Takeaways from Hawkeyes’ March Madness loss to Auburn

The Iowa Hawkeyes’ March Madness dream was extinguished by the Auburn Tigers on Saturday night, leaving Hawkeye fans in a state of disappointment. Despite the heartbreaking loss, there are a few key takeaways that Iowa can take away from this game.

Firstly, Iowa’s defense was largely successful in containing the Tigers’ explosive offense. The Hawkeyes held Auburn to only 62 points, well below their season average of 78.2 points per game. The Hawkeyes were also able to force 14 turnovers, a stark contrast to the nine turnovers they typically average each game. Iowa was able to stifle Auburn’s offensive production, while still creating some of their own chances.

Another takeaway from Iowa’s March Madness loss is the importance of shooting accuracy. Despite shooting a relatively low 33.3 percent from the field, the Hawkeyes were able to stay in the game until the final minutes. Iowa made up for their poor shooting by attempting 21 three-pointers, making seven of them. The Hawkeyes’ ability to keep up with the Tigers on the scoreboard despite their poor shooting display is indicative of the team’s resilience and determination.

Finally, Iowa’s high-pressure defense was a key factor in their near-victory. The Hawkeyes applied intense pressure to the Tigers’ ball handlers, forcing Auburn to commit several errant passes and unforced turnovers. This was a drastic improvement from the Hawkeyes’ first-round game against Cincinnati, where they only forced seven turnovers.

Though the Hawkeyes’ March Madness journey has come to an unfortunate end, the team can take solace in the fact that they put up a strong defensive performance against a talented Auburn team. Iowa’s ability to stay in the game despite their poor shooting, as well as their high-pressure defense, is a testament to the team’s resilience.