An unlikely hero stole the show for the Hawkeyes as Bennett Stirtz struggled

Ben McCollum: the natural.

For the first time since the 2020-2021 season, the Hawkeyes have won an NCAA Tournament game, but it wasn't easy.

Clemson is a stout defensive team, and hit some big three-point baskets down the stretch to close the gap.

Iowa never trailed in the game thanks to good defensive pressure, and even though star guard Bennett Stirtz struggled due to tight pressure from the Tigers, an unlikely hero stepped up to guide Iowa to the victory.

Kael Combs was HUGE for the Hawkeyes against Clemson

Even though a nine-seed beating an eight-seed isn't the biggest upset, it is still an upset, and it would not have happened without guard Kael Combs.

Combs has been streaky this season, but he has shown up in big moments when Iowa needed him the most.

Even though Iowa ultimately lost to Nebraska at the end of the regular season, Combs knocked down a huge three to send the game into OT, finishing the game with 18 points.

During Iowa's first-round matchup against Clemson, the Tigers were forcing the ball out of Stirtz's hands and making him take tough shots.

Once again, Combs came to the rescue, scoring 15 points and adding four rebounds in 30 minutes in Iowa's 67-61 win.

Combs' numbers this season won't wow anyone, but when he is aggressive and takes the ball to the basket, good things happen for the Iowa offense.

Combs and the rest of the squad must find more offense in their next game and can't have five- to seven-minute stretches without a field goal.

It was enough to beat Clemson, but it is not a strategy for success in the future.