Iowa City, Iowa (RI) – It has not been the senior season Iowa forward Payton Sandfort was hoping for. After dabbling in the NBA Draft, Sandfort returned for his final year and is averaging just over 16 points for a team that has battled injury and inconsistency in posting a 6-12 Big Ten record.
They are in danger of missing the conference tournament and close the home season Thursday night against eighth-ranked Michigan State. Sandfort has battled through ankle and shoulder injuries this season.
Sandfort says social media has been brutal this season and he has leaned on his family, coaches and teammates for support.
Sandfort would like to cap his home career with a big win.
The Spartans lead the Big Ten with a 15-3 record and have a one game lead over Michigan in the standings.
Iowa coach Fran McCaffery says the Spartans are a balanced team.
