Opinion
3 min read

Can the Hawkeyes Outshine the Terrapins at Xfinity?

As the Iowa Hawkeyes prepare to face off against the Maryland Terrapins at the Xfinity Center, fans are buzzing with anticipation. The upcoming clash on February 15th promises to be a spectacle of skill and strategy, with both teams eager to assert their dominance.


Jan 15, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Maryland Terrapins forward Julian Reese (10) scores over the hand of Iowa Hawkeyes forward Filip Rebraca (0) at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

The Hawkeyes have been on a formidable streak, showcasing their prowess in recent games. Their last performance against UMBC Retrievers on December 21st was nothing short of spectacular. Dominating both halves with scores of 50 and 53 points respectively, they secured a triumphant victory with an impressive total of 103 points. Their offensive game was particularly noteworthy; they shot an astounding 59 percent from two-point range and maintained a field goal percentage of 50 percent overall.


IOWA's defense also stood out as they racked up steals into double digits, which translated into fast break opportunities that left their opponents scrambling. With an assist-to-turnover ratio of over eight times more assists than turnovers, it's clear that teamwork is one of IOWA's most significant assets.


Jan 15, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes forward Payton Sandfort (20) shoots against the Maryland Terrapins at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.  The Hawkeyes beat the Terrapins 81-67. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Comparing this to their performance against Florida A&M Rattlers on December 16th further solidifies their consistency. They maintained high shooting percentages across the board and displayed defensive tenacity by achieving eleven steals and six blocks.


However, not all games have been smooth sailing for IOWA; they faced a tough challenge from Michigan Wolverines on December 10th in what turned out to be a nail-biting encounter. Despite falling short by ten points in that game, it served as a reminder that resilience is key — something IOWA has in spades.


Jan 15, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Maryland Terrapins forward Julian Reese (10) defends Iowa Hawkeyes forward Filip Rebraca (0) at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.  The Hawkeyes beat the Terrapins 81 to 67. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

The Maryland Terrapins will not make it easy for them though. As hosts at Xfinity Center, they will look to leverage home-court advantage and disrupt IOWA’s rhythm. It’s crucial for IOWA to maintain focus if they wish to emerge victorious once again.


With such compelling statistics backing them up, there is every reason for fans to believe that Iowa can carry this momentum forward into their next game against MD. However, basketball is unpredictable by nature; while stats provide insight into potential outcomes — heart, determination and sometimes sheer luck can turn tides unexpectedly.


Fans should mark their calendars for February 15th when these two titans clash at College Park under the bright lights at Xfinity Center starting at 8:30 PM Eastern Time (7:30 PM Central). The action will be broadcast nationally on BTN (channel number:610), ensuring no one misses out on what could very well be another chapter in Iowa Hawkeyes' storied season.

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