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Iowa Hawkeyes Defeat Clemson 67-61 in NCAA First Round

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Iowa Hawkeyes beat Clemson 67-61 in the NCAA Tournament first round on March 20, 2026.
Bennett Stirtz (Iowa guard) led with 16 points, while Kael Combs and Alvaro Folgueiras added 15 and 14.
Iowa outrebounded Clemson 40-27, including 15 offensive rebounds that produced 16 second-chance points.
Clemson struggled offensively in the first half, and despite a late push, their season ended 24-11, continuing a trend of early exits.

History

Historical Context

The 1985 NCAA Tournament expanded to 64 teams, significantly enhancing competition. Georgetown Hoyas, led by Patrick Ewing, entered as defending champions and reached the finals but lost to Villanova, marking one of the biggest upsets in tournament history. This event, held on April 1, 1985, attracted over 1 million fans, reflecting the tournament's growing popularity and setting a precedent for future competitions.

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Story summary

The Iowa Hawkeyes beat Clemson 67-61 in the NCAA Tournament first round on March 20, 2026.
Bennett Stirtz (Iowa guard) led with 16 points, while Kael Combs and Alvaro Folgueiras added 15 and 14.
Iowa outrebounded Clemson 40-27, including 15 offensive rebounds that produced 16 second-chance points.
Clemson struggled offensively in the first half, and despite a late push, their season ended 24-11, continuing a trend of early exits.

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