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Iowa men’s basketball team whomps Xavier, 81-62
Hawkeyes go to 3-0 with triumph over Big East opponent
Nov. 14, 2025 9:05 pm, Updated: Nov. 14, 2025 10:01 pm
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IOWA CITY -- The Iowa men’s basketball team defeated Xavier 81-62 Friday night at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
The Hawkeyes improved to 3-0. Xavier, coached by Richard Pitino, is 2-2.
Iowa made 20 of its first 29 field goal tries (69 percent) before finishing at 56.9 percent.
Hawkeye guard Bennett Stirtz had a game-high 21 points and 8 rebounds. Teammate Tavion Banks had 13 points and 3 steals.
The game was tied at 22 with 8:26 left in the first half, but Iowa had an 11-3 run for some cushion, then later it scored the last 12 points of the half.
A 6-point possession thanks to an intentional foul pulled Xavier within 47-38 three minutes into the second half, but Iowa scored the next seven points and never trailed again led by less than 14.
The Hawkeyes had a 41-24 rebounding advantage.
Iowa’s next game is at home against Southeast Missouri State (1-2) Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. (BTN).
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