NCAA basketball rivalries: Ranking the top 25 college basketball rivalries

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 10: A fan of the North Carolina Tar Heels (L) and the Duke Blue Devils pose for a photo while holding a sign referring to the Duke/UNC rivalry during the semifinals of the ACC Basketball Tournament at Barclays Center on March 10, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

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No. 24 – Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Iowa State Cyclones

All-Time Series: Iowa leads 46-27

This rivalry between the two major state schools in Iowa dates back to 1909 when the first meeting between the schools produced a victory for Iowa. Iowa would win the first 10 meetings and 17 of the first 18 throughout the early parts of the 20th century. Since the programs turned this rivalry into an annual series in 1970, the results have been much closer with Iowa holding a 24-23 series edge.

Over the years the programs have alternated which of each was more nationally prominent with top-25 rankings, with the most recent results swinging in Iowa’s favor. The battles are heated and show the general dislike each of the program’s fans has for the other side.

Despite not playing for a trophy like the football counterparts who play for the Cy-Hawk Trophy, the annual battles between these two schools are heated contests which add to the schools’ cumulative record in the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk series.

Game of Note: December 13, 2013 – No. 17 Iowa St. def No. 23 Iowa 85-82

Twice in the history of this rivalry have both teams been ranked in the top-25 for the annual contest. The first was an overtime thriller in 1987 when No. 20 Iowa St. knocked off No. 7 Iowa 102-100, in a season where Iowa would eventually earn a two-seed in the NCAA Tournament and make the Elite 8, falling to UNLV.

The more recent of these ranked matchups was another victory for the Cyclones. Behind 24 points from Georges Niang and 22 from Melvin Ejim, the Cyclones prevailed at home, overcoming a 7-point deficit at halftime, and despite an impressive 25-point, 17-rebound performance from Iowa’s Aaron White. The Cyclones would ride the win to a Big 12 tournament championship and a 3-seed in the NCAA Tournament, falling in the Sweet 16 to eventual champion UConn. Iowa would also make the NCAA Tournament this year, losing a play-in game to Tennessee.

Although more contests, while each program is nationally prominent, would add fuel to the fire of this rivalry, it remains one of the most competitive intrastate rivalries played annually.