Hawkeyes Top Southern, 89-74

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa men’s basketball team defeated Southern University, 89-74, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Thursday night.

Iowa set the tone early, taking a significant lead in the first half. The Hawkeyes’ sharp shooting was evident as they hit 52.9 percent of their field goals, including an impressive 45 percent from beyond the arc. Pryce Sandfort led the charge with 11 points hitting all three of his three-point attempts, while Payton Sandfort added eight points. The team’s defensive efforts were equally strong, limiting Southern to 40.5% shooting from the field.

The Hawkeyes capitalized on turnovers, scoring 10 points off Southern mistakes. Their fast break was particularly effective, contributing 16 points. By halftime, Iowa had built a solid, 48-37 lead, thanks to their balanced attack and relentless defense.

The second half saw Iowa maintaining their momentum. The team continued to shoot efficiently, with a 53.8 field goal percentage and maintaining their three-point accuracy at 45 percent. Payton Sandfort continued to shine, finishing the game with 17 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Owen Freeman also made significant contributions with 15 points and eight rebounds.

Iowa’s bench played a crucial role, adding 35 points to the total score. The Hawkeyes’ defense remained tight, forcing Jaguars into tough shots and capitalizing on their mistakes. Despite a strong effort from Southern, who shot 57.1 percent in the second half, Iowa’s lead was never seriously threatened.

GAME NOTABLES
– The Hawkeyes never trailed in the game and led by as many as 25 (89-64) in the second half.
– Iowa had five players reach double figures in the game for a second straight game – Pryce Sandfort (22), Payton Sandfort (17), Owen Freeman (15), Josh Dix (14), Drew Thelwell (12).
– Sophomore Pryce Sandfort posted career-highs in scoring (22), field goals (8) and 3-pointers (6) for a second straight game.
– Senior Payton Sandfort finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. He made 6-of-13 field goals, including four 3s.
– Sophomore Owen Freeman finished with 15 points, eight rebounds and three blocks, making 6-of-11 field goals.
– Splash Brothers… Payton and Pryce Sandfort combined to make 10 3-point field goals. They have made 17 3-pointers in two games.
– Sophomore Brock Harding had six assists in the game. He has 12 assists to one turnover in two games.
– Sophomore Ladji Dembele had a career-high eight rebounds.
– The Hawkeyes shot a season-high 53.3 percent (32-of-60) from the floor and 45 percent (18-of-40) from 3-point range.
– Iowa made nine 3-pointers in the first half and 18 in the game by seven different players.
– The Hawkeyes assisted on 15 of their 18 field goals in the first half and 26 of 32 field goals for the game.
– Sophomore Seydou Traore missed his second straight game because of injury.

UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes return to action Tuesday, hosting South Dakota at 8 p.m. (CT) on Mediacom Court inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena in the final game of the Kenny Arnold Classic.