The Iowa Hawkeyes faced a tough challenge against the Purdue Boilermakers, extending their losing streak with a narrow 79-72 defeat. The matchup took place at Mackey Arena on an eventful game day for both teams.
Game Overview
Despite the Hawkeyes’ energetic start, they were unable to maintain their advantage in the second half. Iowa led for significant portions of the first half, even reaching a 34-31 halftime score. However, the Boilermakers executed a strong offensive performance late in the game, transforming a one-point deficit into a win.
Key Players and Stats
- Bennett Stirtz: 19 points on shooting 7-15
- Braden Smith: Scored 16 points, all in the second half (6-9 shooting and 4-4 free throws)
- Kael Combs: Close of the first half with two three-pointers
- Cam Manyawu: Contributed significantly with decisive dunks
The game saw multiple lead changes, with both teams putting forth impressive shooting displays. Iowa’s offense started strong, hitting four consecutive shots for an early 11-6 lead. They were buoyed by four different players making five straight three-pointers, allowing them to take a 19-16 lead.
Turning Points
Purdue responded with a comeback, demonstrating resilience. They regained the lead after a flurry of scoring that included successful “and-one” plays. However, Iowa managed to stay competitive. A critical sequence featured a layup from Stirtz followed by Combs’ three-pointer, which kept the scoreboard tight.
As the game progressed, Iowa showed signs of fatigue with turnovers that proved detrimental. Purdue capitalized on these mistakes and extended their lead to 69-64 in the final minutes, sealing Iowa’s loss despite valiant efforts to claw back.
Next Steps for the Hawkeyes
The Hawkeyes will look to break their losing streak in their upcoming game against Indiana on January 17 at 1:00 PM CST. This remains crucial for their season as they seek a marquee victory.
Iowa’s performance highlighted their potential but also underscored the need for improvement in key situations. Fans will be looking for a turnaround as they head into a challenging matchup next.
