In a very physical contest, USC's Gerry Wright (who would later transfer to Iowa) and Iowa's Michael Payne were thrown out with 59 seconds left. The elbows were flying from the tipoff, with Iowa senior Bob Hansen taking one on the chin in the first play of the game which required "six or seven" stitches at halftime.

Greg Stokes returned from an injury in the first half to finish with 16 points, and Michael Payne also added 16. Bob Hansen added 14 points, and Mark Gannon brought down 14 rebounds. The Hawks led most of the game, and were able to hold off USC's comeback attempts.

It would be the last Iowa men's basketball game played in the Field House. The next home game on January 5th against Michigan State was played at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Learn more about the game at https://hawkeyerecap.com/game.asp?id=2296