IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa men’s basketball stormed past Penn State, 68-51, on Saturday afternoon in front of a sold-out crowd at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
A stifling defensive effort was the difference on Mediacom Court as Iowa forced 17 turnovers, including nine steals, five blocks, and several clock violations to hold its opponent below 60 points for the second consecutive game and fifth time this season.
Sophomore Keegan Murray was the game’s leading scorer with 15 points. Murray would also haul in eight rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and one steal. Sophomore Kris Murray was close behind with 13 points, as the Murray brothers accounted for 41 percent of Iowa’s scoring production on the day.
Sixth-year senior Jordan Bohannon led the Hawkeyes with a +24 plus-minus, tallying 11 points on 3-of-7 shooting from behind the arc and knocking down a pair of free throws.
Redshirt sophomore Patrick McCaffery also posted 11 points, including eight in the first half. McCaffery finished the game with four rebounds, two blocks, and two steals.
Iowa shot 41 percent (22-of-54) from the field, besting Penn State’s 33 percent (17-of-51) field goal percentage. The Hawkeyes drained 10 treys, shooting 31 percent (10-of-32) from 3-point range.
Iowa (14-5, 4-4) remains home next Thursday against nationally-ranked Purdue. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. (CT) on Mediacom Court at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City
