Hawks’ Losing Streak Persists with 79-72 Defeat at Purdue

The Iowa Hawkeyes faced a challenging matchup against the fifth-ranked Purdue Boilermakers, suffering a 79-72 defeat in Mackey Arena. This loss marks another setback for the Hawkeyes, who now stand at 12 wins and 6 losses, including a 2-5 record in conference play.

Slow Start Fails to Sustain Momentum

The game began with the Hawkeyes demonstrating strong offensive capabilities. They quickly established an 11-6 lead thanks to four consecutive baskets. Despite early foul trouble for standout player Bennett Stirtz, Iowa found their rhythm, hitting open shots from beyond the arc. They notably made five straight three-point shots, showcasing a combination of skill and a bit of luck.

• Hawkeyes led 34-31 at halftime.
• Bennett Stirtz ended the game with 19 points on 7-of-15 shooting.
• Kael Combs contributed effectively with key three-pointers.

Purdue’s Second Half Surge

The second half saw Purdue ramp up their performance significantly. Braden Smith emerged as a pivotal player, scoring 16 points in the second half, maintaining an efficient shooting percentage of 66.7%. Purdue flipped a one-point deficit into a three-point advantage, largely due to their offensive efficiency during critical stretches of the game.

Purdue’s ability to capitalize on Iowa’s mistakes proved detrimental. The Hawkeyes struggled to maintain consistency and could not execute timely defensive plays. As the game progressed, Iowa’s margin for error diminished.

Key Player Performances

Despite the team’s loss, several players made noteworthy contributions:

• Bennett Stirtz: 19 points, 7-of-15 shooting.
• Braden Smith: 16 points for Purdue, all scored in the second half.
• Kael Combs: Provided critical scoring with two significant three-pointers.

Upcoming Challenges

Looking ahead, the Hawkeyes are scheduled to face the Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday, January 17, at 1:00 PM CST. This matchup poses another critical opportunity for Iowa to secure a marquee victory as they seek to bounce back from their current losing streak.