{"id":38851,"date":"2026-01-29T22:18:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T02:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/red94.net\/news\/iowa-beats-usc-73-72-on-bennett-stirtzs-clutch-free-throws-in-thriller\/"},"modified":"2026-01-29T22:18:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T02:18:18","slug":"31377-iowa-beats-usc-73-72-on-bennett-stirtz-s-clutch-free-throws-in-thriller","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/red94.net\/news\/31377-iowa-beats-usc-73-72-on-bennett-stirtz-s-clutch-free-throws-in-thriller\/","title":{"rendered":"Iowa beats USC 73-72 on Bennett Stirtz’s clutch free throws in thriller"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bennett Stirtz<\/b> delivered ice in his veins last night. The Iowa<\/b> guard hit two clutch free throws with 4.6 seconds<\/b> remaining, shocking USC<\/b> and giving the Hawkeyes<\/b> a thrilling 73-72<\/b> victory. But this game was so much more than that final moment, a true roller-coaster thriller at Carver-Hawkeye Arena<\/b>.<\/p>\n

\n

\ud83d\udd25 Quick Facts<\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Final Score:<\/b> Iowa 73, USC 72 on January 28, 2026<\/li>\n
  • Hero:<\/b> Bennett Stirtz scored 20 points, clinching victory with free throws in final 5 seconds<\/li>\n
  • Comeback:<\/b> Iowa led by as many as 17 points, then nearly blew it as USC mounted 21-5 run<\/li>\n
  • Record:<\/b> Iowa improved to 15-5 overall, 5-4 in Big Ten Conference play<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    Bennett Stirtz Takes Over When It Matters Most<\/h2>\n

    With the game on the line and USC<\/b> momentum building, Bennett Stirtz<\/b> became Iowa’s most important player. The senior guard<\/b> finished with 20 points<\/b> on the night, but it was those two free throws with the clock ticking that defined this battle. Stirtz<\/b> calmly stepped to the line and executed under maximum pressure, a moment Iowa fans will remember forever.<\/p>\n

    The Hawkeyes<\/b> had made third consecutive victory<\/b> this one perhaps the most improbable. Coach Ben McCollum<\/b>‘s team showed resilience, composure, and championship DNA when it mattered most. Stirtz<\/b>‘s composure in those final seconds reflected Iowa<\/b>‘s entire second-half transformation from potential disaster to thrilling triumph.<\/p>\n

    Iowa’s Rollercoaster Emotional Journey Against USC<\/h2>\n

    Iowa<\/b> overcame a slow start that had them trailing by as many as 11 points<\/b> in the first half. The Hawkeyes<\/b> then took command, building a 17-point lead<\/b> that looked insurmountable heading into crunch time. Sports are unpredictable, and USC<\/b> proved this spectacularly.<\/p>\n

    The Trojans<\/b> launched a furious comeback, going on a remarkable 21-5 run<\/b> in the final minutes of regulation. USC<\/b>‘s bench players contributed 22 points<\/b> while Iowa<\/b>‘s bench mustered just 6 points<\/b>, showing the depth advantage the Trojans<\/b> brought. Kam Woods<\/b> led USC<\/b> with 33 points<\/b> in the losing effort, a career high that showcased his explosive scoring ability.<\/p>\n

    Game Statistics Show Iron Defense, Rebounding Advantage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Stat Category<\/td>\nIowa<\/td>\nUSC<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Final Score<\/td>\n73<\/td>\n72<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Lead Builder<\/td>\n17-Point Advantage<\/td>\nBiggest Deficit: 11<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Rebounds<\/td>\n32 Total<\/td>\n29 Total<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Turnovers<\/td>\n15 Turnovers<\/td>\n15 Turnovers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

    \n“Bennett Stirtz scored 20 points, including two free throws with 4.6 seconds remaining, as Iowa survived USC’s comeback bid to win 73-72 on Wednesday night.”\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    \u2014 Associated Press<\/b>, Official Game Report<\/p>\n

    Iowa’s Win Preserves Big Ten Tournament Hopes<\/h2>\n

    This victory carries significant weight in Iowa<\/b>‘s quest for Big Ten<\/b> postseason success. At 15-5 overall<\/b> and 5-4 in conference<\/b>, the Hawkeyes<\/b> remain positioned in the middle of the pack but with momentum now firmly on their side. Three consecutive wins heading into a critical stretch of conference play gives McCollum<\/b> and his team genuine hope.<\/p>\n

    USC<\/b>, meanwhile, falls to 15-6 overall<\/b> and 4-5 in Big Ten<\/b> play after this heartbreaking road loss. The Trojans<\/b> showed they belong in close games, but ultimately came up short when it mattered most. Kam Woods<\/b>‘s 33-point<\/b> performance went for naught on the scoreboard.<\/p>\n

    What Does This Thrilling Win Say About Iowa’s Championship Potential?<\/h2>\n

    When teams find ways to win games they nearly lose, it signals something special brewing. Iowa<\/b>‘s ability to overcome a 17-point lead collapse<\/b> and still execute in crunch time shows mental toughness that tournament brackets<\/b> are made of. Stirtz<\/b>‘s composure and McCollum<\/b>‘s coaching acumen both shined brightly in this five-point thriller.<\/p>\n

    Can the Hawkeyes<\/b> sustain this momentum through the remainder of the Big Ten<\/b> season? Will Bennett Stirtz<\/b> remain a reliable closer when the stakes are highest? The next few weeks will tell whether this victory was a turning point or simply one bright spot in a middling conference campaign. Either way, Iowa fans<\/b> have reason to celebrate tonight.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Watch the Game Highlights:<\/h3>\n