Takeaways as Iowa basketball picks up critical win vs. Ohio State

Iowa needed this game badly, and they got what they needed in impressive fashion.

There was a lot to like from the Hawkeyes’ 74-57 win over Ohio State on Wednesday night at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. After a slow start, where they fell behind 14-2, Iowa dominated the rest of the way en route to a massive victory. They combined tremendous defense with some important individual offensive performances to come away with the win.

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Iowa is now in the driver’s seat for a double bye at the Big Ten Tournament and is inching ever closer to an NCAA Tournament appearance in year one under Ben McCollum. Games like the win over the Buckeyes show this team’s ceiling when they’re at their best. Here are the biggest takeaways from Iowa’s huge win over Ohio State.

Alvaro Folgueiras changed the game

After Iowa’s slow start to the game, where the offense struggled to generate much of anything, McCollum made the choice to bring Alvaro Folguieras into the game. And it completely changed the game. The Hawkeyes immediately went on a 19-1 run to take the lead and never looked back. Folguerias was a massive reason why, as he broke the scoring seal and really opened things up for everyone else.

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He would finish the night with a season-high 20 points, to go along with four rebounds, five assists, and two steals. This version of Folgueiras is exactly who the Hawkeyes were hoping to see when they landed the former Horizon League MVP. And if he keeps playing like this, Iowa will have its secondary scoring option to help Bennett Stirtz. What a night for the Robert Morris transfer.

Don’t forget about Cam Manyawu

While Folgueiras will get the headlines, and rightfully so, after a strong game, he’s not the only Iowa big man who had a strong night. Cam Manyawu had been struggling recently, having not reached double figures since a January 14 loss to Purdue. That changed on Wednesday, as Manyawu made impact plays all night.

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The Drake transfer had 12 points and seven rebounds on 5-7…

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Publish date : 2026-02-26 13:10:00

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