, as is Cam Manyawu (14 points, 8 rebounds).
18:36/2H: Second half underway.
UMass Lowell has the first four points of the second half, but Iowa answers with the next four. Hawkeyes cashing in easy ones with an 11-for-13 showing at the line. Iowa up 51-34.
HALF: Iowa 47, UMass Lowell 30.
Hawkeyes with some lapses on that final possession, but an otherwise strong open for Ben McCollum’s squad. Iowa shooting 69% from the field (18-for-26) that’s led to a robust 32-16 edge in paint scoring. Double-figure scoring for Bennett Stirtz (11 points) and Cam Manyawu (10 points).
1:18/1H: Iowa 47, UMass Lowell 24.
River Hawks aren’t helping themselves with a 2-for-7 start at the line. Hawkeyes pushing this one to the first-half finish line.
4:41/1H: Three first-half fouls on Tavian Banks.
He’ll sit presumably for the rest of the half. A Bennett Stirtz trey is Iowa’s first points from outside the paint other than free throws. Hawkeyes still cruising with a 42-21 cushion.
5:48/1H: Iowa 34, UMass Lowell 17.
Iowa still has all its points in the paint other than free throws. Incredible discipline against an overmatched squad. Hawkeyes didn’t take their first trey until 8:41 to go in the half.
8:28/1H: Bennett Stirtz with a rare first-half breather.
Trevin Jirak makes it eight Hawkeyes who’ve scored so far. Iowa continues to cruise with a 32-13 lead.
9:42/1H: Iowa 28, UMass Lowell 8.
River Hawks haven’t scored in three minutes with Iowa on an 11-1 surge. Hawkeyes shooting 11-for-15 and haven’t even taken one trey yet.
11:45/1H: Iowa 23, UMass Lowell 8.
Hawkeyes really haven’t needed to take an actual shot yet. Iowa has 20 points in the paint with three free throws. Seven different Hawkeyes have scored already.
14:35/1H: Iowa 17, UMass Lowell 4.
Alvaro Folgueiras and Isaiah Howard into the game as Iowa continues rolling.
15:23/1H: No slow start in this one.
Hawkeyes not taking the Bucknell route with a sluggish open. Iowa hasn’t gotten repeated easy looks at the rim en route to a 14-4 advantage. Cam Manyawu leads with 8 points.
18:22/1H: Iowa 6, UMass Lowell 0
Hawkeyes turning up the defensive pressure early. River Hawks can hardly get anything going on offense. This one starting predictably.
4:04 p.m. – About ready to rock in CHA.
A soft 4 p.m. tip with BTN involved. Action underway shortly.
3:50 p.m. – Iowa starting lineup.
- Tavion Banks
- Kael Combs
- Bennett Stirtz
- Cam Manyawu
- Cooper Koch
Usual five for the Hawkeyes.
3:30 p.m. – Iowa vs. UMass Lowell betting odds
- Spread: Iowa -33.5
- Total: 144.5
Odds courtesy of DraftKings.
3:15 p.m. – What channel is Iowa vs. UMass Lowell on?
Dargan Southard is a sports trending reporter and covers Iowa athletics for the Des Moines Register and HawkCentral.com. Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter at @Dargan_Southard.
