The Iowa Hawkeyes need every win they can get as they look to put together a strong enough resume to impress the selection committee and qualify for the NCAA Tournament.
The Hawkeyes have taken a step back in quality this year from recent years, but their trademark style of play has remained more or less the same.
With a frenetic, fast-paced offense that can put up points in a hurry and a porous defense that has trouble stopping pretty much any opponent.
Iowa ranks 15th in the country in offensive efficiency per Ken Pomery, and 149th on the defensive end. In years past, the offense has been closer to top five, but that slight pull back has led to some games where the Hawkeyes aren't able to outscore their problems.
Still, the pace and blistering shooting that Iowa brings to every matchup make them a difficult opponent to prepare for, and they could win a game or two if they find their way into the field on a high note.
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NCAA Tournament Resume: Iowa Hawkeyes
KenPom Ranking: 52
Net Ranking: 60
Record vs. Quads: 3-8 vs. Q1, 5-3 vs. Q2, 4-2 vs. Q3, 6-0 vs. Q4
Iowa is coming off of a squandered opportunity for an all-important fourth Quad 1 win when they fell to Illinois on Sunday night. They did convert such opportunities on the road at Michigan State and Northwestern as well as at home against Wisconsin.
The Big 10 provides many opportunities for signature wins, but Iowa got swept by Purdue and Illinois, meaning that while they have three Quad 1 wins, there isn't one that's doing a ton of heavy lifting for them in the eyes of the committee.
Two losses against Quad 3 is not the ideal position to be in, nor is having more wins over Quad 4 than any other quadrant.
Due to these warts on their resume, Iowa is currently positioned as one of the next four teams out of the tournament by ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi.
But fortunately for the Hawkeyes, their season is not over, as the Big Ten Tournament is set to present the Hawkeyes with some opportunities to bolster their resume.
Iowa takes on Ohio State after a first-round bye, and a win would set the Hawkeyes up with another chance to earn a signature win over the Fighting Illini.
If Iowa can grab wins from both of those contests, look for the Hawkeyes to be on the right side of the bubble come Selection Sunday.
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