Key Analytics
(Per KenPom.com – National Rank / Big 10 Rank in ())
KenPom Ranking – 24
Offense
Adjusted Efficiency: 121.7 (30) – Big 10 Only: 112.1 (10)
Adjusted Tempo: 63.1 (358) – Big 10 Only: 62.8 (17)
Average Possession Length: 19.6 (359) – Big 10 Only: 18.1 (6)
Effective Field Goal%: 56.6 (16) – Big 10 Only: 53.3 (10)
Offensive Rebound%: 30.1 (195) – Big 10 Only: 28.2 (12)
Three Point%: 35.5 (89) – Big 10 Only: 33.1 (11)
Two Point %: 58.9 (16) – Big 10 Only: 56.1 (7)
Defense
Adjusted Efficiency: 99.3 (30) – Big 10 Only: 110.4 (5)
Adjusted Tempo: 63.1
(358) – Big 10 Only: 62.8 (17)
Average Possession Length: 18.1 (307) – Big 10 Only: 18.1 (6)
Effective Field Goal%: 52.7 (251) – Big 10 Only: 55 (14)
Offensive Rebound%: 28 (70) – Big 10 Only: 28.4 (6)
Three Point%: 33.6 (162) – Big 10 Only: 35.2 (12)
Two Point %: 54.1 (284) – Big 10 Only: 56.5 (15)
Key Matchups
Offense
2-Point %
Clemson Offense: 53.7 (95)
Iowa Defense: 54.21 (284)
Thoughts:
Iowa plays super slow and tries to up the value of every possession. That’s fine for Clemson as long as they don’t get drawn into a 3-point shooting contest. RJ Godfrey should be able to eat in the post, and the Tiger guards should be able to get a piece of the paint first and then look for shooters after the Hawkeye defense collapses. They have good perimeter length and do a good job of contesting outside shots. The defense softens up around the basket, and that’s where the Tigers should focus their attack.
Defense
Effective Field Goal %
Clemson Defense: 48.9 (66)
Iowa Offense: 56.6 (16)
Thoughts:
Iowa isn’t a tough team to figure out, but that doesn’t mean they are easy to play. They want to slow the game to a crawl and make it a question of who can execute better on offense late in the shot clock. Bennett Stirtz is going to have the ball late in the clock for the Hawkeyes. He’s considered a fringe lottery pick in the 2026 NBA draft for a reason. He knows how to get to his spots on the floor, and when he gets where he wants to go, he doesn’t miss. Iowa can’t win if its offense isn’t efficient and the offense runs through its point guard.
Stop Stirtz, stop the Iowa offense, and advance to the next round.
Like I said, easier said than done.
Overall
Styles make fights. If this were boxing, this would be the dreaded counterpuncher matchup. If you like fast-paced basketball played in the open court, I’d suggest you look elsewhere. Both teams have gathered their rocks, and now it’s time to fight.
Iowa is going to try and out G.R.I.T. the Tigers.
Bradley Robert Brownell and the Tigers will have something to say about that. Most teams don’t like it when Iowa drags them into the mud; Clemson lives there already.
