Iowa triumphs over Northwestern with last-second 3-pointer

On December 3, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa, a thrilling matchup unfolded between Iowa and Northwestern in their Big Ten Conference opener. The game started off with Iowa jumping to an early 13-3 lead, showcasing their aggressive play. Despite the early deficit, Northwestern fought back and managed to take their first lead of the game at 55-54 with a significant 15-1 run, marking a shift in momentum as the game progressed into the second half. With time winding down, the intensity heightened. Northwestern's Brooks Barnhizer, who had a standout game with 21 points and 10 rebounds, played a critical role in leading his team to a 79-77 advantage with only seconds left. However, Iowa quickly moved the ball down the court after a free throw from Ty Berry left them trailing by two points, prompting the need for a last-minute play. As Iowa called a timeout with just 0.8 seconds remaining, expectations were high for a dramatic finish. Brock Harding's inbound pass was slightly delayed as he searched for an open teammate, but Josh Dix emerged ready beyond the 3-point line. With a fade-away shot just as the buzzer sounded, Dix successfully landed a 3-pointer to seal the victory for Iowa at 80-79. This last-second shot not only capped off a remarkable personal performance for Dix, who finished with 22 points, but also rallied the team and brought forth jubilation among the fans who stormed the court upon witnessing the dramatic ending. Iowa's victory marked their third consecutive win, bringing their season record to 7-1. On the other hand, Northwestern, despite strong performances from their players, fell to a record of 6-3. They will have to regroup quickly as they prepare to face No. 19 Illinois in their next game. The stakes in the Big Ten Conference have never been higher, and with the competitive nature of the teams, every game matters as they vie for a spot in the postseason tournament.