IOWA CITY, Iowa – The Minnesota Golden Gophers edged the Iowa Hawkeyes 72-67 on January 21, 2025, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, marking another chapter in their long-standing rivalry. With this victory, the Gophers snapped their losing streak and cast doubt on Iowa's NCAA tournament aspirations.
The game began slowly, with both teams struggling offensively. They combined for just three baskets within the first four minutes, showcasing the tension and stakes of the matchup. Throughout the first half, the Hawkeyes found themselves trailing for all but 25 seconds and ended the first half down 32-28. Senior Payton Sandfort led Iowa with 10 points, but the team was unable to capitalize on its offensive opportunities, shooting 0 for 7 from the three-point line during the first 20 minutes.
While Iowa battled on the court, Minnesota's Dawson Garcia stood out, leading his team. The Gophers, shooting 38.7 percent from the field, adapted to Iowa's defensive strategy, taking and making more shots. They managed to maintain their lead heading out of halftime.
Upon returning, Iowa struggled to find offensive rhythm. Their first three-pointer didn't come until the 12:40 mark of the second half and even then, they trailed 46-36. The Gophers, leading comfortably, peaked at 17 points advantage. Despite this, Iowa never stopped fighting. They mounted what seemed like a potential comeback late in the game, cutting Minnesota's lead down to just three points with only 30 seconds remaining on the clock after they executed a 12-3 run.
"Credit to Iowa for battling back, but its long stretches of ice-cold shooting and directionless play proved too much to overcome," remarked Gus Martin, who covered the game for USA TODAY Network. Indeed, Iowa shot poorly from beyond the arc, finishing with just three successful three-pointers out of 21 attempts (shooting only 14.3 percent overall from deep).
Even with the missed opportunities, the Hawkeyes still proved resilient, led by Sandfort and sophomore Owen Freeman, who each scored 21 points at the final whistle. Sandfort also tallied 10 rebounds, earning him a double-double, indicative of his effort on both ends of the court.
On the other hand, Minnesota sealed its win with successful free throws down the stretch to stave off Iowa's rally. The Gophers made good use of their free throw opportunities, accumulating enough points to maintain their precarious lead. This victory was particularly significant for Minnesota, reflecting their bounce-back capability after their previous struggles.
More than just another game, this matchup held substantial weight. It marked Iowa's third consecutive defeat, casting shadows over their season, which began with higher hopes. Their current record stands at 12-7, with only 3 wins against 8 losses within Big Ten play, leading many to wonder about their tournament viability. Meanwhile, the Gophers improved to 10-9 and earned their first conference victory this season with this match.
Though the Hawkeyes have faced adversity, they will look to rebound as they turn their focus to upcoming games. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if they can shift gears and regain their earlier momentum.
This game serves as yet another reminder of the unpredictability and competitiveness of college basketball, particularly within conference matchups, where each game can have deep ramifications for postseason aspirations.