The University of Iowa's men’s basketball team delivered an impressive performance on Saturday, overcoming their previous loss to Wisconsin by defeating Indiana with a score of 85-60. This victory marked a significant turnaround for the Hawkeyes, who have now won two consecutive games following their earlier setback. The win improved their overall record to 12-4 and placed them above .500 in conference play for the first time this season. The game showcased Iowa's offensive prowess and defensive tenacity, setting a strong tone for their upcoming matches.

After suffering a tough defeat at the hands of Wisconsin, where the Badgers set a program record with 21 three-pointers, the Hawkeyes were determined to bounce back. Coach Fran McCaffery emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes and moving forward. “We broke down the game tape and had individual meetings to ensure we got better,” he remarked. This approach clearly paid off as Iowa not only beat Nebraska but also dominated Indiana. The team shot an impressive 54% from the field and 46% from beyond the arc, while Indiana struggled with shooting percentages of 41% and 25%, respectively.

Six players scored at least eight points for Iowa, led by Payton Sandfort with 23 points. Owen Freeman added 16 points, while Josh Dix and Drew Thelwell each contributed 12. Brock Harding and Pryce Sandfort rounded out the scoring with 10 and 8 points, respectively. Turnovers proved costly for Indiana, who turned the ball over 16 times, leading to 24 points for the Hawkeyes. Despite Oumar Ballo’s double-double (10 points and 13 rebounds), the Hawkeyes effectively limited his impact on the game. “We focused on reducing his touches as much as possible,” noted Owen Freeman.

Iowa also excelled in rebounding, surprising many observers given that they entered the contest as one of the worst rebounding teams in the Big Ten. They secured a 37-31 advantage on the boards, further solidifying their dominance. Drew Thelwell made a significant return after missing the Nebraska game, contributing five steals in the first half alone. His presence bolstered the team's defensive efforts. Payton Sandfort, who had a standout second half against Nebraska, replicated his performance against Indiana, scoring just two points in the first half but finishing with 23 points overall.

The first half saw a competitive start, with Iowa initially holding a 21-8 lead before Indiana fought back to take a brief lead. However, the Hawkeyes regained control and entered halftime with a 10-point advantage. This momentum carried into the second half, where they surged ahead by 19 points early on, leaving Indiana unable to recover. The Carver-Hawkeye Arena witnessed another upset, following Iowa's overtime victory over Nebraska, which snapped the Cornhuskers' six-game winning streak. Now, the Hawkeyes prepare for back-to-back road games against USC and UCLA, aiming to maintain their impressive form despite challenges posed by recent events in Los Angeles.