Iowa Hawkeyes Edge USC Trojans in Close Contest
Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Carver-Hawkeye Arena
Iowa Hawkeyes 73, USC Trojans 72, 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 USC Trojans vs Iowa Hawkeyes?
Iowa Hawkeyes beat USC Trojans 73-72 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on January 28, 2026.
Who was favored in USC Trojans vs Iowa Hawkeyes?
Iowa Hawkeyes were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -500 (about 83% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, the Iowa Hawkeyes narrowly defeated the USC Trojans with a final score of 73-72. The game showcased a tightly contested battle, with both teams demonstrating resilience and skill throughout the 40 minutes of play. Iowa improved its home record to 16-5, while USC fell to 15-7 overall.
Iowa entered the game with a home record of 15-5 and had been performing well recently, holding a record of 6-4 over their last ten games. They were on a two-game winning streak, having secured victories against Rutgers Scarlet Knights and Indiana Hoosiers. The Hawkeyes averaged 76.1 points scored per game while allowing 62.2 points during this stretch. Their recent form at home included a 5-1 record, with the last five games reflecting a 2-3 record, averaging 70.0 points scored and 68.6 points allowed.
On the other side, the USC Trojans brought a 15-6 record into the game, having won six of their last ten contests. They were coming off a victory against the Wisconsin Badgers, which snapped a brief losing streak. USC averaged 74.7 points per game while allowing 72.4 points in their last ten games. Their away record stood at 2-2 in the last four games, with the last five games showing a 3-2 record, averaging 72.6 points scored and 70.8 points allowed.
In their previous meeting during the 2025 season, Iowa faced USC and lost 89-99, marking this game as a chance for redemption for the Hawkeyes. The historical context added an extra layer of intensity to the matchup, as both teams sought to establish dominance over one another.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant absences for either team, which meant both squads were able to field their best lineups for this crucial game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Iowa as 9.5-point favorites, with the total set at 141.5. The odds indicated a strong belief in Iowa's home-court advantage, with a moneyline of -500 for the Hawkeyes and +380 for the Trojans.
The game conditions were favorable for basketball, with a lively crowd supporting the home team. Fans witnessed a back-and-forth contest that saw multiple lead changes and a tense atmosphere in the closing moments. Key scoring plays included a layup by Kam Woods that brought USC within striking distance, as well as critical free throws by Bennett Stirtz that ultimately sealed the victory for Iowa.
As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a showcase of late-game strategy and execution. The final moments were particularly gripping, with both teams trading baskets and free throws. Iowa's ability to convert under pressure proved decisive, allowing them to hold on for the win despite a fierce challenge from USC.
In summary, the matchup between the Iowa Hawkeyes and USC Trojans not only delivered an exciting finish but also highlighted the competitive nature of college basketball. With Iowa's victory, they have now avenged their previous loss to USC, while both teams continue to vie for positioning as the season unfolds.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | IOWA -9.5 | 141.5 o -108 / u -112 | USC Trojans +380 · Iowa Hawkeyes -500 |
Leaders
- PointsTavion Banks20Iowa Hawkeyes
- AssistsKael Combs4Iowa Hawkeyes
- ReboundsTavion Banks7Iowa Hawkeyes
- PointsKam Woods33USC Trojans
- AssistsKam Woods3USC Trojans
- ReboundsJacob Cofie7USC Trojans
Recent form
Iowa Hawkeyes
Last 10: 6-4Streak W276.1 scored · 62.2 allowed per game5-1 at home
- W68-62vs Rutgers Scarlet KnightsJan 21
- W74-57at Indiana HoosiersJan 17
- L72-79at Purdue BoilermakersJan 14
- L69-75vs Illinois Fighting IlliniJan 11
- L67-70at Minnesota Golden GophersJan 7
- W74-61vs UCLA BruinsJan 3
- W90-62vs UMass Lowell River HawksDec 29
- W94-39vs Bucknell BisonDec 20
- W91-51vs Western Michigan BroncosDec 14
- L62-66at Iowa State CyclonesDec 12
USC Trojans
Last 10: 6-4Streak W174.7 scored · 72.4 allowed per game2-2 away
- W73-71at Wisconsin BadgersJan 25
- L68-74vs Northwestern WildcatsJan 22
- L64-69vs Purdue BoilermakersJan 17
- W88-71vs Maryland TerrapinsJan 14
- W70-69at Minnesota Golden GophersJan 10
- L51-80at Michigan State SpartansJan 6
- L66-96at Michigan WolverinesJan 3
- W102-63vs UC Santa Cruz Banana SlugsDec 21
- W97-70vs UTSA RoadrunnersDec 18
- W68-61vs Washington State CougarsDec 15
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 | USC Trojans | Iowa Hawkeyes |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-53 | 23-55 |
| Field goal % | 53 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 5-15 | 8-25 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 32 |
| Free throws | 11-16 | 19-22 |
| Free throw % | 69 | 86 |
| Rebounds | 29 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 20 |
| Assists | 8 | 11 |
| Steals | 6 | 12 |
| Blocks | 4 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 27 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 16 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 30 |
| Fouls | 19 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 11 | 17 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 51 | 48 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half32-41Tavion Banks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half32-44Isaia Howard makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kael Combs assists)
- 2nd Half32-47Bennett Stirtz makes 25-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half33-47Jerry Easter II makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half34-47Jerry Easter II makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half34-49Kael Combs makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half34-50Kael Combs makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half36-50Kam Woods makes 6-foot jumper
- 2nd Half36-53Tavion Banks makes 24-foot three point jumper (Bennett Stirtz assists)
- 2nd Half38-53Kam Woods makes 5-foot jumper
- 2nd Half40-53Gabe Dynes makes layup
- 2nd Half40-56Alvaro Folgueiras makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kael Combs assists)
- 2nd Half41-56Ezra Ausar makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-58Bennett Stirtz makes layup (Kael Combs assists)
- 2nd Half43-58Kam Woods makes 6-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half43-60Bennett Stirtz makes driving layup
- 2nd Half45-60Gabe Dynes makes layup (Kam Woods assists)
- 2nd Half47-60Ezra Ausar makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half47-61Alvaro Folgueiras makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-62Alvaro Folgueiras makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-62Ezra Ausar makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half51-62Alijah Arenas makes layup (Kam Woods assists)
- 2nd Half51-64Isaia Howard makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half51-66Cam Manyawu makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half52-66Kam Woods makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-66Kam Woods makes driving layup
- 2nd Half55-66Kam Woods makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half57-66Kam Woods makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-66Kam Woods makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half61-66Kam Woods makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jerry Easter II assists)
- 2nd Half63-66Kam Woods makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half63-69Alvaro Folgueiras makes 25-foot three point jumper (Bennett Stirtz assists)
- 2nd Half65-69Kam Woods makes layup
- 2nd Half65-71Alvaro Folgueiras makes layup
- 2nd Half68-71Kam Woods makes 23-foot three point jumper (Chad Baker-Mazara assists)
- 2nd Half69-71Kam Woods makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-71Kam Woods makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-71Jacob Cofie makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half72-72Bennett Stirtz makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-73Bennett Stirtz makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Iowa Hawkeyes, below favours USC Trojans.
Venue
- Carver-Hawkeye ArenaIowa City, IA
- Attendance10512
- OfficialsEarl Walton, Paul Szelc, K.B. Burdett
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond