Iowa star Bennett Stirtz said the Hawkeyes drew a surge of confidence from an on-court confrontation involving their head coach during the NCAA tournament.
Stirtz pointed to a screaming match between Iowa coach Ben McCollum and Florida coach Todd Golden during the second round as a moment that energized the Hawkeyes. According to Stirtz, the tense exchange served as a boost for Iowa as it competed against the Gators in the tournament setting.
A flashpoint in a high-stakes setting
The incident unfolded in the second round of the NCAA tournament, where emotions often run high with a season’s goals on the line. Stirtz said McCollum’s willingness to engage in the moment resonated with the team and helped reinforce its belief on the floor.
Iowa and Florida met with advancement at stake, and Stirtz described the sideline flare-up as a galvanizing moment for the Hawkeyes during the game.