Iowa had one last shot at a non-conference resume-builder Saturday night in Sioux Falls.The Hawkeyes took advantage of it, defeating Utah, 95-88, at the Sanford Pentagon.
Payton Sandfort put together one of his better games of the season in the victory. The senior captain led five Hawkeyes scoring in double figures with 24 points. Joining him were Owen Freeman (16), Josh Dix (15), Drew Thelwell (15) and Brock Harding (12).
Iowa’s best non-conference victory to date was a 76-66 decision against Washington State (No. 78 Net ranking). The Utes (8-3) entered Saturday’s action at No. 59. The Hawkeyes’ out-of-league losses came against Iowa State (5) and Utah State (42).
With Iowa (9-3) sitting at No. 56, the win against Utah, a first-year member of the Big 12, could be a benefit on tournament-selection Sunday. The Hawkeyes wrap up non-conference play on Dec. 30 against New Hampshire (355).
It wasn’t looking good for the Hawkeyes early in the second half. Utah led, 52-42, three minutes into it. The Utes were scoring from inside and out.