PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – The University of Iowa men’s basketball team defeated Grand Canyon, 59-46, on Wednesday night in the championship game of the Acrisure Classic at Acrisure Arena. The Hawkeyes improve to 7-0 on the season, the best start since the 2021-22 season.
After trailing 10-4 early in the game, Iowa used a 13-3 run over seven minutes as it held Grand Canyon scoreless for more than five minutes. In that span, the Hawkeye defense forced the Lopes into six turnovers, while limiting them to 1-of-8 from the field to take a 17-13 lead.
As the first half came to an end, the Hawkeyes led Grand Canyon, 30-23, their biggest lead of the first 20 minutes. It was a balanced attack in the first half with five players scoring above five points. The Iowa defense forced nine turnovers that it turned into 13 first half points.
The Hawkeyes controlled the second half, leading by double digits throughout. Iowa used a 7-0 spurt to create a 53-37 lead. The Hawkeyes stretched their lead to 59-42 in the final minute, their largest lead of the game. It marked the second consecutive season Iowa won a preseason tournament.
Isaia Howard lead the team with 19 points on 7-of-10 from the field, including 3-of-5 from 3-point range. He added six rebounds, a block, and a steal. Senior Bennett Stirtz finished with 13 points to go along with five assists and three steals. Cooper Koch rounded out Hawkeyes in double digits with 11 points and six rebounds.
As a team Iowa shot 19-of-47 (40.4) from the field and 6-of-19 (31.6) from 3-point range. The Hawkeyes shot 15-of-22 (68.2) from the charity stripe. Iowa created 19 Grand Canyon turnovers that it turned into 22 points.
