The Big Ten only had one game on Thursday night, but it was a big one with Iowa traveling to face Iowa State in its annual rivalry game. The Cyclones entered the game at 9-0.
Let’s take a look at what happened.
Game of the Night:
–No. 4 Iowa State Cyclones 66, Iowa Hawkeyes 62
Generally speaking, this one looked like an uphill battle for the Hawks heading into tip. While Iowa has exceeded expectations so far this season, this was going to be a different type of challenge. Iowa State not only entered the game with a perfect 9-0 record, but was coming off a blowout victory over Purdue on Saturday. It was one of Purdue’s worst losses in years and spoke volumes about Iowa State’s fast start. As such, it was hard to see Iowa pulling off the upset, particularly on the road.
However, those forecasts certainly didn’t look that way after the opening tip. Iowa not only started well, but jumped out to a double-digit lead. Tavion Banks played particularly well on the evening, finishing with 14 points and four rebounds. Bennett Stirtz finished with 10 points, five rebounds, and four assists, those it wasn’t his most efficient outing.
Unfortunately, the wheels came off in the second half, and Iowa State went on a 24-3 run and took control back. Iowa did enough to keep things close, but eventually fell short by a 66-62 margin. Joshua Jefferson proved too much to slow down, as the Cyclone finished with 24 points and five rebounds.
Iowa fell to 8-2 overall with the loss. It’s the team’s second loss in three games, though both of those came on the road against top 10 opponents, with the first against Michigan State. As such, the group remains in good position to push for the NCAA Tournament on Selection Sunday. Iowa will return to action on Sunday at home against Western Michigan. KenPom views the Hawks as significant favorites.
