Iowa HC Remains Positive Despite Blowout Loss

Well, a honeymoon can't last forever. After a flawless 7-0 start to head coach Ben McCollum's first season in Iowa City, he and his Iowa Hawkeyes have taken their first loss, and did so in absolutely grueling fashion on the road.

Facing down the No. 7 Michigan State Spartans, McCollum's introduction to B1G basketball spared no brutality, as the previously unfettered Hawkeyes struggled to piece much of anything positive together in their first true road game of the campaign.

Struggling From the Start

The battle was out of balance from the beginning, as the Spartans got out to a hot start and never allowed Iowa the chance to work their way back into things. Taking a 35-21 lead at halftime, Michigan State had complete control of the match from the opening tip. Despite an improved second period, it was far too little, far too late for the black and gold.

Now 7-1, the Hawkeyes' schedule will only get tougher with the aforementioned introduction of conference play. The B1G waits for no team, especially not one finding their footing in a new coach's inaugural year.

Though in spite of the nature of Iowa's defeat, McCollum remained positive about the team's outlook going forward, saying, "This was great for us. It was good that we played them the first game [in the B1G]." Understanding the league, understanding how it’s going to be played, understanding all those different things."