Iowa To Play Virginia in Big Ten/ACC Challenge
Iowa men's basketball fans have been focused lately on the exploits of former greats Luka Garza and Joe Wieskamp as they prepare for life in the NBA. But they were given something else to look forward to on Monday. The 2021 matchup in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge, and yes, this year's opponent will be a 'challenge.'
Iowa has drawn Virginia. Perhaps you've heard of them. They were the ACC regular season champions last season, and won the National Championship back in 2019. They had visions of another Final Four run dashed in the first round of the NCAA Tournament as they lost to #13 seed Ohio 62-58. That took a bit of luster of a season in which they went 14-3 in the ACC, and 18-7 overall.
The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that Iowa and Virginia have split their last two meetings. Iowa was on the short end of the last game played during the Emerald Coast Classic back in 2016, losing 74-41. The Hawkeyes won an NIT quarterfinal game against Virginia in 2013, 75-64. The Cavs have been a powerhouse under head coach Tony Bennett in his 12 seasons winning thirty plus games four times, and winning five ACC regular season titles.
While everyone knows the names that Iowa has lost going into next season, it should also be pointed out the Virginia is losing it's top three scorers from a season ago too, according to the Gazette.
Other matchups in this year's Big Ten/ACC Challenge include,
- Louisville vs. Michigan State
- Indiana vs. Syracuse
- Michigan vs. North Carolina
- Wisconsin vs. Georgia Tech
- Notre Dame vs. Illinois
You can check out a listing of all the matchups HERE.