Koch, Stirtz key in 21-0 run, send Iowa to 75-64 win over Maryland in Big Ten Tournament’s 2nd round
In a thrilling second-round matchup at the Big Ten Tournament, Iowa emerged victorious with a 75-64 win over Maryland, thanks to stellar performances from Cooper Koch and Bennett Stirtz. Koch scored a career-high 19 points, showcasing his sharpshooting skills by making 5 of 8 3-point attempts. Stirtz, on the other hand, contributed 17 points along with eight assists and six rebounds, playing a pivotal role in Iowa’s success.
The game took an exciting turn when Iowa went on a remarkable 21-0 run, fueled by Koch and Stirtz, which helped them build a commanding lead of 51-34 early in the second half. Although Maryland fought back and narrowed the gap, Koch’s fifth 3-pointer ensured that Iowa maintained a double-digit lead for the remainder of the game.
Maryland, led by Darius Adams’ 14 points, put up a strong fight, with Isaiah Watts and David Coit also contributing 12 points each. Solomon Washington dominated the boards with 13 rebounds for the Terrapins. However, Iowa’s resilience and sharp shooting ultimately proved to be the difference-maker in securing the victory.
The first half saw Maryland take an early lead with a 15-0 run, fueled by Watts’ three 3-pointers off the bench. Despite their initial surge, Maryland struggled to maintain their momentum as Iowa mounted a comeback, outscoring them 15-5 to close the deficit to 26-25.
Looking ahead, Iowa will face off against Ohio State in the quarterfinals, aiming to replicate their previous success when they defeated the Buckeyes 74-57 in their regular-season meeting.
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