PHILADELPHIA – Iowa dropped a close Big Ten Conference game to Penn State on Saturday, 89-86.
The game, held in The Palestra in Philadelphia, featured 24 lead changes and 10 ties. Iowa had not played in this venue since 1961. This was only the second ranked match-up between the two teams in the series history.
Luka Garza (34) and Joe Wieskamp (23) combined for 57 of Iowa’s 86 points. Garza topped 30 points for the third time this season, while Wieskamp reached 20 points for the first time this year. Wieskamp’s 23 points equaled a season best (Minnesota). Both Garza and Wieskamp posted double-doubles with 12 and 10 rebounds, respectively. Garza posted his team-leading eighth double-double of the year, while Wieskamp registered his first of the season.
Joe Wieskamp tied a season high in 3-pointers, making five of Iowa’s 11 3-pointers. It marked the sixth time this season and fourth time in five games the Hawkeyes made 10 or more in a game.
Freshman Joe Toussaint netted 16 of his season-high 18 points in the second half.
Today’s was Iowa’s first loss in five games, last losing at Michigan on Dec. 6.
Iowa returns to action Tuesday at Nebraska, which will be its eighth game away from home in 10 games. Tipoff is slated for 8:05 a.m. (CT) at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. The game will be televised on BTN.
