While Iowa's game against Ohio State was not a must-win, it carried significant weight for the standings and the postseason.
The Hawkeyes and Buckeyes were battling for the No. 8 spot in the Big Ten Conference standings, the final spot for a double-bye in the Big Ten Tournament.
Iowa's 74-57 win gave them a leg up on Ohio State, securing the eighth spot with three games left in the regular season.
The game was important because it not only gave the Hawkeyes a double bye in the Big Ten Tournament, but it was the first time a family member of one of the players could watch in person.
Ignacio Folgueiras watched his brother Alvaro in person for the first time
Over Iowa's past few games, junior forward Alvaro Folgueiras has really turned it up a notch, including a brilliant performance against Ohio State.
In 25 minutes off the bench, Folgueiras tallied 20 points on 80 percent shooting from the field, while also adding four rebounds and five assists.
His latest performance guided the Hawkeyes to a victory at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, but this game will always hold a special place in his heart.
Alvaro Folgueiras’ brother, Ignacio, was in attendance tonight. It’s the first game he has been able to see in-person. He plays professional in Ireland and watches every single game live despite them starting at 2 or 3 am.
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) February 26, 2026
According to 247Sports Hawkeye Insider David Eickholt, Alvaro's brother, Ignacio Folgueiras, was in attendance for Iowa's game against Ohio State.
Ignacio plays professional basketball in Ireland, and has not seen Alvaro Folgueiras play in person until Wednesday's game.
He was never able to see Alvaro play in person, but he has watched every game live, even though they take place at 2 or 3:00 a.m.
It was surely a special moment for the Folgueiras brothers, and it is one they will never forget.