Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz shines with 29 points in Acrisure Series clash against Mississippi
Thanksgiving week has long been a pivotal moment for college basketball, marking the onset of various early-season tournaments that provide teams a chance to measure their strengths against formidable opponents. Among these events, the Acrisure Series has quickly emerged as a stage for thrilling matchups, and this year is no exception.
Hawkeyes secure victory in a nail-biter
On Tuesday night, the Iowa Hawkeyes faced off against the Mississippi Rebels in a compelling opening round of the series. The contest was tightly contested, with both teams showcasing their skills, but Iowa ultimately emerged victorious with a narrow 74-69 win. The standout performer for the Hawkeyes was none other than Bennett Stirtz, a seasoned guard who has begun to capture attention as a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Stirtz delivered an impressive performance, scoring 29 points while adding 3 rebounds and 2 assists. His shooting was particularly noteworthy; he connected on 9 of 20 attempts from the field, including a remarkable 6 of 8 from three-point range, and he was a solid 5 of 6 from the free-throw line. This game further solidified Stirtz’s promising start to the season, as he currently averages 19.5 points, 5.5 assists, and 3 rebounds per game, boasting an impressive shooting percentage of 53.7% from the field and 53.6% from beyond the arc over the first six games.
Stirtz’s journey to Iowa
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 190 pounds, Stirtz’s basketball journey has taken him from Northwest Missouri State, a Division II school, to Drake University, and finally to Iowa. Throughout this journey, he has been guided by Ben McCollum, who has served as his head coach at each stop. If Stirtz continues to perform at this level, his combination of playmaking, shooting prowess, and extensive experience could very well elevate him into the top 30 of the upcoming NBA Draft.
Mississippi’s effort falls short
On the other side of the court, Mississippi’s senior guard AJ Storr led his team with a commendable 22 points. Storr showcased his efficiency, shooting 6 of 10 from the field, including 2 of 4 from three-point territory, and converting 8 of 10 free-throw attempts. Joining him in contributing to the Rebels’ efforts was Ilias Kamardine, who added 12 points along with 4 assists, a rebound, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Kamardine, a recent addition to the Rebels after playing professionally for JDA Dijon in France, also demonstrated potential as an NBA Draft prospect. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 185 pounds, his combination of size, passing skills, and professional experience could attract attention from NBA teams looking to bolster their rosters in the upcoming draft.
The Acrisure Series continues to deliver excitement and showcase emerging talent, and with performances like Stirtz’s and Storr’s, the future looks bright for both Iowa and Mississippi as they navigate their early-season challenges.
