MADISON, WISCONSIN – In a stunning turn of events, the Iowa Hawkeyes faced a devastating defeat at the hands of the Wisconsin Badgers with a final score of 116-85. The game took place on Friday night in Madison, where Iowa seemed to have left their defense behind on the bus, allowing the Badgers to dominate the court.
The game started with Iowa holding a slight lead over Wisconsin, with a score of 28-22 at the 8:44 mark of the first half. However, the Badgers quickly turned the tables with a remarkable 19-2 run, transforming a six-point deficit into an 11-point lead. This shift in momentum set the tone for the rest of the game, with Wisconsin maintaining a strong lead throughout.
As the game progressed, Wisconsin’s offensive prowess became increasingly apparent. The Badgers shot an impressive 64.5 percent from the field as a team, setting a school record with 21 3-point field goals. These statistics marked season-bests for Wisconsin and highlighted the challenges faced by Iowa in defending against such a formidable opponent.
Despite the overwhelming performance by the Badgers, the Hawkeyes did have some standout players. Five Iowa players reached double figures in scoring, with Drew Thelwell leading the pack with 25 points. Thelwell’s exceptional performance, including 9-of-14 field goals and three 3-pointers, showcased his skill on the court and his contribution to the team’s efforts.
In addition to facing a tough opponent, Iowa struggled in the rebounding battle, with Wisconsin ultimately outscoring them 37-21. Despite shooting at a respectable 59.4 percent in the first half, the Hawkeyes found themselves trailing 54-43 against the Badgers, who maintained a strong offensive presence throughout the game.
Looking ahead, the Hawkeyes are set to return to action on Tuesday as they host Nebraska at 7 p.m. (CT) on Mediacom Court inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Fans can catch the game streaming on Peacock, hoping for a better outcome in their next matchup.
The game may have ended with a tough loss for the Iowa Basketball team, but the spirit and determination of the players remain unwavering. As they regroup and prepare for the next challenge, the Hawkeyes are focused on learning from their defeat and coming back stronger in the games to come.
