Payton Sandfort's second-half explosion leads Iowa to an easy win over Indiana
- Iowa Hawkeyes defeated Indiana Hoosiers 85-60 in a recent college basketball game.
- Payton Sandfort had a remarkable performance, scoring 21 of his 23 points in the second half.
- This victory ended Indiana's five-game winning streak and improved Iowa's position in the Big Ten standings.
In a significant college basketball encounter, Iowa faced Indiana on Saturday, January 11, 2025, in Iowa City. The Iowa Hawkeyes showcased a formidable performance, triumphing with a notable 85-60 score against the Indiana Hoosiers. The standout player for Iowa was Payton Sandfort, who remarkably scored 21 of his total 23 points during the second half, demonstrating a strong offensive capability. The decisive victory led to the end of Indiana's five-game winning streak, highlighting a shift in momentum for both teams in their respective Big Ten Conference standings. Iowa’s victory was also attributed to the combined contributions of sophomores Owen Freeman and Brock Harding, who both recorded double-doubles. Owen Freeman not only scored 16 points but also grabbed 12 rebounds, marking his third double-double of the season. Meanwhile, Brock Harding posted a commendable 10 points paired with 10 assists, reflecting the strong teamwork crucial for Iowa's offensive strategy. Drew Thelwell and Josh Dix chipped in with 12 points each, underlining the collective effort of the Hawkeyes. The game started competitively, with both teams shooting over 52% from the floor, but Iowa's ability to take six more shots proved beneficial. The turning point came shortly after halftime when Sandfort landed a 3-pointer followed by a three-shot foul, propelling Iowa to a significant 52-36 lead. This lead continued to grow as Iowa dominated the latter stages of the game, maintaining a lead over 20 points throughout the final 14 minutes. A 3-pointer from Sandfort even further extended Iowa’s lead to 30 points with under two minutes to play, sealing Indiana's fate in this matchup. On the other hand, Indiana's Myles Rice was notable for his scoring efforts, contributing 12 points. While both teams started strong, Indiana struggled to keep up with Iowa's pace in the second half, culminating in a decisive loss. The result was disappointing for the Hoosiers, who are set to face No. 13 Illinois shortly, hoping to rebound from a tough contest against their Big Ten rivals. The contrasting fortunes of both teams may shape the future matchups and standings in the conference as the season progresses.