IOWA CITY – Iowa was unable to overcome a big first-half deficit as #6 Purdue defeated the Hawkeyes, 83-73 Thursday night in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Tonight was just the third loss in 10 games for Iowa, dating back to Dec. 18, 2021.
Kris Murray tallied a game-best 23 points, his second highest scoring total of his career (29 versus Indiana). Murray posted career bests in free throw makes and attempts, making all nine attempts.
After missing its first attempt, Iowa finished the game making 17 straight free throws. The Hawkeyes, who are tops in the Big Ten and 35th nationally in free throw accuracy, finished the contest making a season-best 17-of-18 (.944) from the foul line.
Iowa falls to 11-2 in home games this season, with losses coming to nationally-ranked Purdue and Illinois.
The Hawkeyes had a game-best 11-0 run early in the second half. Iowa has had scoring runs of 10-0 or more a combined 16 times this season.
Tonight was Iowa’s fourth contest against a ranked opponent in 2020-21.
Iowa (14-6, 4-5) hits the road for its next contest at Penn State (8-9, 3-6) on Monday, Jan. 31. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. (CT) at the Bryce Jordan-Center in University Park, Pennsylvania.
