Iowa vs Maryland

Overview

The Iowa Hawkeyes are set to host the Maryland Terrapins in a pivotal Big Ten Conference matchup on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM Central Time (CT). This game marks the conference opener for both teams, making it crucial for early positioning in the Big Ten standings. The Hawkeyes enter the contest with a 7-1 record, while the Terrapins are 6-3. (hawkeyesports.com)

Season Snapshot

Iowa Hawkeyes

Under first-year head coach Ben McCollum, the Hawkeyes have demonstrated a strong start to the season. They began with seven consecutive wins, the best start since the 2021-22 season. However, they suffered their first loss in the Big Ten opener against No. 7 Michigan State, falling 71-52. Senior guard Bennett Stirtz has been a standout, averaging 18 points, 5.3 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. He ranks in the top nine in the Big Ten in points, assists, and steals. (hawkeyesports.com)

Maryland Terrapins

The Terrapins, led by head coach Buzz Williams, have had a mixed start to the season. They are coming off a decisive 89-63 victory over Wagner, which followed losses to Georgetown, Gonzaga, and Alabama. Maryland boasts a balanced offense with four players averaging double figures: Pharrel Payne (18.9 points, 6.8 rebounds), Darius Adams (13.8 points), David Coit (13.2 points), and Solomon Washington (10.0 points). Coit has been particularly impressive, recording a 41-point performance in an overtime win against Mount St. Mary's. (umterps.com)

Recent Form

Iowa Hawkeyes

After a strong start, the Hawkeyes have faced challenges in their recent games. In their loss to Michigan State, they were limited to a season-low 52 points and struggled with shooting efficiency. The team will need to find offensive consistency to compete effectively against Maryland. (hawkeyesports.com)

Maryland Terrapins

The Terrapins have shown resilience, bouncing back from their earlier losses with a commanding win over Wagner. Their offense has been potent, averaging 78.6 points per game, and they have demonstrated depth with multiple players contributing significantly. However, they have also allowed 78 points per game, indicating potential vulnerabilities on defense. (umterps.com)

Talking Points

• Coaching Debuts: Both teams are under new leadership, with Ben McCollum at Iowa and Buzz Williams at Maryland. How will their coaching philosophies impact the game?

• Offensive Firepower: Maryland's high-scoring offense faces Iowa's strong defensive unit. Which side will prevail?

• Player Matchups: The battle between Iowa's Bennett Stirtz and Maryland's Pharrel Payne could be pivotal.

• Home Court Advantage: Iowa's performance at Carver-Hawkeye Arena has been strong. Will the home crowd be a factor?

• Big Ten Implications: As the conference opener, this game could set the tone for both teams' Big Ten campaigns.

Players to Watch

• Bennett Stirtz (Iowa): Averaging 18 points, 5.3 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game, Stirtz is a key playmaker for the Hawkeyes. (hawkeyesports.com)

• Pharrel Payne (Maryland): Leading the Terrapins with 18.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, Payne is a dominant presence in the paint. (umterps.com)

• Darius Adams (Maryland): Averaging 13.8 points per game, Adams provides scoring depth for the Terrapins. (umterps.com)

• David Coit (Maryland): Recorded a 41-point performance in a recent game, showcasing his scoring ability. (umterps.com)

• Solomon Washington (Maryland): Averaging 10.0 points per game, Washington adds to Maryland's offensive versatility. (umterps.com)

Key Matchups & Storylines

• Stirtz vs. Payne: The duel between Iowa's leading scorer and Maryland's top big man will be crucial.

• Defensive Strategies: Iowa's defense will need to contain Maryland's high-scoring offense, which averages 78.6 points per game. (umterps.com)

• Coaching Impact: The influence of new head coaches McCollum and Williams on their respective teams' performances.

Fun Facts

• Iowa's seven-game winning streak to start the season was their best since the 2021-22 campaign. (hawkeyesports.com)

• Maryland's 89-63 victory over Wagner was their largest margin of victory this season. (umterps.com)

• The Terrapins have four players averaging double figures in scoring. (umterps.com)

Things to Chirp About

• "Can Iowa bounce back after their first loss of the season?"

• "Will Maryland's offense continue its high-scoring ways?"

• "How will the new coaches impact their teams' performances?"

• "Who will emerge as the game-changer in this Big Ten opener?"

Prediction

This matchup promises to be a closely contested game. While Iowa has the advantage of playing at home, Maryland's potent offense and depth may give them the edge. The outcome will likely hinge on which team can execute their game plan more effectively.