Iowa's Basketball Team Shows Resilience and Dominance
Road Loss to Michigan
The Hawkeyes' road trip to face Michigan was a tough battle. They showed great determination by rallying from deficits in both halves. Despite their best efforts, a potential game-winning 3-pointer from Pryce Sandfort didn't go through, leaving them on the losing side. This loss served as a wake-up call for the team and motivated them to bounce back.
It was a closely contested game that showcased the Hawkeyes' fighting spirit. They demonstrated their ability to come back from difficult situations and keep fighting until the end. This experience would prove valuable as they prepared for their next game.
Cy-Hawk Rivalry Loss to Iowa State
The Cy-Hawk rivalry game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena was another nail-biter. Iowa State didn't take the lead until about three minutes left in the game, but they made the most of their opportunities in crunch time and emerged on top. This loss was a disappointment for the Hawkeyes, but they knew they had to learn from it and move forward.
The Hawkeyes gave it their all in this game, but sometimes, the other team just makes more plays. It was a tough lesson for them, but it also showed their competitiveness and desire to win. They would use this experience to fuel their performance in the upcoming games.
Win over New Orleans
On Sunday, Iowa had a much more comfortable win over New Orleans. They cruised to a 104-57 victory, improving their record to 8-3. The Hawkeyes were on fire offensively, shooting an impressive 63% from the field and 48% from 3-point range. New Orleans, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm and was only 37% from the field and 17% from deep.
This win was a much-needed boost for the team. It showed that when they play at their best, they can dominate their opponents. The Hawkeyes' offensive performance was a sight to behold, and it gave them confidence as they looked ahead to their next games.
Player Performances
Iowa had five players score in double figures in the win over New Orleans. Owen Freeman led the way with 22 points, followed by Payton Sandfort with 15, Josh Dix with 13, Brock Harding with 13, and Pryce Sandfort with 10. Drew Thelwell also contributed with 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists.
The Hawkeyes' depth was on display as well. Freshman Cooper Koch made his first appearance since November 22 against Utah State and scored 6 points and grabbed 5 rebounds off the bench. His return was a welcome sight for the team, and he showed his potential as a key contributor.
Starting Lineup and Bench Production
For the second consecutive game, Iowa went with Thelwell in the starting lineup. This change paid off as the team started strong. Ladji Dembele came off the bench and provided valuable minutes for the Hawkeyes.
Pryce Sandfort was a key contributor off the bench, scoring 10 of Iowa's 32 bench points. His performance showed that the bench can make a significant impact when called upon. Other reserves like Carter Kingsbury also saw extended action and contributed with 6 points.
Upcoming Games
Iowa has just two games left before the calendar turns to 2025. One of these games is a marquee matchup, while the other is not as significant. The Hawkeyes are off until Saturday when they play Utah at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This will be their fourth and final higher-level non-conference opponent of the regular season.
They are 1-2 in these types of matchups this season, with a win over Washington State and losses to Utah State and Iowa State. The upcoming game against Utah is expected to be a tough challenge, as they played them last year in the NIT and know they are a good team.
Iowa plays host to New Hampshire on December 30 before starting Big Ten play on January 3 at Wisconsin. These games will be important for the team as they look to build on their recent success and continue their journey in the basketball season.