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Three Key Takeaways.
- Iowa showed great resiliency. Entering this game with five losses in its last six games, it was a positive sign for Iowa to come out strong in the first few minutes. Even more impressive was Iowa’s ability to win this game in overtime after fouling a three-point shooter in the final seconds. When Temple’s Quenton DeCosey hit three free throws to send the game to overtime, the expectation of many was for Iowa to fold and Temple to spring the upset (think: Little Rock). That turned out not to be the case and Iowa now moves on to a Second Round matchup with Villanova. It was gut-check time for the Hawkeyes and they clearly answered the bell.
- That said, Adam Woodbury pushed off. In real time, it looked like Iowa’s center cleared out considerable space on his game-winning rebound and tip-in. Replay only confirmed this fact. If called properly, Temple would have received free throws on the other end with only a couple of ticks left on the clock. It was a game-changing no-call with the outcome of the game hanging in the balance. Credit Temple coach Fran Dunphy and his players for taking the high road in the postgame press conference.
- Did Iowa get its mojo back? This question likely won’t be answered until Sunday’s game against Villanova. Head coach Fran McCaffery struck a positive, upbeat tone after the game, no doubt looking for some positive reinforcement after what has been a brutal month. Iowa survived and advanced which has to give it some confidence going forward, but the Hawkeyes only shot 35 percent for the game and were outrebounded by 11. Its saving grace was turnovers as Iowa gave it away only three times in a 45-minute game. That alone is incredibly impressive and a similar result on Sunday should keep Iowa in the game against Villanova.
Star of the Game: Quenton DeCosey, Temple. As he has been doing all year, DeCosey was the straw that stirs the drink for the Owls. He kept Temple within striking distance throughout the second half and made all three pressure free throws in the final seconds of regulation to send the game to overtime. He closed his collegiate career with a bang, scoring 26 points and grabbing eight rebounds.
Sights and Sounds: In stark contrast to the first game of the day here, the Barclays Center was filled to capacity for this one. Temple had a strong edge in fan support as the somewhat local team (two hours down the road in Philadelphia), but Iowa fans turned out in pretty good numbers as well. It was a fun atmosphere with everyone cheering and on their feet as the game was decided with several big plays at the end of regulation and overtime. The nightcap should bring similarly good crowds as West Virginia, Notre Dame and Michigan all have a strong alumni presence in the New York City area.
Quotable:
- Fran McCaffery: “I have so much respect for how we kept fighting because we didn’t shoot it well in overtime. But we did enough to win the game.”
- McCaffery, on the last play of overtime: “Yeah, it wasn’t what we designed but Mike [Gesell] made the right play.”
- Fran Dunphy, when asked if he thought Adam Woodbury pushed off: “We’ll watch the film but the reality is it doesn’t matter. They got the rebound and put it in. Woodbury is a tough offensive rebounding guy and we got hurt by the offensive rebounds throughout.”
What’s Next: Iowa advances to Sunday’s Second Round game against #2 Villanova. The Hawkeyes will be looking to advance to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 1999. Temple concludes its year with a 21-12 record after making its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2013.