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TAMPA, Fla. — Clemson had chances — just not enough of them. In a game defined by physical play and shrinking margins, the Tigers stayed within reach from start to finish but couldn’t find the run they needed, falling 67–61 to Iowa in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Clemson answered pushes, made timely stops, and kept the deficit manageable deep into the second half, but each time momentum threatened to shift, Iowa responded. In the end, the Hawkeyes’ control of the glass and steady execution down the stretch proved decisive, turning a close game into a season-ending result for the Tigers.
Iowa Sets the Tone, Clemson Stays Within Reach
From the opening minutes, Iowa dictated the tempo, slowing the game and leaning into its physicality. The Hawkeyes worked deep into possessions and controlled the glass, using second-chance opportunities to build a modest early lead. It wasn’t a runaway stretch, but it established the rhythm Iowa wanted.
Clemson, however, never allowed the game to drift out of reach. The Tigers relied on discipline and timely execution, limiting turnovers and finding enough offense to stay close. RJ Godfrey provided a steady presence inside, while Clemson mixed in perimeter looks to counter Iowa’s compact defense.
A brief Iowa surge midway through the half created separation, but Clemson responded with a composed stretch of its own, trimming the margin back to a possession. Still, the Tigers struggled to consistently finish defensive possessions, and Iowa’s extra opportunities on the glass helped the Hawkeyes maintain a narrow lead into the break.
Second-Half Swings Keep Clemson Close
Clemson opened the second half with renewed urgency, tightening defensively and looking to create transition opportunities. For a stretch, it worked. The Tigers strung together stops and trimmed the deficit, threatening to shift momentum in their favor.
But Clemson couldn’t fully capitalize.
Each time the Tigers closed within a possession, Iowa answered with patient offense, often finishing at the rim or earning trips to the free-throw line. The Hawkeyes continued to control the glass, extending possessions and limiting Clemson’s chances to build sustained momentum.
Bennett Stirtz led Iowa with 16 points, while Kael Combs added 15 and provided timely scoring when Clemson tightened defensively. Alvaro Folgueiras contributed 14 points, helping anchor Iowa’s inside presence and reinforce the physical edge that defined the game.
Clemson remained within striking distance throughout, fueled by Godfrey’s 15 points and a collective defensive effort that forced Iowa into contested looks. But the Tigers were never able to string together stops and clean offensive possessions at the same time, a gap that kept them from ever taking control.
Late Execution Seals Clemson’s Fate
In the closing minutes, Clemson made one final push, cutting the deficit and creating a brief window of opportunity. But as it had all night, Iowa answered.
Combs delivered one of the game’s defining plays with a driving layup inside the final minute, pushing the lead back to two possessions. From there, Iowa controlled the tempo and converted at the free-throw line, preventing Clemson from mounting another comeback attempt.
The Hawkeyes’ 40–27 rebounding advantage underscored the difference. Too often, Clemson forced a miss but couldn’t secure the ball, and those extra possessions proved costly in a game where every trip mattered.
For Clemson, the loss reflects how narrow the margin can be in March. The Tigers competed defensively, stayed composed, and gave themselves opportunities late, but couldn’t overcome second-chance points and missed chances to shift momentum.
For Iowa, the formula was clear and effective — control tempo, win possessions, and execute late. It wasn’t flashy, but it was enough.
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