Iowa basketball, battered by injuries and setbacks, refused to quit. Payton Sandfort, who suffered an ankle sprain in the first half of Wednesday’s game against Rutgers, returned to the court before halftime and played a crucial role in the Hawkeyes’ 84-73 victory. The win, while not enough to solve all the team’s problems, marked a turning point for Iowa (14-10, 5-8) as it battles to stay in contention for the NCAA Tournament.
Coach Fran McCaffery’s ability to keep his players motivated and focused has been key to the team’s success. Despite injuries to star sophomore Owen Freeman and Drew Thelwell, and a dismal road record, Iowa remained committed to its goals. The Hawkeyes’ bench, led by Ladji Dembele and Riley Mulvey, contributed significantly to the win.
Sandfort, who had struggled with injuries throughout the season, said he has been playing through pain to prove himself. “I’ve learned a lot that will really help me going forward for the rest of my career – about how to keep a locker room together, how to keep yourself up when it feels like the world’s given up on you,” he said.
The win marked a shift in momentum for Iowa, which had lost six of its last seven games. While the Hawkeyes still face an uphill battle to make the NCAA Tournament, their resilience and determination have earned them respect from fans and opponents alike. As Sandfort put it, “The way we’ve stayed together, the way we’ve kept fighting, putting on that jersey with pride – it means a lot to me as someone who’s been in this program for a long time.”
Source: https://eu.hawkcentral.com/story/sports/college/iowa/basketball-men/2025/02/13/iowa-basketball-payton-sandfort-josh-dix-rutgers-hawkeyes-fran-mccaffery-big-ten/78383538007