Ole Miss faces undefeated Iowa in Acrisure Classic semifinal, both teams’ 5-0 records about to face their biggest test yet

Ole Miss faces undefeated Iowa in an Acrisure Classic semifinal matchup on November 25, 2025, in Palm Springs, California. Both teams enter with pristine 5-0 records, but neither squad has tested itself on the road in this pivotal neutral-site tournament game.

Iowa’s Dominant Start: The Hawkeyes’ Unbeaten Run

The Iowa Hawkeyes have been nearly unstoppable to start the 2025-26 season. Under first-year coach Ben McCollum, the team has won all five games by at least 19 points, with an impressive average margin of victory of 27.6 points. Their opponents so far have been Robert Morris, Western Illinois, Xavier, Southeast Missouri, and Chicago State.

Senior guard Bennett Stirtz leads the offensive charge, averaging 17.6 points per game while distributing 6.2 assists per outing. Transfer Alvaro Folgueiras from Robert Morris contributes 12.4 points and leads the team with 5.8 rebounds per contest. Iowa’s balanced scoring features ten Hawkeyes averaging at least 5.8 points per game, showcasing the depth McCollum has assembled.

Ole Miss Brings SEC-Ready Competition to Neutral Court

While Ole Miss mirrors Iowa’s unbeaten record, the Rebels’ path has been different. Coach Chris Beard‘s squad has posted a 5-0 mark with all five victories coming at home against Southeastern Louisiana, UL Monroe, Memphis, Cal State Bakersfield, and Austin Peay. Their defense remains questionable—they surrendered 17 offensive rebounds in a 72-65 win over Austin Peay on November 19.

Point guard Ilias Kamardine has been the anchor for Ole Miss, posting 15.8 points and 5.2 assists per game while scoring in double figures in all five games. Despite the strong start, Beard emphasized the need for improvement, noting that consistency and discipline have been lacking. The Rebels average 82.2 points per game and allow just 65.0 points, suggesting a defensive-minded approach.

Key Storylines for the Acrisure Classic Semifinal

First-Ever Meeting Sets Tournament Stage

This marks the first clash between Iowa and Ole Miss in men’s college basketball history. Both teams enter expecting conference-level competition, making this neutral-site test invaluable before conference play begins. McCollum said the focus is simple: “compete and fight for the full 40 minutes.”

Beard acknowledged the challenge, stating his team must play better against quality opponents. The Rebels face a reality check against Iowa’s balanced attack and elite three-point shooting. For Iowa, Ole Miss provides a glimpse of the defensive versatility they’ll face in Big Ten play, despite Ole Miss’s SEC membership.

What Happens Next for the Undefeated Programs?

The winner advances to the Acrisure Classic finals, where they’ll potentially face either Utah or Grand Canyon on November 26. Losing an unbeaten record in November would sting both programs, especially Iowa, which has established itself as a national threat. For Ole Miss, backing away from the tournament would mean returning home without the credibility boost of defeating an undefeated power.

The game dynamics heavily favor Iowa’s experience and depth, but Ole Miss brings SEC defensive intensity that could disrupt the Hawkeyes’ rhythm from three-point range. All eyes are on whether either undefeated team blinks in this high-stakes semifinal matchup.

Sources

• CBS Sports – Iowa and Ole Miss 5-0 records and player statistics
• ESPN – Game preview, odds, and real-time game information
• Acrisure Arena Official – Tournament schedule and venue details

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.