IOWA CITY – Iowa welcomed a newly-potent Northwestern into Carver-Hawkeye Arena Tuesday night and after a deadlocked first half, the Hawkeyes surged to a big 86-70 win over the Wildcats.
Northwestern flexed its defensive prowess in the first half, frustrating Iowa on offense and running a deliberate ball-control game. Chase Audige showed why he’s considered the top defensive player in the BIG 10 Conference, opening the game with a steal.
Payton Sandfort scored in double figures for the fifth time in eight contests. Sandfort had his second 4-point play in six games with 3:36 left in the second half to put the game in hand for Iowa. The sophomore also dished out a career-best five assists.
Five Hawkeyes scored in double figures for the third time this season and first time since Iowa’s win over Indiana on Jan. 5.
Iowa has won 16 of the last 19 meetings with Northwestern, including winning nine straight.
Filip Rebraca and Sandfort netted 20 points each.
Rebraca also totaled 10 rebounds and four assists. He has netted 15+ in eight of the last 12 games and 20+ for the fourth time this season.
Rebraca has posted a double-double a team-best nine times. He opened the game with a number of key baskets for Iowa.
The Hawkeyes won their 11th home game of the season (11-2).
The Hawkeyes made 10 3-pointers, making 10+ triples for the fifth time in seven games. Iowa improved to 9-1 when making nine or more 3-pointers in a game this season.
Iowa (14-8, 6-5) will host Illinois (16-6, 7-4) on Tuesday in the only regular season meeting between the two teams. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. (CT) on Mediacom Court at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. Saturday’s game is sold out.
