Iowa geared for final nonconference tilt vs. Eastern Illinois

Iowa reserve Payton Sandfort missed every of his seven field-goal makes an attempt Dec. 11 throughout the Hawkeyes’ additional time loss to Wisconsin of their Huge Ten opener.

Sandfort rediscovered his stroke Saturday with a career-high 24 factors in a rout of Southeast Missouri State, and can goal to maintain rolling Wednesday when Iowa welcomes Japanese Illinois to Iowa Metropolis, Iowa.

Sandfort scored 17 factors over a blinding 4:17 stretch within the first half, securing his first double-digit scoring effort in additional than a month earlier than the break.

“An important factor was I used to be simply having enjoyable once more,” Sandfort mentioned. “I’ve made this an excessive amount of and have simply been overthinking every part. So simply going on the market and being me — having enjoyable with my teammates, successful video games — that was enjoyable.”

Iowa (8-3) has received six of seven at house this season, and with main scorer Kris Murray (19.4 factors per sport) sidelined by a foot damage, performances just like the one Sandfort delivered Saturday have helped the workforce preserve confidence.

Filip Rebraca was additionally an inside power, main Iowa with 30 factors on 12-for-13 taking pictures. He added 9 rebounds and 6 assists.

Wednesday marks the ultimate nonconference sport for Japanese Illinois (3-9) earlier than its Ohio Valley Convention opener in opposition to Lindenwood on Dec. 29.

Panthers coach Marty Simmons mentioned this month the workforce has “panicked” at occasions and compelled photographs early within the shot clock, difficult gamers to enhance on that aspect and “use your offense as a part of your protection.”

The Panthers had been a lot environment friendly on Saturday afternoon, counting on 61.9-percent taking pictures within the second half to defeat host IUPUI 70-59. Japanese Illinois trailed by a basket at halftime earlier than taking off, sparked by a career-high 27 factors from Yaakema Rose Jr.

A switch from NCAA Division II Missouri-St. Louis, Rose is coming off recognition as OVC Participant and Newcomer of the Week. He surpassed 1,000 profession factors within the IUPUI sport.

Iowa leads the all-time collection 5-0. The Hawkeyes and Panthers are assembly for the primary time since Dec. 1, 2007, when host Iowa received 57-45.

–Area Degree Media