Where They Stand

Iowa

Current Tourney status-On the Bubble

Current record 13-8, 4-4 BIG TEN, Currently Not Ranked

Season Overview- When the season first began expectations were high in Iowa City, with Iowa coming back after appearing in the tournament the previous year and many experts predicting that the Hawks were heading there again in 2015. Halfway through the season and it is still hard to figure out what this Hawkeye team is all about. The Hawkeyes have been one of the most inconsistent teams in the nation. Iowa started out a tough November schedule with two wins against Hampton and North Dakota State. Then came the 2k Classic where Iowa lost to both Texas (ranked 10 at the time) & Syracuse (then ranked 23rd). After the two early losses Iowa went on an impressive six game win streak, which included a win at 12th ranked North Carolina.  Iowa then lost its next two games to in state rivals Iowa State and Northern Iowa. Over the next nine games Iowa went 5-4 with its biggest win beating then 20th ranked Ohio State on the road. Iowa (13-8 overall) currently sits at ninth place (3.5 games out of first) in the BIG TEN with a 4-4 conference record. Iowa is not currently ranked and has lost three games in row. Despite recent struggles, if Iowa can get back to its winning ways they are still in a good position to qualify for the tournament this March. 

Biggest Wins: @(12)North Carolina 60-55, @(20)Ohio State 71-65

Worst Losses: @(6)Wisconsin 82-50, Michigan State 75-61

Up-coming games: February 5th  @ Michigan, February 8th vs. (17) Maryland

Iowa State

Current Tourney Status-In

Current record 16-5 Conference Record (6-3)

Season Overview- After a very successful season last year (28-8, Sweet 16 appearance) the expectations were sky high for this Cyclone team and so far they have not been a disappointment. Iowa State began its season rated #14 and quickly proved why they are a very dangerous team to face. ISU started off 2-0 before heading to Kansa City for the CBE Classic. At the classic Iowa state beat Alabama by double digits before falling to Maryland in the Championship by 9 points. The loss was very disappointing for the Cyclones but they were able to bounce back after their loss and won their next seven games in dominate fashion--beating both in state rival Iowa, and 18th ranked Arkansas by double digits. Iowa State was ranked #9 before falling to South Carolina 64-60 on January 3rd.  Since the loss to South Carolina, Iowa State has only lost three other games (two to ranked teams). During this stretch Iowa State has played some great basketball, with the biggest wins coming against (14)West Virginia, (9)Kansas, and (19) ranked Texas. Iowa State (16-5 overall, 6-3 in the Big 12) is currently rated 11th in the nation. Iowa State is in great shape to make the tourney, but has several key Big 12 games ahead that are critical for seeding purposes. 

Biggest Wins: (9)Kansas 86-81, (14)West Virginia 74-72, (19)Texas, 89-86

Worst Losses: South Carolina 64-60, @ Texas Tech 78-73

Up-coming games: February 7th vs. Texas Tech, February 9th @Oklahoma

University of Northern Iowa

Current record (21-2, 10-1 MVC), currently ranked 14th

Current Tourney Status-In

Season Overview--The University of Northern Iowa Panthers started off the season on an impressive run and have been a surprise to many this season.  UNI started the season 4-0 heading into the Cancun Challenge on Nov. 25th. While in Cancun, UNI was able to beat both Virginia Tech and Northwestern to win the Challenge in Mexico. UNI’s own Seth Tuttle was named tournament MVP. After the tournament UNI continued its’ impressive run and beat their next three opponents to start the season 9-0, before suffering a heartbreaking defeat at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in double overtime. The panthers responded to the loss well by beating instate Iowa 56-44 the following week. UNI’s only other loss came to Evansville with a final score 52-49 on Dec 13. Since the lost the Panther’s have been on fire winning their past ten games.  The most impressive win has easily been the dominate performance against 12th ranked Wichita State in which UNI 70-54. UNI (21-2)  is currently ranked 14th in the nation. UNI is also currently in first place In the Missouri Valley Conference. The Panther’s are in great shape to make the tournament if they can continue their impressive play.

Biggest Wins: Iowa 56-44, (12) Wichita St. 70-54

Worst Losses: @Virginia Commonwealth 93-87 2OT, @ Evansville 52-49

Up-coming games: February 7th vs. Drake, February 10th vs. Illinois State