EVANSTON, Ill. – The stakes couldn't be higher as the Iowa Hawkeyes (15-13, 6-11 Big Ten) prepare to visit the Northwestern Wildcats (15-13, 6-11 Big Ten) at Welsh-Ryan Arena on Friday night, February 28, 2025. Both teams enter the game with their postseason hopes on the line, sitting tied for the 13th position in the Big Ten standings.
The urgency is palpable: with only three games remaining, this contest could prove pivotal for tournament qualifications. After suffering through a rough patch, the Hawkeyes will be seeking redemption following their recent 81-61 loss to Illinois. Meanwhile, Northwestern is riding momentum after back-to-back victories against Ohio State and Minnesota, injecting renewed confidence.
Iowa's season took a sharp downturn after Owen Freeman, their leading scorer with averages of 16.7 points per game, was sidelined for the season due to finger surgery. This loss compounds the challenge for head coach Fran McCaffery, who now relies heavily on players like Payton Sandfort, averaging 16.4 points per game, to step up.
Sandfort's performance is particularly important as the Hawkeyes are reeling from recent defeats. The team has lost six of its last eight matches, raising concerns about their ability to maintain momentum as they approach the final stretch of the season. "Friday is Iowa’s best opportunity to pick up a win for the remainder of the regular season, though KenPom only gives the Hawkeyes a 30% chance," reported Tyler Tachman, highlighting the uphill battle they face.
On the other side, Northwestern, coached by Chris Collins, is buoyed by the stellar play of junior forward Nick Martinelli, who leads the team with 20.1 points per game. Despite missing key players Brooks Barnhizer and Jalen Leach due to injury, the Wildcats have managed to find success thanks to solid team play and tenacious defense.
With solid offensive contributions from Martinelli, along with the emergence of freshman K.J. Windham, who averaged nearly 11 points over the last four games, Northwestern appears formidable. Their performance handed Ohio State one of the lowest point totals recorded this season, winning 70-49, and they continued to demonstrate improved scoring efficiency with 49% shooting against Minnesota.
Northwestern's recent success can be linked to their defensive capabilities as well. Averaging 69.4 points allowed per game, they rank among the conference's top defenses, forcing over 13 turnovers per game, which could challenge Iowa's offensive execution. With both teams fighting for survival within the Big Ten, this game promises to be fiercely competitive.
The game will be broadcast nationally on FS1 at 8 p.m. Central Time, with fans able to follow through the Hawkeyes Radio Network as well. For those unable to attend, streaming options on platforms like Fubo are also available.
Fans will be watching not only for the outcome but also how each team’s strategy develops—Northwestern's task will be to leverage their recent momentum and close out the season strong, whereas Iowa seeks to find new scoring options beyond Sandfort and Dix. The wild energy of this matchup has the potential to redefine both teams' paths forward.
The historical rivalry leans heavily toward Iowa, who has won nine of the last ten meetings, but past performances will mean little on Friday night as both teams step onto the court, needing every available advantage.
With both Iowa and Northwestern desperately needing a win, expect an electrifying matchup filled with high stakes. Will the Wildcats prevail, or can the Hawkeyes overcome their recent struggles? This game could be the turning point both teams are searching for as they head toward the Big Ten Tournament.