When you see Southern U vs Iowa on a schedule, you might be tempted to keep scrolling. Most folks just assume it's going to be another "buy game" where a powerhouse Big Ten program pays a SWAC school to come get beat by 30 points. Honestly, looking at the box scores, it’s easy to think that. But if you actually sit down and watch these games—specifically the recent clashes in late 2024 and the season opener in November 2025—you’ll see a much weirder, more competitive story.
It’s about culture clash. You have the Hawkeyes, known for their relentless pace and "Lethal from Logo" shooting, going up against a Southern Jaguars squad that plays defense like they’re trying to pick your pocket in a dark alley. It’s a fascinating chess match that tells us a lot about where college basketball is headed.
The Night the Jaguars Scared Carver-Hawkeye Arena
Let’s talk about the November 3, 2025, matchup. This was the season opener for the Iowa women’s team, and honestly, the atmosphere was electric. Iowa was ranked No. 21 and everyone expected them to just steamroll.
They didn't. At least not at first.
Southern came out absolutely fearless. They actually led 15–14 after the first quarter. Think about that for a second. A team from the SWAC went into one of the most hostile environments in the country and outplayed a ranked Big Ten team for ten minutes. They were diving for loose balls and hitting triples like they owned the place.
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The final score was 86–51 in favor of Iowa, but that 35-point margin is kinda lying to you. The real story was the middle of the game where Iowa’s size finally just became too much.
- Rebounding: Iowa crushed them 52–21 on the boards. You can’t win if you don’t get the ball.
- Paint Points: The Hawkeyes put up 48 points in the paint. Southern’s interior defense just didn't have the height to stop the bleeding.
- Turnovers: This is the wild part. Southern actually forced 22 turnovers. They were pests. If they had a 6'5" center, that game is a five-point nail-biter.
Individual Standouts Who Made it Interesting
Zaria Hurston for Southern was a problem. She finished with 14 points and five steals. Watching her jump into passing lanes was like watching a free safety in football. On the Iowa side, Addi Heiden was a monster, putting up 21 points and 14 rebounds. She basically lived at the rim.
The Men’s Side: The "Sandfort Show" of 2024
The men’s history of Southern U vs Iowa follows a similar "scary-start-comfortable-finish" pattern. Back on November 7, 2024, the Hawkeyes won 89–74, but Southern wouldn't go away.
Payton Sandfort and his brother Pryce Sandfort (the "Splash Brothers" of Iowa City) combined for ten 3-pointers. When the Sandforts are hitting, Iowa is basically unbeatable at home. Pryce had a career night with 22 points, hitting six triples.
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But Southern’s DaMariee Jones and Cam Amboree kept pushing the pace. They ended the game on a 10–0 run. Sure, the game was already decided, but it showed that Southern doesn't quit. They’re a team that plays for 40 minutes, regardless of what the jumbotron says.
Statistical Reality Check: Southern U vs Iowa
If we look at the numbers across these matchups, the trend is clear.
| Metric | Southern U Average (Approx.) | Iowa Average (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 35-42% | 50-54% |
| 3-Point Volume | Low/Medium | High |
| Steals per Game | 12-16 | 6-9 |
| Height Average | 6'2" (W) / 6'5" (M) | 6'4" (W) / 6'8" (M) |
The height differential is the "secret sauce" for Iowa. They use their length to negate the speed of Southern’s guards. Southern tries to turn the game into a track meet, but Iowa’s efficiency—especially from 3-point range—usually acts as the fire extinguisher.
Why Do These Games Keep Happening?
You might wonder why Southern keeps scheduling these tough road games against Big Ten giants.
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Basically, it's about the "Check and the Challenge." These games provide huge payouts for the Southern athletic department, which helps fund other sports. But for the players, it’s a chance to play on national TV and prove they belong on the same floor as All-Americans.
Coach Carlos Funchess of Southern said it best after the 2025 loss: "We showed what we're capable of in stretches. Now we've got to sustain it." That’s the mindset of a mid-major program that isn't afraid of the spotlight.
What to Watch for in Future Matchups
If you’re betting on or just watching the next installment of Southern U vs Iowa, don't just look at the spread. The spread is usually huge (Iowa was a 27-point favorite in the 2024 men's game and didn't cover).
- The First 10 Minutes: Southern almost always starts hot. They play with "nothing to lose" energy.
- The Turnover Margin: If Southern is forcing more than 15 turnovers, they’ll keep the game respectable.
- The Glass: Watch the offensive rebounds. If Iowa gets second-chance points, the game gets out of hand by halftime.
Southern is basically the "litmus test" for Iowa’s discipline. If the Hawkeyes are sloppy with the ball, the Jaguars will punish them. If Iowa stays focused and uses their size advantage, they win comfortably.
Practical Next Steps for Fans
To get the most out of following these programs, you should look beyond the final score next time they meet.
- Check the Live Box Score on the official Hawkeye or Jaguar athletics sites; often, the "points off turnovers" stat tells the real story of the game's momentum.
- If you're a Southern fan, watch the development of Zaria Hurston and Jaylia Reed—they are legitimate stars who could play in any conference in the country.
- For Iowa fans, keep an eye on how the younger players like Addi Heiden handle the "pressure defense" that teams like Southern provide. It’s the best practice they get for the NCAA Tournament.
Ultimately, these games aren't just blowouts; they're high-speed workshops in basketball styles. Next time Southern U vs Iowa pops up on your feed, tune in for that first quarter. You might be surprised at who's actually leading.