hawkeyesports.com
IOWA CITY – The nation’s leading scorer, Keegan Murray, led Iowa to a blowout win over Western Illinois, 92-71.
Murray, a sophomore, poured in game bests in points (29) and rebounds (10) posting his third double-double of the season. Murray has tallied 20+ points nine times and 25+ points six times this season.
Senior Jordan Bohannon scored his first field goal 51 seconds into the contest to surpass Greg Stokes for fifth all-time in Iowa scoring. Bohannon finished the game with 13 points.
Freshman Payton Sandfort came off the bench and reached double figures for the second straight game and fourth time this season, netting 10 of his 13 points in the first half. Sandfort made half of Iowa’s 3-pointers tonight, going a perfect 3-of-3 from long distance.
Iowa dominated the transition game, outscoring the Leathernecks 31-2 in fast break points.
Western Illinois, who beat Nebraska earlier in the season, was out blocked by the Hawkeyes, 8-0.
The Hawkeyes netted 53 first-half points, marking the fourth game this season that Iowa scored 50+ points in the first half.
Iowa has won 77 of its last 82 nonconference home games, dating back to 2012.
Iowa improved to 11-0 all-time against Western Illinois.
Iowa resumes conference play on Monday, Jan. 3, hosting Maryland. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:07 p.m. (CT) on Mediacom Court at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
