Iowa leaves the Sunshine State as a champion once again. The Hawkeyes also finally solved a team that’s given them fits over the past two seasons.
Sixth-ranked Iowa downed No. 22 Kansas State in a thrilling tournament final, 77-70, to capture the Gulf Coast Showcase crown.
In the process, the Hawkeyes avenged their early-season loss from last season in Manhattan, Kan., to the Wildcats and their Nov. 16 loss this season inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena to K-State.
As expected from a team that boasts its own All-American in sixth-year senior center Ayoka Lee, Kansas State refused to go quietly.
Still, the Hawkeyes and their All-American and National Player of the Year made enough plays along the way and late to top K-State for the tourney title.
Let’s jump into some key takeaways.