Finally, another big win for Iowa (7-5, 0-2 Big Ten).
The beginning stretch of the season for the Hawkeyes feels like an eternity ago. You’d have difficulty convincing me that the blowout victories over North Dakota and Alabama State were only last month. A loaded early December portion of the season felt like it really sucked the life out of the fan base with three straight bad losses against quality teams.
Stepping back down in competition, Iowa gave us something to cheer for again. Following their 88-52 win over Florida A&M on Saturday, Iowa took care of business against UMBC, defeating the Retrievers, 103-81.
After trailing early on, Iowa blew this one wide open in the second half after a strong finish to the first section of play. The jolt that freshman guard Brock Harding gave this team in this game cannot be understated. With high energy, supreme confidence and swagger, Harding answered the call with his first double-double of his career off the bench.
The Moline, Ill., product finished with 10 points, 12 assists, four steals and just the one turnover.
Those aren’t just empty stats either. When Harding is in the game, Iowa looks like they have a true captain steering the ship on offense. They actually have a true point guard out there.
It may not be there this year, but Iowa clearly has something in Harding. Games like tonight should make you excited about the future. Here are the best social media reactions to the Hawkeyes’ win over UMBC.