Penn State Nittany Lions Edge Iowa Hawkeyes 71-69
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 12:00 PM ET · Bryce Jordan Center
Penn State Nittany Lions 71, Iowa Hawkeyes 69, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Iowa Hawkeyes vs Penn State Nittany Lions?
Penn State Nittany Lions beat Iowa Hawkeyes 71-69 at Bryce Jordan Center on February 28, 2026.
Who was favored in Iowa Hawkeyes vs Penn State Nittany Lions?
Iowa Hawkeyes were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -550 (about 85% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at the Bryce Jordan Center, the Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes 71-69, marking a significant victory for the home team. This game was particularly noteworthy as it showcased a stark contrast in the teams' recent forms, with Iowa entering the contest with a record of 20-9, while Penn State struggled with a 12-17 record. The Nittany Lions had been on a three-game losing streak prior to this game, while Iowa was looking to build on their recent success, having won their last game against Ohio State by a score of 74-57.
Penn State's recent form had been concerning, with a record of 2-8 over their last ten games. Their average points scored during this stretch was 71.4, but they were allowing an alarming average of 85.3 points per game. This defensive vulnerability was evident in their last five games, where they averaged 69.2 points scored and 78.4 points allowed. In contrast, Iowa had been performing well, winning seven of their last ten games, with an average of 71.4 points scored and 69.2 points allowed. Their last five games saw them average 65.8 points scored and 69.6 points allowed, indicating a slight dip in offensive production but still maintaining a competitive edge.
The home court advantage at the Bryce Jordan Center played a role in the outcome, as Penn State had a home record of 1-3 in their last four games leading up to this matchup. Iowa, on the other hand, had a solid away record of 2-2 in their last four games. In their previous meeting during the 2025 season, Penn State had lost to Iowa 75-76, making this victory particularly sweet for the Nittany Lions as they avenged that close defeat.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams were expected to field their key players. The odds from DraftKings indicated that Iowa was favored to win by 9.5 points, with a total set at 143.5. The moneyline odds reflected Iowa at -550 and Penn State at +410, highlighting the market's expectation of an Iowa victory.
The game conditions were typical for a late February evening, with a lively crowd at the Bryce Jordan Center adding to the atmosphere. As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a back-and-forth contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Key moments included Josh Reed's free throws that brought Iowa within striking distance, but ultimately, it was Penn State's ability to execute in the closing minutes that secured their victory.
The scoring plays in the final moments were crucial, as Reed's free throws cut the deficit, but Penn State responded with critical plays, including free throws from Freddie Dilione V that sealed the game. This victory not only boosts Penn State's morale but also serves as a reminder of their potential when playing at home, despite their overall struggles this season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | IOWA -9.5 | 143.5 o -112 / u -108 | Iowa Hawkeyes -550 · Penn State Nittany Lions +410 |
Leaders
- PointsJosh Reed25Penn State Nittany Lions
- AssistsJosh Reed4Penn State Nittany Lions
- ReboundsIvan Juric8Penn State Nittany Lions
- PointsCooper Koch18Iowa Hawkeyes
- AssistsBennett Stirtz5Iowa Hawkeyes
- ReboundsCam Manyawu7Iowa Hawkeyes
Recent form
Penn State Nittany Lions
Last 10: 2-8Streak L371.4 scored · 85.3 allowed per game1-3 at home
- L64-87at Nebraska CornhuskersFeb 21
- L72-85vs Rutgers Scarlet KnightsFeb 18
- L72-83at Oregon DucksFeb 14
- W63-60at Washington HuskiesFeb 12
- L75-77vs USC TrojansFeb 8
- L69-110at Michigan WolverinesFeb 5
- W77-75vs Minnesota Golden GophersFeb 1
- L73-94at Northwestern WildcatsJan 30
- L78-84at Ohio State BuckeyesJan 27
- L71-98vs Wisconsin BadgersJan 23
Iowa Hawkeyes
Last 10: 7-3Streak W171.4 scored · 69.2 allowed per game2-2 away
- W74-57vs Ohio State BuckeyesFeb 26
- L71-84at Wisconsin BadgersFeb 22
- W57-52vs Nebraska CornhuskersFeb 18
- L57-78vs Purdue BoilermakersFeb 14
- L70-77at Maryland TerrapinsFeb 11
- W76-70vs Northwestern WildcatsFeb 8
- W84-74at Washington HuskiesFeb 5
- W84-66at Oregon DucksFeb 2
- W73-72vs USC TrojansJan 29
- W68-62vs Rutgers Scarlet KnightsJan 21
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Iowa Hawkeyes | Penn State Nittany Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-57 | 25-39 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 64 |
| Three-pointers | 9-28 | 9-15 |
| Three-point % | 32 | 60 |
| Free throws | 8-9 | 12-16 |
| Free throw % | 89 | 75 |
| Rebounds | 24 | 24 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 2 |
| Defensive rebounds | 14 | 22 |
| Assists | 17 | 13 |
| Steals | 7 | 3 |
| Blocks | 1 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 27 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 28 |
| Fouls | 15 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 15 | 15 |
| Time in front | 59 | 26 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half38-34Bennett Stirtz makes layup
- 2nd Half41-34Cooper Koch makes 23-foot three point jumper (Cam Manyawu assists)
- 2nd Half41-36Kayden Mingo makes layup (Ivan Juric assists)
- 2nd Half43-36Cam Manyawu makes 1-foot dunk (Bennett Stirtz assists)
- 2nd Half43-38Ivan Juric makes layup (Josh Reed assists)
- 2nd Half43-39Ivan Juric makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half45-39Tavion Banks makes layup (Cooper Koch assists)
- 2nd Half45-41Josh Reed makes 6-foot jumper
- 2nd Half45-43Josh Reed makes layup
- 2nd Half45-45Ivan Juric makes layup (Kayden Mingo assists)
- 2nd Half45-48Kayden Mingo makes 26-foot three point jumper (Josh Reed assists)
- 2nd Half46-48Tavion Banks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-48Tavion Banks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-48Alvaro Folgueiras makes 1-foot dunk (Isaia Howard assists)
- 2nd Half49-51Josh Reed makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half51-51Tavion Banks makes layup (Alvaro Folgueiras assists)
- 2nd Half51-53Saša Ciani makes layup (Josh Reed assists)
- 2nd Half52-53Alvaro Folgueiras makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-53Bennett Stirtz makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-53Alvaro Folgueiras makes 0-foot dunk
- 2nd Half56-55Ivan Juric makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half56-58Josh Reed makes 23-foot three point jumper (Freddie Dilione V assists)
- 2nd Half56-60Josh Reed makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half57-60Cam Manyawu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-60Cam Manyawu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-62Dominick Stewart makes layup
- 2nd Half60-62Cam Manyawu makes layup
- 2nd Half62-62Kael Combs makes 9-foot jumper (Brendan Hausen assists)
- 2nd Half64-62Cooper Koch makes driving layup
- 2nd Half65-62Cooper Koch makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half67-62Cam Manyawu makes 0-foot dunk (Kael Combs assists)
- 2nd Half67-63Josh Reed makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-64Josh Reed makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-65Josh Reed makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-66Josh Reed makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-68Josh Reed makes layup (Ivan Juric assists)
- 2nd Half67-69Melih Tunca makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half69-69Bennett Stirtz makes driving layup
- 2nd Half69-70Freddie Dilione V makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-71Freddie Dilione V makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Penn State Nittany Lions, below favours Iowa Hawkeyes.
Venue
- Bryce Jordan CenterUniversity Park, PA
- Attendance6922
- OfficialsD.J. Carstensen, Tim Comer, Keith Kimble
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