MOLINE, Ill. — It was an exciting night in Moline, as former Marooners Owen Freeman and Brock Harding hit the court again in their hometown.
The current Iowa Hawkeyes faced off against Washington State at Vibrant Arena, winning 76-66. Friday's matchup was the first time the Iowa men's basketball team has played in the Quad Cities since 1998.
But it wasn't just Hawkeye fans eager to see tonight's game. Moline Marooners came out in droves to see Freeman and Harding. In 2023, both players helped the Maroons win their first state championship ever in school history.
Fans got the party started early, hosting tailgates before the game, including young Hawkeye fans ready to watch Harding and Freeman tear up the court.
"We're gonna see Owen Freeman and Brock Harding go off tonight," Orion seventh grader Abram Cox said.
Iowa jerseys sporting #2 (Harding) and #32 (Freeman) could be seen throughout the arena. However, one fan wore maroon and white to support the alumni.
"Easier to see 'em here in Moline than Iowa City," Dave Gerstel said. "I saw them last year in Iowa City. They're now right here in the hometown."
The Hawkeyes playing in Moline is even more meaningful for Christina Freeman, Owen's mom. That's on top of a crowd of Quad Citizens supporting Freeman and Harding.
"It’s been crazy to see all the support from the Quad Cities, not just from Moline," Christina said. "So we think that’s really cool, just the support around the area for the local athletes."
After graduating from Moline, Harding and Freeman went on to have successful freshman seasons at Iowa, with Freeman being named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Their sophomore year is off to a 4-0 start after tonight's win.