INDIANAPOLIS – Iowa defeated Wisconsin in Friday in the Big Ten Tournament, 62-57, and advances to play rival Illinois Saturday afternoon.
Luka Garza totaled 24 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and a game-best 4 blocks tonight. Garza has scored 22 points or more an NCAA-best 18 times this season. Garza’s totals from tonight moved the All-American into eighth place in Big Ten scoring history surpassing five players tonight (PSU’s Lamar Stevens; PSU’s Talor Battle; Wisconsin’s Alando Tucker; Michigan’s Gary Grant; Michigan’s Louis Bullock).
Iowa rejected a season-best 10 shots, the most by a Hawkeye team in a Big Ten Tournament game, besting nine versus Purdue on March 9, 2007.
Iowa trailed 32-26 at the half, but timely shot blocks and tenacious baskets pulled Iowa even and then ahead for good.
Iowa advances to the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament for the first time since 2006. Iowa swept the Badgers this season, winning all three meetings. Iowa has won eight of its last nine contests, dating back to Feb. 10.
Iowa held Wisconsin to one field goal over the last 9:20 of the second half.
No. 5 Iowa will face third-ranked Illinois Saturday in the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament. Tipoff is scheduled for approximately 2:30 p.m. (CT) at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The game will be televised nationally on CBS.