Hawkeyes and Cyclones End The Season Ranked in AP Top 25

It was an amazing March for basketball fans in the state of Iowa. The Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones both made this year's Sweet 16 in the men's NCAA Tournament. The Hawkeyes surprised everyone and made the Elite Eight! Both teams find themselves ranked in the final Associated Press college basketball poll of the season.

Another 'What If' Season for Iowa State

The Iowa State Cyclones were a #2 seed in this year's NCAA Tournament. But they lost All-American forward Joshua Jefferson early in their first round game. The ISU senior wouldn't take the court again for the Cyclones. Despite the loss, Iowa State made the Sweet 16 and lost a tough game against #6 seed Tennessee. In the final AP college basketball poll released this week, CBS2 reports Iowa State finished the year ranked #8.

Elite Eight Run in Year One for Ben McCollum

The Iowa Hawkeyes entered the NCAA Tournamnent as a #9 seed. After topping #8 seed Clemson in round one, Iowa got to play #1 seed and defending National Champion Florida in round two. Cue the Hawkeye magic!

Iowa would go on to beat Big Ten rival Nebraska to make the team's first Elite Eight appearance since 1987! The Hawkeyes would fall one game short of the Final Four, losing to Illinois. In Ben McCollum's first year, CBS2 reports the Hawkeye finish the season ranked #15.

The offseason transfer portal is officially open. Both Iowa and Iowa State have holes to fill in their lineups, but both teams should be in a good spot to make another memorable March run next year!