Iowa (12-2, 2-1 Big Ten) began the year 2026 by hosting the UCLA Bruins (10-4, 2-1 Big Ten) at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Saturday. The game was a showcase of contrasting styles, with Iowa’s defense and early scoring from junior forward Alvaro Folgueiras leading to a commanding 24-point lead. However, UCLA senior guard Donovan Dent made a significant impact, especially in the second half.

Dent’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. He scored 25 points on 12-of-19 shooting, with 20 of those points coming after halftime. His efforts helped bring the Bruins within four points of the Hawkeyes. Despite facing foul trouble, Iowa senior guard Bennett Stirtz stepped up, outdueling Dent with a game-high 27 points.

The Hawkeyes demonstrated their prowess at the free-throw line throughout the game, but it was their clutch shooting in the final moments that sealed the victory. Iowa’s Banks and Stirtz combined for an impressive 8-of-8 free throws in the game’s final 2:44, ensuring a 74-61 win. A late dunk by Banks and a deep three-pointer by Stirtz added the final touches to the win.

Iowa shot 46.8% from the field and made 22 of 26 free throws. The team will travel to Minnesota next Tuesday. Until then, here’s a look back at some of the highlights and how the night unfolded:

Final Score: Iowa 74, UCLA 61

After building a 24-point lead, Iowa faced a strong comeback from UCLA. The Hawkeyes managed to secure the win despite the pressure. Stirtz and Banks were perfect from the free-throw line in the final 2:44, sealing the victory.

Stirtz, despite foul trouble in the second half, led the team with 27 points. His performance was crucial in maintaining the lead against a determined UCLA squad.

Key Moments in the Game

2:44, 2nd Half: Iowa 61, UCLA 57

UCLA’s Donovan Dent had 16 second-half points on 8-of-13 shooting. Iowa’s field goal percentage dropped to 44.4%, while UCLA improved to 46.0%.

4:41, 2nd Half: Iowa 59, UCLA 53

Stirtz returned after picking up four fouls and hit a floater. He had 20 points at this point, and the Hawkeyes were trying to hold on to a Big Ten victory over a fast-charging UCLA team.

7:53, 2nd Half: Iowa 53, UCLA 46

A Bennett Stirtz jumper ended an 8:40 scoring drought for Iowa. The Hawkeyes needed to gut out a Big Ten win.

10:44, 2nd Half: Iowa 47, UCLA 42

Ben McCollum called a timeout as Iowa’s lead dwindled to five points. The Hawkeyes had previously led by as much as 24 points.

12:00, 2nd Half: Iowa 47, UCLA 38

A 14-2 UCLA run brought the Bruins within single digits. Stirtz picked up his third personal foul, and Dent had 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting in the second half.

15:50, 2nd Half: Iowa 45, UCLA 30

The game tightened up, with Iowa turning the ball over and UCLA capitalizing on those mistakes.

Halftime: Iowa 40, UCLA 22

Iowa maintained a big lead heading into halftime, but a 6-0 spurt by UCLA’s Donovan Dent changed the momentum slightly. The Hawkeyes shot 56% from the field, 43.8% from three-point range, and held UCLA to 37.5% shooting.

Stirtz and Folgueiras were instrumental, combining for 25 points on 9-of-11 shooting and hitting six three-pointers.

First Half Highlights

3:37, 1st Half: Iowa 31, UCLA 14

Iowa dominated the first half, with Stirtz leading the charge. He had 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting. UCLA struggled, shooting 30% from the field and committing eight turnovers.

6:14, 1st Half: Iowa 28, UCLA 12

Iowa built a 16-point lead as the game approached halftime. Isaia Howard and Stirtz hit three-pointers to extend the lead.

7:47, 1st Half: Iowa 22, UCLA 12

Stirtz started to gain momentum with an and-1 bucket and a pullup jumper for five first-half points. Iowa shot 61.5% from the field and held UCLA to 33.3% shooting.

11:45, 1st Half: Alvaro Folgueiras continues hot start

Folgueiras was perfect from downtown, scoring nine points on 3-of-3 shooting. Iowa’s defense limited UCLA to 3-of-11 shooting.

14:19, 1st Half: Iowa 12, UCLA 6

Folgueiras knocked down two three-pointers early, and Tavion Banks added four points. Iowa shot 67% from the floor at the first media timeout.

Watch Iowa Basketball vs. UCLA

Stream:
Peacock

Tipoff Time:

5 p.m. CT

Iowa Basketball Schedule

All times CT

Nov. 4 vs. Robert Morris:

Iowa 101, Robert Morris 69

Nov. 7 vs. Western Illinois:

Iowa 77, Western Illinois 58

Nov. 14 vs. Xavier:

Iowa 81, Xavier 62

Nov. 18 vs. Southeast Missouri:

Iowa 99, Southeast Missouri 70

Nov. 20 vs. Chicago State:

Iowa 93, Chicago State 54

Nov. 25 vs. Ole Miss (Acrisure Classic):

Iowa 74, Ole Miss 69

Nov. 26 vs. Grand Canyon (Acrisure Classic):

Iowa 59, Grand Canyon 46

Dec. 2 at Michigan State:

Michigan State 71, Iowa 52

Dec. 6 vs. Maryland:

Iowa 83, Maryland 64

Dec. 11 at Iowa State:

Iowa State 66, Iowa 62

Dec. 14 vs. Western Michigan:

Iowa 91, Western Michigan 51

Dec. 20 vs. Bucknell:

Iowa 94, Bucknell 39

Dec. 29 vs. UMass Lowell:

Iowa 90, UMass Lowell 62

Jan. 3 vs. UCLA:

Iowa 74, UCLA 61

Jan. 6 at Minnesota:

Big Ten Network, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 vs. Illinois:

Fox, 11 a.m. or 3:30 p.m.

Jan. 14 at Purdue:

Big Ten Network, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 17 at Indiana:

Fox, 1 p.m.

Jan. 20 vs. Rutgers:

Big Ten Network, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 28 vs. USC:

Big Ten Network, 6 p.m.

Feb. 1 at Oregon:

FS1, 7 p.m.

Feb. 4 at Washington:

Big Ten Network, 10 p.m.

Feb. 8 vs. Northwestern:

FS1, 2 p.m.

Feb. 11 at Maryland:

FS1, 5 p.m.

Feb. 14 vs. Purdue:

Fox, 4 or 7 p.m.

Feb. 17 vs. Nebraska:

Big Ten Network, 8 p.m.

Feb. 22 at Wisconsin:

FS1, 3 p.m.

Feb. 25 vs. Ohio State:

Big Ten Network, 8 p.m.

Feb. 28 at Penn State:

Big Ten Network, 11 a.m.

March 5 vs. Michigan:

Peacock, 7 p.m.

March 8 at Nebraska:

Fox, 4 p.m.

March 10-15 Big Ten Tournament (Chicago, Ill.)

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