IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa men’s basketball team defeated South Dakota, 96-77, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Tuesday night to win the Kenny Arnold Classic team title.
The Hawkeyes jumped to an early lead, thanks to the sharp shooting of Josh Dix and the Sandfort brothers, Payton and Pryce. Dix was particularly impressive, scoring 12 points in the first half alone, including two 3-pointers. By halftime, Iowa led 42-36, maintaining a steady advantage despite South Dakota’s efforts to close the gap.
The second half saw Iowa extend its lead further, with a strong performance from Ladji Dembele, who contributed significantly with his rebounding and scoring. Dembele finished the game with 11 points and eight rebounds, setting a career high in points. The Hawkeyes’ bench also played a crucial role, adding 37 points to the team’s total, demonstrating the depth and versatility of the squad.
Iowa’s defense was equally dominant, forcing South Dakota into 13 turnovers and converting those opportunities into 18 points. The Hawkeyes’ ability to capitalize on their opponents’ mistakes was a key factor in their victory. Brock Harding and Drew Thelwell were instrumental in this defensive effort, each recording multiple steals and assists.
The Hawkeyes’ shooting efficiency was on full display, as they shot 54.4 percent from the field and an impressive 41.9 percent from beyond the arc. Their ability to spread the floor and hit key shots at crucial moments kept South Dakota on the back foot throughout the game.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH FRAN MCCAFFERY
“The way they play requires everybody to pass and catch. Everybody to handle the ball. We did a great job of that.”
“Josh seemed like he made every shot. When he gets going early, he’s a handful. We started going to him a little bit. Typically, we get it to him, organically, with our offense. He’s such a complete player. He never rattles. He plays well at both ends.”
GAME NOTABLES
• Iowa won all three games to claim the team title at the Kenny Arnold Classic.
• The Hawkeyes are 3-0 for the fourth time in the last five seasons.
• Iowa had five players finish in double figures: Josh Dix (23), Payton Sandfort (12), Seydou Traore (12), Drew Thelwell (11) and Ladji Dembele (11).
• Dix finished with a season high 23 points and five assists, making 8-of-10 field goals and five 3-pointers, tying a career high.
• It was Dix’s fifth career 20 point game.
• He scored 12 of his 23 points in the first half.
• Traore scored 12 points, making 5-of-9 field goals in his Hawkeye debut. He missed Iowa’s first two games because of injury.
• Payton Sandfort scored 12 points, making 4-of-10 field goals, including two 3s.
• He has made two 3-point field goals in 44 career games.
• Sophomore Ladji Dembele scored a career-high 11 points and tied a career-high with eight rebounds.
• Sophomore Brock Harding had six assists; he has 18 assists in three games.
• Iowa made eight 3-point field goals in the first half and finished with 13 3-pointers in the game.
• The team has made 10+ 3-pointers in all three games.
• The Hawkeyes had 21 assists on 36 field goals. Iowa has had 20+ assists in all three games.
• Iowa scored a season-high 96 points and scored 54 points in the second half.
• Sophomore Pryce Sandfort made his first career start.
• Sophomore Owen Freeman missed the game because of illness, ending a string of 27 consecutive starts. It is the first game Freeman has missed in his Hawkeye career.
UP NEXT
Iowa returns to action Friday, traveling to Moline for a neutral site John Deere Quad Cities Hoops Showdown game against Washington State. The game will be held at Vibrant Arena at the MARK beginning at 7:30 p.m. (CT) and it will be televised on BTN.
