Iowa Hawkeyes and Maryland Terrapins: did Bennett Stirtz set the tone in Chicago?

The the University of Iowa entered the Big Ten second-round game at 75-64 over the Maryland Terrapins, with Iowa listed at 75 and Maryland at 64 at the United Center in Chicago. The Hawkeyes produced 75 points on 51 percent shooting, while the Terps finished with 64 points on 43 percent shooting.

First half

The Hawkeyes scored 25 points in the first half while the Terrapins scored 26 points at 12:00 PM EDT on a neutral floor in Chicago. Iowa created 9 steals in the game and had 19 assists, and that ball pressure helped keep the early margin to a 1-point halftime gap. Maryland used 28 bench points and 10 second-chance points to stay in front at the break, and the Terps also logged 7 steals as the game stayed tight.

Second half

The Hawkeyes put up 50 second-half points while the Terrapins scored 38 after halftime, and Iowa’s run came with 21 points off turnovers compared to Maryland’s 10 points off turnovers. Iowa’s offense leaned on 36 points in the paint with a 78 percent paint finish rate, and the Hawkeyes added 13 fast-break points as the lead swung in the second half. The Terrapins generated 14 second-chance points and grabbed 34 total rebounds, but Maryland also committed 16 turnovers as Iowa’s pressure kept creating extra chances.

Closing stretch

Iowa finished with a 17-point biggest lead, and the Hawkeyes ended the game with an 11 turnover total while Maryland finished at 16. Iowa’s 9 made 3-pointers on 39 percent supported a 59 percent effective field goal rate, while Maryland hit 7 threes at 33 percent with a 50 percent effective field goal rate. Iowa Hawkeyes post-match stats show a 1.9 assist-to-turnover ratio, and Iowa’s team line also included 13 total fouls and 1 block as the game closed at 75-64.

Individual impact

Bennett Stirtz posted 17 points with 8 assists and 6 rebounds in the previous game, and his playmaking aligns with Iowa’s 19-assist team output in Chicago. Cooper Koch brought 19 points in that prior outing, and Iowa’s inside scoring in this game matched the frontcourt emphasis reflected in the roster production. Tavion Banks had 12 points and 3 steals previously, and Iowa’s 9-steal team total against Maryland mirrored that defensive activity. Cam Manyawu added 10 points on 80 percent shooting in the previous game, and Iowa’s 60 percent 2-point rate in this matchup reflected that efficient interior finishing.

Wrap

Iowa Hawkeyes vs Maryland Terrapins key moments centered on Iowa’s second-half 50-point surge paired with 21 points off turnovers and 36 points in the paint. Iowa Hawkeyes match rating can be framed by the Hawkeyes’ 67 efficiency mark against Maryland’s 40, alongside Iowa’s 61 percent true shooting compared to Maryland’s 53 percent. Iowa Hawkeyes vs Maryland Terrapins final thoughts start with Iowa’s ability to turn 16 Maryland turnovers into separation while the Terps leaned on 28 bench points and 34 rebounds to keep contact.

The Hawkeyes are scheduled to face the the Ohio State Buckeyes at the United Center in Chicago on 03/12/2026 at 12:00 PM EDT, with the broadcast listed on BTN. Catch the next one on television, then run it back by sharing this article with other Iowa fans.