While Iowa basketball (2-1) had chances to grab a key nonconference win over Virginia Tech (3-0) on Tuesday night inside the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, the Hawkeyes' shooting struggles from the floor and the free-throw line in regulation and overtime ultimately led to a 93-88 loss.
Despite Cooper Koch netting a career-high 26 points on 5 for 11 shooting from the floor and 15 of 17 at the charity stripe and Isaia Howard's 13-point and 15-rebound double-double, Iowa's 16 missed free throws proved costly.
Iowa will look to bounce back on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. CT inside the Casey's Center in Des Moines as the Hawkeyes battle Creighton (2-1).
With Iowa suffering its first loss of the season at the hands of Virginia Tech, here are some of the notable
reactions from fans and media to the Hawkeyes' performance:
This Iowa basketball squad is NOT elite 8 material
— Tigers DD (@TigersDD) November 11, 2026
this type of game for iowa men’s basketball is a must win this early in the season
— HawkeyeWillie (@HawkeyeWillie_) November 11, 2026
absolutely need a non conference W
Let’s make this Iowa basketball game in Sioux City a one and done type of thing, please
— Dejan D (mostly not parody) (@dejandab) November 11, 2026
This Iowa Men’s Basketball team has been in the weight room.
— Nate Lamphier (@nate_lamphier) November 11, 2026
Rabid Reactions: Iowa vs. Virginia Tech (1H)
— HawkHoops (@HawkHoops94) November 11, 2026
The Good: Cooper Koch is carrying Iowa offensively. Kael Combs can get to his spots almost at will when he attacks. McKeever has flashed impressive rebounding and passing instincts in his debut. Howard can go up and get a rebound…
Isaia Howard with a DEEP three for @IowaHoops 🎯
— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) November 11, 2026
📺: FS1 pic.twitter.com/YFgScECB6u
Cooper Koch is a beast. Physically dominant this year
— I Love Iowa Basketball (@ILoveIowaBball) November 11, 2026
Win or lose.
— Ross (@RJHINDM) November 11, 2026
Iowa has shot 40 fts...
Thats ridiculous
Like most things in basketball free throws are a difference maker.
— Joe Hugen (@Joe_Hugen) November 11, 2026
Iowa trails by 4
Iowa basketball really needs to fix their free throw shooting. They have shot 55% as a team before tonight’s game and are shooting under 70% against Virginia Tech.
— Kellen Shelman (@KellenShelman) November 11, 2026
Rough loss for Iowa hoops. Couldn’t stop a guard. Couldn’t make a FT. Have no doubt they will get better. Not going to sweat an early November loss.
— Chris Hassel (@Hassel_Chris) November 11, 2026
Iowa shot 47 free throws to Virginia Tech's 33, out-rebounded Virginia Tech by 14, and lost. Hawkeyes have never won in Sioux City.
— Mike Hlas (@Hlas) November 11, 2026
What a win for Mike Young and Virginia Tech.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) November 11, 2026
Go to Sioux City and beat Iowa in OT after Ben Hammond --- who dropped 32 --- fouled out.
That's a needle mover! https://t.co/auFjDLOw6M
An overtime thriller ends with @HokiesMBB taking down Iowa! pic.twitter.com/Hp3sHSd1Vf
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) November 11, 2026
Including the exhibition, Iowa is 78/126 from the free throw line (62%).
— Ben Stan (@HawkeyeBBFan) November 11, 2026
Iowa had so many chances to win this game. Have got to shoot better from the free throw line and Cam Manyawu has to make layups/dunks if this team wants to be competitive.
— hawkeye caleb (@hawkeyecaleb) November 11, 2026
Frustrating loss. Really disappointing that we still struggle to defend iso teams like this.
— Iowa Hoops Web (@iowahoopsweb) November 11, 2026
Koch, Howard & Coleman 📈
McKeever still getting his legs
I expect more from Sage, Cam, Combs & Jirak
PMc played 17 mins but mostly bc foul trouble
No real opportunity for Coon
Practice free throws.
— Jesse Wells (@JesseWellsNews) November 11, 2026
That’s my best advice for college basketball teams in general and Iowa specifically.#GoHawks
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Fans, media react to Iowa basketball's overtime loss vs. Virginia Tech
