After rattling off three straight wins to even their Big Ten record, Iowa basketball has dropped its past two versus No. 2 Purdue and in heartbreaking fashion versus Maryland.
Though the Hawkeyes started fast and then made several runs at the Boilermakers on Jan. 20, Purdue road a monster day from reigning national player of the year in center Zach Edey. The 7-foot-4 center finished with 30 points and 18 rebounds in Purdue’s 80-74 win.
Then, on Wednesday, Iowa couldn’t turn a seven-point lead with 5:44 remaining into a victory over Maryland. After junior forward Payton Sandfort’s pull-up jumper put the Hawkeyes in front 61-54, Iowa didn’t make another field goal the rest of the way.
Senior guard Tony Perkins’ six free throws were all that Iowa’s offense could muster the rest of the way. Meanwhile, Maryland star guard Jahmir Young delivered the heroics for the Terps.
The fifth-year guard knocked down a 3-pointer with :38 remaining to put Maryland in front 67-65. Then, with the game knotted at 67 apiece, Young drove past Sandfort for the game-winning, left-handed lay-in with 1.5 seconds remaining in Maryland’s 69-67 win over Iowa.
Now, Iowa (11-8, 3-5 Big Ten) turns its attention to a Michigan (7-12, 2-6 Big Ten) team that has disappointed and currently sits in the conference standings cellar.
One of the Wolverines’ two Big Ten wins came in Iowa City, though. Six Michigan players finished in double figures in the scoring column. The Wolverines were led by sophomore forward Tarris Reed Jr.’s 19 points.
Michigan’s other Big Ten win came over Ohio State, 73-65, in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Jan. 15.
Here’s how Hawkeye fans can watch, stream and listen to today’s game. Plus, a look at probable starters and game notes for each.