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Nov 4, 2025; Iowa Metropolis, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Isaia Howard (23) completes a slam dunk in opposition to the Robert Morris Colonials through the second half at Carver-Hawkeye Area. Necessary Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photos Iowa coach Ben McCollum desires the Hawkeyes to play with some edge.
After cruising to a 101-69 season-opening dwelling win in opposition to Robert Morris on Tuesday, Iowa has one other likelihood to point out off its tenacity in opposition to Western Illinois in Iowa Metropolis on Friday.
“We have got some edgy, powerful youngsters that fly round,” McCollum mentioned. “They get fairly bodily and make the sport enjoyable.”
Isaia Howard transferred from Drake, the place McCollum was his coach final season. The bodily presence and psychological make-up of the 6-foot-5 sophomore guard is what McCollum desires from his gamers.
“He is half nuts,” McCollum mentioned of Howard, who scored 10 factors in his Iowa debut. “I like folks which might be half nuts as a result of I am totally nuts. We had a crew vote, who would you most need to be enjoying protection if we would have liked a cease. And he was No. 1. Guys belief him as a result of he offers a lot effort and performs with power.”
There are six Drake transfers on the Iowa roster and two of them had massive scoring nights. Bennett Stirtz led Iowa with 19 factors whereas Tavion Banks added 17 factors.
Even with the blowout win, McCollum needed extra.
“You are by no means glad as a coach,” McCollum mentioned. “As a result of it is so course of targeted. Clearly, you are somewhat happier for an hour after which it is again to no matter, it is on to Western Illinois.”
The Leathernecks (0-1) dropped their season opener 80-75 to host Radford on Monday. Lucas Lorenzen scored a game-high 25 factors. The Dordt College switch was an NAIA All-American First Staff final season when he averaged 22.7 factors per sport and shot 40.4% from 3-point vary.
Francis Okwuosah added 16 factors and 5 rebounds within the loss.
“The early a part of the season the schedule isn’t best for us,” Western Illinois coach Chad Boudreau mentioned. “With the purchase video games and the (non-Division I video games). However I’m curious to see the place we will get to. I believe we will get to a reasonably excessive stage.”
–Subject Stage Media
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