Iowa Hawkeyes Face USC Amid LA Wildfires, NCAA Tournament Hopes on the Line

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Iowa Hawkeyes basketball team arrived in California on Sunday evening, preparing for a critical two-game road trip against USC and UCLA despite ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area. As of Monday afternoon, the games remained scheduled, though uncertainty loomed over the logistics due to the fires.

Iowa coach Fran McCaffery addressed the situation Monday, stating, ‘The plan was to move to a hotel closer to UCLA after playing USC, but that is on hold. Some events have been canceled, so we may play the game there or somewhere else. We’re evaluating our options.’

This road trip is pivotal for the Hawkeyes (12-4, 3-2 Big Ten), who are seeking their first true road win of the season. A victory against USC (10-6, 2-3 Pac-12) on Tuesday night at the Galen Center would bolster their NCAA Tournament resume. The game is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on FS1.

USC presents a realistic opportunity for Iowa to gain momentum. The Trojans are coming off a road win over Illinois but have struggled this season. Iowa, meanwhile, has shown resilience, snapping Nebraska’s six-game winning streak and defeating Indiana decisively in their last two games.

Two Hawkeyes, Payton Sandfort and Owen Freeman, are among the Big Ten’s top scorers, averaging 16.9 and 16.6 points per game, respectively. Sandfort’s recent performances, including a 51-point stretch over two games, highlight his potential. Freeman, despite struggling at the free-throw line (58.5%), ranks third in the conference with a 63.1% field-goal percentage.

Guard Tony Dix has also been a standout, shooting 56.1% from the field, a rare feat for a guard. Point guard Brock Harding, averaging 6.1 assists per game, has been instrumental in facilitating Iowa’s offense. Defensively, Drew Thelwell leads the team with 2.3 steals per game, while Freeman averages 2.2 blocks, showcasing his rim-protecting abilities.

For USC, the game offers a chance to build on their recent win over Illinois. The Trojans will rely on their home-court advantage, though the wildfires have cast a shadow over the city. The matchup is crucial for both teams as they aim to solidify their postseason aspirations.

Tip-off is set for 9:30 p.m. CT, with USC favored by 2.5 points and an over/under of 161.5. The Hawkeyes hope to capitalize on their recent momentum and secure a much-needed road victory.