Stirtz scores 19 and McCollum gets first win for Iowa, dispatching Robert Morris 101-69

Iowa began their season with a commanding 101-69 victory over Robert Morris, marking the first win under new coach Ben McCollum. Leading the team was Bennett Stirtz, who scored 19 points and entered the game as the reigning Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year. Stirtz’s performance highlighted his continued impact on the team’s success. Additionally, former Drake teammates Tavion Banks and Cam Manyawu played key roles in securing the decisive win. This strong start reflects positively on McCollum’s coaching debut and sets a promising tone for Iowa’s season ahead. The contributions from players familiar with each other from previous teams may have aided in the team’s cohesion and effectiveness on the court. Overall, the game showcased Iowa’s offensive strength and potential under new leadership.