Iowa Basketball: 3 takeaways from impressive win over #16 North Carolina

Garza struggled offensively

The stat sheet will show that the senior had a double-double and dominated on the offensive end. However, Garza would disappear at times and could not finish near the rim. His 16 points and 14 rebounds are certainly respectable, especially against a team of the caliber of North Carolina. However, he shot just 6-20 from the field

Where Garza was effective in some ways was his efficiency on the defensive end and securing the basketball. At times, Forwards can go for a rebound and end up fumbling the ball out of bounds. Garza was secure with his boards as he only had one turnover in the entire game.

North Carolina had a solid plan to stop Garza, with three big and tall dudes that would collide with him to make things hard. In instances, Garza was able to make plays and get past the three 6’10 players he faced off against. Those three down the stretch would have to rotate out with foul issues.

Brooks, Sharpe, and Baton each had four fouls and could not be quite as physical, in order to stay in the game. Throughout the first three games, Garza has been nothing short of a volume shooter and did that to an extent tonight with 20 shots, all from within 6 feet of the rim.

For any other teams that have a similar rotation structure as North Carolina, this idea can be implemented and used to limit Garza’s relentless play in his hot spots. The one concern Iowa has is if Garza has a really bad shooting day, there is no other post player to look to. Jack Nunge was a horrendous 2-9 from the floor and Murray had one basket.

The Hawkeye superstar is still a highly regarded candidate for National Player of the Year and is among the best in college basketball. The Hawkeyes won’t always 19 three-pointers, so the efficiency from Garza in big games will have to improve throughout the year.