Hawkeyes Defeat Texas A&M Commerce in Opener, 89-67

IOWA CITY, Iowa— The University of Iowa men’s basketball team kicked off their 2024-25 season with a 89-67 victory over Texas A&M-Commerce at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Monday night. The Hawkeyes showcased their depth and versatility, with significant contributions from both starters and bench players.

Iowa started strong, taking an early lead and maintaining control throughout the first half. Payton Sandfort led the charge with 20 points and 11 rebounds, demonstrating his prowess from beyond the arc with four 3-pointers. Owen Freeman added 15 points and nine rebounds, dominating the paint and providing a solid defensive presence.

The Hawkeye defense had a string outing, forcing turnovers and converting them into fast-break points. Iowa’s bench also made a notable impact, contributing 17 points in the first half alone. By halftime, Iowa led 42-35, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

The second half saw Iowa extend its lead, thanks to a balanced offensive attack and continued defensive pressure. Payton Sandfort continued to shine, finishing the game with a team-high 20 points. Brock Harding and Josh Dix added 10 points each, while Drew Thelwell chipped in with 10 points off the bench.

Iowa’s defense remained stout, holding Texas A&M-Commerce to 29% shooting from beyond the arc and forcing 14 turnovers in the second half alone. The Hawkeyes capitalized on these opportunities, scoring 24 points off turnovers and 18 fast-break points.

HEAR FROM HEAD COACH FRAN MCCAFFERY
“We turned it over too much in the first half. We were quick shooting the ball. We got some good looks early and they didn’t go. Our defense was way better, but you have to take care of the ball. 14 turnovers is too many. Credit to them, they played really hard, they switch everything, and it took a little bit to get used to. We got to the free throw line 20 times which against a team that’s physical that’s what you have to do.”

GAME NOTABLES
– Iowa has won its last 14 regular season openers.
– Five Hawkeyes netted double figures: Payton Sandfort (20), Owen Freeman (15), Pryce Sandfort (13), Josh Dix (10), Drew Thelwell (10).
– Payton Sandfort stuffed the stat sheet tonight posting his seventh career double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds to go along with seven assists, three blocks and a steal.
– Two Hawkeyes dished out six assists or more: Payton Sandfort (7) and Brock Harding (6).
– The Sandfort brothers combined for seven of Iowa’s 10 3-pointers (Payton, 4 | Pryce, 3).
– A 15-1 scoring spurt over a span of 3:06 midway through the second half, which included 13 straight points, enabled the Hawkeyes to build a double-digit cushion.
– Iowa’s defense forced 22 turnovers and collected 13 steals.
– Iowa was credited with assists on 12 of its 14 first-half field goals. For the game, Iowa tallied 23 assists.
– Iowa outscored the Lions, 15-2, at the free throw line.
– The Hawkeyes have won 90 of their last 96 nonconference home games, dating back to 2012.

UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes return to action Thursday, hosting Southern at 7 p.m. (CT) on Mediacom Court inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena in the second game of the Kenny Arnold Classic.