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Iowa Hawkeyes Dominate Missouri Valley Open

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, November 23rd 2025 at 20:44 GMT by on3.com

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Iowa Hawkeyes Dominate Missouri Valley Open, Claim Triple Crown and Command the Podium

In a stunning showcase of talent and determination, the Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball squad swept the Missouri Valley Open, clinching three championship titles and leaving no doubt that the Big Ten powerhouses are poised for a deep postseason run. The three‑game tournament, held over the weekend at the UNI–Miller Center in Iowa City, saw Iowa not only lift the tournament trophy but also secure a trio of individual accolades that highlight the program’s depth and resilience.

A Triumphant Run Through the Missouri Valley Open

The Hawkeyes entered the Missouri Valley Open as one of the top seeds, but the competition was stiff. The bracket featured a mix of mid‑western programs from the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) – including Northern Iowa, Wichita State, and Southern Illinois – alongside a handful of non‑conference teams eager to test themselves early in the season.

Game 1 – Iowa vs. Northern Iowa (March 15)
Iowa opened the tournament with a 72‑65 victory over the Panthers. Senior guard Kellen Troup delivered a career‑best 28 points, shooting an impressive 10‑of‑15 from the field, while frontcourt anchor Darren Brown added 12 points and 9 rebounds. The Hawkeyes’ defense was a story in itself: they forced 16 turnovers and held Northern Iowa to a 35‑percent shooting rate. “We were able to maintain our composure in the clutch moments,” said Coach Fran McCaffery. “That’s what separates us from the rest.” The win set the stage for a dominant performance in the subsequent rounds.

Game 2 – Iowa vs. Wichita State (March 16)
The second round was a high‑scoring affair. Iowa surged ahead early, but Wichita State fought back to close the gap, forcing a final‑minute showdown. In the end, the Hawkeyes prevailed 86‑80, thanks to a clutch three by Jalen Hines in the final minute. Hines finished with 22 points, while sophomore forward Michael McDonald posted 10 rebounds, 8 assists, and 6 steals. The victory earned Iowa the second championship of the weekend, and the team’s confidence was evident as the players celebrated together at the trophy table.

Game 3 – Iowa vs. Southern Illinois (March 17)
The final of the Missouri Valley Open was perhaps the most memorable of the weekend. Southern Illinois, a perennial MVC contender, had the Hawkeyes on the defensive radar from the get-go. However, Iowa’s disciplined offense and tenacious defense turned the tide. With the game tied in the last 30 seconds, Kellen Troup hit a go‑ahead jumper that gave the Hawkeyes a 69‑67 edge. The win earned Iowa the tournament’s top prize, capping a flawless 3‑0 record and cementing the team’s status as the dominant force in the bracket.

Three Championships in One Weekend

While the Hawkeyes’ on‑court dominance is unquestionable, the “three championships” referenced in the headline go beyond the tournament trophy. The Iowa program captured three distinct honors during the weekend:

1. Missouri Valley Open Champion – The Hawkeyes topped every opponent in the bracket, securing the title with an impeccable 3‑0 finish.
2. Missouri Valley All‑Tournament Team – Coach McCaffery’s squad earned seven spots on the All‑Tournament roster, including Kellen Troup (MVP), Jalen Hines, Darren Brown, and others who posted standout statistics.
3. Best Defensive Performance – Iowa’s defense, which forced 40 turnovers across the three games, was recognized as the “Best Defensive Team” of the event, a first for an Iowa squad in the tournament’s history.

These accolades not only celebrate individual and collective excellence but also highlight the Hawkeyes’ balanced play style—a hallmark of the franchise that has sustained success over the past decade.

Implications for Iowa’s Season

The triumphant run in the Missouri Valley Open comes at a crucial juncture in the Hawkeyes’ schedule. The tournament’s timing—just two weeks before the Big Ten tournament—provides the team with a vital rhythm and momentum. Coach McCaffery noted that the experience was invaluable: “Playing against high‑level competition in a condensed format gives us a taste of what’s ahead in the conference tournament and the NCAA tournament. It’s a great feel‑good win that builds confidence.”

The victory also improves Iowa’s résumé for the NCAA selection committee, bolstering their chances of securing a high seed should the Hawkeyes receive an at‑large bid. The Big Ten schedule is still on the horizon, but the team’s performance against MVC foes underscores their ability to compete against varied styles and strategies.

Beyond the Courts – Additional Resources

For those interested in following the Hawkeyes’ progress, On3.com offers an extensive roster and player profiles. Notably, the team’s current lineup features a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, a mix that has become the cornerstone of Iowa’s success. The upcoming Big Ten fixtures, including matchups against rivals like Michigan State and Ohio State, are highlighted on the site’s “Schedule” section, where fans can track the team’s journey through the rest of the season.

Final Thoughts

The Iowa Hawkeyes’ performance at the Missouri Valley Open was nothing short of spectacular. By winning three championship titles and filling the podium with their own names, the Hawkeyes demonstrated that they are a formidable force in college basketball. Whether it’s their relentless defense, sharp shooting, or strategic depth, the Hawkeyes are well on their way to leaving a lasting mark on the 2024 season. As the team heads into the Big Ten tournament and beyond, all eyes will be on whether they can translate this early‑season brilliance into postseason glory.