Utah wrapped up its nonconference slate with a thrilling, back-and-forth battle against Iowa on Saturday.
The Runnin’ Utes, though, couldn’t keep pace as the Hawkeyes won 95-88 at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
3 takeaways
The Hawkeyes pulled away late. Both teams held solid leads over the first 30 minutes of this one — Iowa was up eight early in the game, then Utah fought back and led by as many as 11 in the second half.
The hot-shooting Hawkeyes, though, eventually knotted the game at 63-63 with 11:02 to play. The game went back and forth over the next several minutes and the Utes tied it at 75-75 with 6:59 left, but the Hawkeyes pulled away after that as they shot 63.3% in the second half and scored 59 points.
Payton Sandfort led that charge for Iowa, finishing with 24 points and eight rebounds, while Owen Freeman added 16 points and six rebounds.
The Hawkeyes were better at the free-throw line as well, making 18 of 24 while Utah was 11 of 16.
Mason Madsen got his first start and made the most of it. For the first time this season, Madsen was inserted into the starting lineup, taking the place that Hunter Erickson filled in the Utes’ last game.
After missing three shots early, Madsen was a big factor for Utah. He scored 24 points and hit six 3-pointers, accounting for all but one of the Utes’ 3-point makes.
Madsen had a solid all-around day, adding six rebounds, four assists, a blocked shot and a steal in 31 minutes.
That helped offset a lower scoring day for his brother Gabe Madsen, whom Iowa focused on shutting down. Gabe Madsen had nine points, making 3 of 7 overall and 1 of 4 from 3.
The loss spoiled solid individual efforts for a handful of Utes. In addition to Mason Madsen’s day, Lawson Lovering and Mike Sharavajmts also shined for Utah.
Lovering scored a career-high 25 points and added four rebounds and two assists, while Sharavjamts, in his second game coming off the bench, put up six points to go with five assists, three rebounds, two blocks and two steals, though he also had three turnovers.
What’s next
The Utes (8-3) will have 10 days off before hitting the floor again. Utah will open Big 12 play at Baylor on Dec. 31. The game will tip off at noon MST, and will be streamed on ESPN+.
The Bears are 7-3 on the year and will face Arlington Baptist four days before hosting the Utes.