Like this scenario

[JerseyCityHawki]

If they can pull it off it wild make my heart sing… we are overdue as Hawkeye BB fans as it’s been a hot minute since we have accomplished something special - nice little write up

1. Record: 19-13
   Net Ranking: 39
   First Opponent: No. 9 Auburn
   No one is going to accuse Iowa of being consistent, but no one is going to accuse them of being boring, either.
   The Hawkeyes can score points in bunches and have one of the most efficient offenses in the country. They are third in KenPom's adjusted offensive efficiency, though they pair it with a defense that ranks 167th.
   The thing that makes them interesting as a sleeper is their ability to light up the scoreboard and push the pace. If they can get past Auburn in the first round, they will see the Houston Cougars in a stylistic clash that could give you whiplash.
   Houston has built a No. 1 seed-level resume but is coming off a loss in the AAC Championship Game to Memphis. The Cougs like to slow down the game (343rd in KenPom's adjusted tempo) and rely on a defense that ranks fourth in efficiency.
   If Iowa can hit shots early and put some pressure on Houston to keep up, things could get really interesting, and the Midwest Region could be in for a shock.

 

[Pepperman]

It easily could happen but what bugs me is none of these games are at Carver, the Wilson ball factor, and of course (like I’ve been typing the last 24 hours) it’s unlikely Iowa will shoot 40%+ for two straight games while holding their opponents from scoring a lot too.

This team is so unpredictable. They need two of Perk, Sandfort, or Ulis to step up and have good games, IMO, but will the minutes allow for it (Ulis especially)? I already assume Kris, Rebraca, and Connor will do what they always do. Patrick is probably also a wildcard but I hope he’s not getting a ton of minutes unless he’s knocking his shots down early.

I’ve been wanting to part ways with Fran for YEARS so it would only make sense he will get to the S16 or better this year, amirite?

 

[LaoHawk]

Yes! Let your hatred fuel the Force! Join the DARK Fran😂

 

[Hawk_4shur]

 

[HawkRose]

I don’t see the Houston matchup unless you have a statistical anomaly of a shooting performance. They are everything that team hates to match up on. I think we will get bullied like we did in TCU game. Just picturing non stop offensive rebounds and Connor smacking the ball and glaring at his team after the 10th Houston put back.

That said chance of us even making it to that game is a coin flip.

 

[Birky]

Alright Lucy. I’m going to split the uprights with this one. (Iowa fan base sprints toward the ball)

 

[Mohawkeye]

Auburn is flawed like Iowa. If Houston’s best player is out then you got to think it’s an even game. I think our defense will be locked in but we have match up challenges. It‘s about which team shows up for Iowa 3 point shooting. Dr Jekyl or Mr Hyde?

 

[Rifler]

It easily could happen but what bugs me is none of these games are at Carver...

If that's the case many things must bug you...

 

[ObeseMuffins]

Our boys tend to perk back up when they're down and out. (@Assembly Hall).

 

[HoustonREDHawk]

Auburn is very beatable, as the last half of their season demonstrated.

Houston is as TOUGH as any team in the country. I still haven't seen a definitive decision on whether Sasser, one of their better players, will play. I suspect he would play, at least in the second round. They won't need him in the opening game, and would be wise to rest him. They are very physical and athletic, and Hawks would need to have a great shooting day from 3 to beat them. Sampson is a good coach, which makes them even harder to beat.

 

[uihawk82]

If that's the case many things must bug you...

I think the poster meant that the hawks shoot a lot better at Carver for the most part and a game at a neutral arena might mean a bad shooting game. That is also a statistical fact that makes it a potential problem.

 

[Rifler]

Doesn't matter, we've pretty much proven that we can win or lose against anyone,.. Roll the dice.

 

[83Hawk]

Hope for the best, expect the worst.

 

[TampaHawkfan]

I didn't realize Houston liked to slow the pace like that. Get past Auburn, I say bring 'em on. Nothing to lose here when everyone expects you to lose.

 

[Pepperman]

Doesn't matter, we've pretty much proven that we can win or lose against anyone,.. Roll the dice.

You’re really good at playing the “I don’t get obvious shit” role. Congrats.

 

[fecal particulate]

Auburn is flawed like Iowa. If Houston’s best player is out then you got to think it’s an even game. I think our defense will be locked in but we have match up challenges. It‘s about which team shows up for Iowa 3 point shooting. Dr Jekyl or Mr Hyde?

Who's the better baller, Dr Jekyll or Mr Hyde? Teen Wolf or Marty McFly? The Hawks are gonna need a potion or some fortunate curse to play well.

 

[LaoHawk]

Caesar's having a feature 3 IA teams (IA, ISU, Drake) bet special of +553 if they all make it out of the 1st round

 

[JerseyCityHawki]

I didn't realize Houston liked to slow the pace like that. Get past Auburn, I say bring 'em on. Nothing to lose here when everyone expects you to lose.

I didn’t either - wow … that one shocked me and what a contrast of Iowa meets Houston? First have to get by auburn

 

[Rifler]

You’re really good at playing the “I don’t get obvious shit” role. Congrats.

Everybody's good at something...

 

[MAXIMUSHAWKEYE]

I didn't realize Houston liked to slow the pace like that. Get past Auburn, I say bring 'em on. Nothing to lose here when everyone expects you to lose.

Who did Houston beat that is worth a crap? They sound like a better version of Wisconsin which sucks for us.

 

[Douglas C. Neidermeyer]

 

[the notorious r.d.m.]

Dr Jekyl or Mr Hyde?

Here's a little tidbit about Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Je is French for the first-person pronoun 'I'. So the duality of Jekyll and Hyde is literally "I kill and hide."

Let's just hope Iowa doesn't lock themselves in their laboratory and commit suicide by poisoning.

 

[TampaHawkfan]

Who did Houston beat that is worth a crap? They sound like a better version of Wisconsin which sucks for us.

Here's their schedule. Virginia is probably their best win:

2022-23 Houston Cougars Schedule | ESPN

Visit ESPN to view the Houston Cougars team schedule for the current and previous seasons

www.espn.com

Yeah, they play a fairly easy schedule.

 

[Ronman]

I'm sorry....Why are we even discussing Houston?

 

[HoustonREDHawk]

Caesar's having a feature 3 IA teams (IA, ISU, Drake) bet special of +553 if they all make it out of the 1st round

How about whether one will make it out of the first round?

 

[HoustonREDHawk]

Who did Houston beat that is worth a crap? They sound like a better version of Wisconsin which sucks for us.

Houston's athleticism compared to Wisky is night and day.