Hawkeyes Handle USC Upstate

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa men’s basketball team defeated USC Upstate, 110-77, on Tuesday night on Mediacom Court inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The Hawkeyes improve to 6-1 on the season, while USC Upstate falls to 2-7.

From the start of the game, Iowa set the tone with a dominant display. The Hawkeyes’ offense was relentless, with Owen Freeman leading the charge. Freeman’s early play helped Iowa establish a significant lead. By the end of the first half, Iowa had scored 55 points, showcasing its offensive prowess and defensive resilience.

Key players like Brock Harding and Josh Dix contributed significantly, with Harding’s assists and Dix’s defensive rebounds playing crucial roles. Freeman led the Hawkeyes with 12 points and four rebounds at the half, while Harding added seven points and six assists. At the break, Iowa was shooting 22-of-39 (56.4 percent) from the field, including scoring 18 points off turnovers.

The second half saw Iowa maintaining its momentum. The team continued to execute plays with precision, with Freeman and Harding once again leading the scoring. Iowa’s defense remained in control, effectively shutting down USC Upstate’s attempts to close the gap. The Hawkeyes’ bench also made notable contributions, with players like Riley Mulvey and Drew Thelwell stepping up to ensure the lead was protected.

Harding finished with a career-high 20 points just one game after setting his previous career high. Freeman followed Harding in the scoring column with 17 points while Thelwell added 15 points. Dix finished with 14 points on an efficient 5-of-7 from the field. Mulvey set a career high scoring 11 points, finishing in double figures for the first time in his career.

Brit Harris led USC Upstate in the scoring column with 20 points on 6-of-10 shooting. The Hawkeyes held USC Upstate to 29-of-66 shooting (43.9%).

HEAR FROM HEAD COACH FRAN MCCAFFERY
“Brock was terrific. He got downhill, he made great decisions, he didn’t turn it over, pushed the ball on the break, stole it, shot it; he was spectacular.”

“Like I said a long time ago, I feel comfortable with 13 guys. I’m comfortable playing Riley Mulvey and Carter Kingsbury. They are good players. Next man up.”

GAME NOTABLES
• The Hawkeyes reached the century mark for the first time this season.
o The 110 points were the most points since playing North Dakota on Nov. 7, 2023, and tied for the sixth most in a game under Fran McCaffery.
• Iowa had five players finish in double figures (and 12 different players score): Brock Harding 20, Owen Freeman 17, Drew Thelwell 15, Josh Dix 14, Riley Mulvey 11.
• Iowa made its first seven field goals – 10 points by Freeman over the first 3:30 — and led 14-0 at the 16-minute media timeout.
• The Hawkeyes made their first seven shots, 9-of-11 and 17-of-23 field goals over first 12 minutes and shot 56.4 percent (22-of-39) in the first half.
o Iowa’s 55 points in the first half were the most scored in a half this season.
• Iowa shot a season-best 60.6 percent (43-of-71) from the floor – the highest percentage since shooting 61.4 percent (43-of-70) against Northwestern in the Big Ten Tournament on March 10, 2022.
o The team made 12 3-point field goals – its fourth game with 10+ 3-pointers.
• Harding tallied a career high for the second straight game, scoring 20 points on 9-of-13 shooting (2 3s) and had 10 assists and four steals.
o It was his first double-double of the season and the second career double-double.
o It was his second career 10+ assist game, tied for the ninth most in school history.
o Harding has scored 39 points in Iowa’s last two games.
o Harding is the fifth Hawkeye to score 20 points in a game this season.
• Freeman had 17 points, six rebounds and two blocks, making 8-of-12 field goals.
o He has been in double figures in all six games he has played in this season.
• Dix scored 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting and had a career-high seven rebounds.
• Thelwell reached double digits for the fourth game, scoring 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting. The 15 points are a Hawkeye high.
• Redshirt junior Riley Mulvey scored a career-high 11 points, making all four field goals and 3-of-4 free throws.
• Iowa had an 19-9 advantage in points off turnovers, forcing 19 TOs in the game.
• The Hawkeyes had 24 assists on 43 field goals. Iowa has 20+ assists in four games this season.
• Iowa had 12 steals, its fourth straight game with 10+ steals and fifth of the season.
• Iowa has held all seven of its opponents under 50 percent shooting.
• The Hawkeyes have won 94 of their last 100 nonconference home games dating back to 2012.

UP NEXT
Iowa returns to action Dec. 3, hosting Northwestern in its Big Ten Conference opener on Mediacom Court inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The game will begin at 6 p.m. (CT) and be streamed on Peacock.