March is just around the corner, so it's a perfect time to take a look at where both squads would be seeded if the regular season ended today.
The college basketball season always goes by so quickly, and in the blink of an eye, we're talking about the Big Ten tournament.
Last season, we weren't sure if the Iowa men's basketball team would qualify for the then 15-team event in Indianapolis, but the Big Ten's swift change has allowed every men's team (the women's tournament remains at 15 teams) to compete in Chicago this season.
Ben McCollum's Hawkeyes would've easily made the cutline this year had the rule still been in place, but conference tournaments (at least in the Big Ten ) are back to where they should be - every team having a chance to play for a championship.
Before the five-day tournaments can begin, both the Iowa men's and women's teams still have business to take care of in the regular season. The men still have four games remaining before postseason play, while Jan Jensen's women's team has two more contests before traveling to Indianapolis for their Big Ten tournament.
Before the final games can begin, let's take a look at where each squad stands in the Big Ten tournament picture:
Women
Not only has Iowa likely locked up a hosting seed for the NCAA tournament, it's also clinched no worse than a top-four seed in Indianapolis. That means the Hawkeyes will get a double-bye and not have to play until Friday, March 6 - a crucial first step towards winning a title.
Iowa will be a heavy favorite in its final two games - Senior Day against Illinois on Feb. 26 and at Wisconsin on March 1. The Hawkeyes are already assured no worse than a No. 4 seed, but the results of these games impact the path Iowa could have to the 'ship.
If the Hawkeyes take care of business, they would be the No. 2 seed and avoid playing outright regular season champion UCLA until the championship game.
Hypothetical Bracket if Iowa is the No. 2 seed:
If Iowa drops one game in this final stretch - it doesn't matter which game - it will be the No. 3 seed in Indy.
Hypothetical Bracket if Iowa is the No. 3 seed:
If the Hawkeyes lose both games, they will be the No. 4 seed.
Hypothetical Bracket if Iowa is the No. 4 seed:
Men
The picture is pretty clear on the women's side, but it's a different story for the men's team. Iowa is right on the cutline of securing a double-bye, but it could easily have to play in the second round if it's not careful.
The Hawkeyes will likely be favored against Ohio State and Penn State and be heavy underdogs against Michigan and Nebraska. If the chalk holds, Iowa will likely hold on to the No. 8 seed and not have to play until the third round on Thursday.
Hypothetical Bracket if Iowa is the No. 8 seed
There's too many games left for other seeding scenarios (we'll get to those next week), but if Iowa were to lose its final four games, it would drop to the No. 10 seed.
Hypothetical Bracket if Iowa is the No. 10 seed:
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