In a non-conference matchup against Oklahoma, Iowa faced another setback in the Rady Children's Invitational tournament. Despite their efforts, Iowa's shooting slump persisted, and the starters struggled to match Oklahoma's production. However, amidst the loss, the freshmen players showcased their potential. Let's delve into the three key takeaways from Iowa's game against Oklahoma.
Iowa's Shooting Struggles
Exploring Iowa's ongoing shooting slump and its impact on the game.
Iowa's shooting struggles continued in the game against Oklahoma, mirroring their recent performances. Both teams had difficulty finding their rhythm from behind the arc, with Iowa and Oklahoma combining for a mere 2-for-22 three-point shooting in the first half.
The shooting woes persisted in the second half, with Iowa going 4-of-13 from long range. This prolonged shooting slump has been a recurring issue for Iowa since their game against Arkansas State.
Need for Starters to Step Up
Analyzing the performance of Iowa's starters and the impact on the team's overall performance.
The game took a turn for the worse when Iowa's starters were on the court. They struggled to match the production of Oklahoma's starters, putting the team at a disadvantage.
While Ben Krikke provided a bright spot with his 11 points, the senior leaders Tony Perkins and Patrick McCaffery had a tough time finding their rhythm. Perkins finished with only 6 points on 1-for-10 shooting, while McCaffery managed just 2 points on 1-for-7 shooting.
The lackluster performance from the starters put immense pressure on the rest of the Iowa team to compensate for the deficit.
Bright Spots Among the Freshmen
Highlighting the promising performance of Iowa's freshmen players despite the loss.
Despite the overall loss, Iowa's freshmen players showed promise and provided a spark off the bench. Owen Freeman, in particular, stood out with his team-high 13 points and 7 rebounds, showcasing his potential as a valuable asset to the team.
Brock Harding also made significant contributions with two three-pointers and two assists, displaying his shooting prowess and playmaking abilities. Ladji Dembele's energy and athleticism were evident, contributing with two points, three rebounds, and a block.
These freshmen players injected enthusiasm and potential into the game, offering hope for Iowa's future performances.
