Penn State Seeks Momentum, Iowa Look to Bounce Back from Three-Game Skid
Penn State vs. Iowa: A Crucial Big Ten Showdown for NCAA Tournament Hopes
The Penn State Nittany Lions (13-6, 3-5 Big Ten) and Iowa Hawkeyes (12-7, 3-5 Big Ten) face off on Friday night in what could be a pivotal game for both teams’ NCAA Tournament aspirations. With each squad looking to bounce back from tough losses, this Big Ten clash holds significant weight as they jockey for position in the conference standings. This is an exciting rematch after both teams split their two encounters last season, with each team securing a home win. Penn State recently snapped a four-game losing streak, while Iowa is in the midst of a three-game skid.
Penn State Aims to Build Momentum After Win Over Rutgers
After a rough stretch that included losses to ranked teams like #13 Illinois, #15 Oregon, and #12 Michigan State, the Nittany Lions managed to regain some confidence with an 80-72 win over Rutgers. The win was a crucial one for Penn State, as they were struggling to maintain their footing in the Big Ten. Ace Baldwin Jr. played a pivotal role, leading the team with 22 points and 8 assists.
The Nittany Lions have a versatile offense, with six players averaging between 10 and 15 points per game. Baldwin, who leads the team with 14.7 points per game, is also ranked 4th in the nation for assists with 8.1 per game. Zach Hicks, a 6’8 senior forward, has been outstanding from beyond the arc, with 48 three-pointers on 42.9% shooting, contributing 12.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Another key contributor, Yanic Konan Niederhauser, has been solid in the paint, leading the team in rebounding with 6.4 rebounds per game while scoring 12.4 points per contest.
Iowa Hawkeyes Struggling to Regain Form After Three Straight Losses
The Hawkeyes are on a rough stretch, having lost three consecutive games, all to unranked opponents. Their most recent defeat came at home against Minnesota, where they fell 72-67, disappointing as 8.5-point favorites. Prior to this, Iowa lost on the road to USC and UCLA. Despite these setbacks, Iowa remains a dangerous team, as evidenced by their dominant 25-point win over Indiana earlier in the season.
Payton Sandfort, the 6’8 senior forward, has been one of Iowa’s bright spots, leading the team with 16.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Sandfort has been especially lethal from long range, hitting 48 three-pointers this season. Owen Freeman, the 6’10 sophomore big man, is the Hawkeyes’ top scorer, averaging 16.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Freeman is a force in the paint but has struggled with outside shooting, as he’s made just five three-pointers on the year. Additionally, guard Josh Dix is another key scorer, contributing 14.1 points per game, although he struggled in the loss to Minnesota, scoring just three points on 1-5 shooting.
Iowa ranks 19th in offensive efficiency according to KenPom but has been inconsistent defensively, sitting at 153rd in defensive efficiency. Their high-paced style, ranking 21st in the nation in tempo, could lead to a high-scoring affair against Penn State, which ranks 33rd in pace.
Conclusion
Both teams are currently tied with a 3-5 Big Ten record, and this game could have significant implications for their NCAA Tournament hopes. Iowa is currently listed in the “Next Four Out” in ESPN’s Bracketology, while Penn State needs to build momentum to stay in the conversation for an at-large bid. A win here would go a long way in solidifying either team’s resume.
As both squads enter this game needing a victory, expect a competitive, fast-paced matchup with plenty of scoring. With offensive firepower like Baldwin, Hicks, Sandfort, and Freeman, this game could come down to which team can make key stops in the final minutes.
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