WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA – Iowa mounted a spirited second-half surge against #1 Purdue, but the Boilermaker’s big halftime lead held as the Hawkeyes lost this BIG 10 matchup, 87-73.
Tonight was just the third loss in 10 games for the Hawkeyes, dating back to Jan. 5.
Purdue led at halftime, 38-21.
Iowa had two players in double figures: Kris Murray (24) and Filip Rebraca (17). Murray reached 20+ points for the 10th time this season.
Tonight was the only regular season meeting between the two teams.
Iowa was credited with 22 assists, surpassing 20 assists for the sixth time this season. The 22 assists are the most by the Hawkeyes in a conference game this season and most since recording 24 against Omaha (Nov. 21, 2022).
The Hawkeyes made 60 percent (21-of-35) of their field-goal attempts in the second half, their second highest shooting percentage in a half in a league game this season (64 percent in the second half versus Maryland on Jan. 15, 2023).
Connor McCaffery tied a season high with eight assists. Patrick McCaffery collected a game and personal-best five steals to go along with nine points, two blocks, two assists, and two rebounds.
Iowa made 15-of-17 field-goal attempts spanning 9:41 (17:49-8:08) in the second half.
Iowa had a +9 turnover margin, its best margin in a league contest this season and second best in any game this year (+18 versus North Carolina A&T on Nov. 11, 2022).
Tonight was Iowa’s fourth contest of the season against a ranked opponent (2-2). Iowa fell to 3-22 all-time against a top-ranked foe in program history.
Iowa (15-9, 7-6) returns to action on Sunday at Minnesota (7-15, 1-11) in the only regular season meeting between the two teams. Tipoff is scheduled for 12:01 p.m. (CT) at Williams Arena in Minneapolis.
