When you think triple-double and Iowa basketball, you probably think of Caitlin Clark. That’s understandable, since she has recorded 17 in one of the great careers in college basketball history.
But Payton Sandfort pulled off the feat Tuesday night, becoming the first player in the Hawkeyes men’s basketball program to do it. His 26 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists led them to a 90-81 home win over Penn State that kept their NCAA Tournament at-large hopes alive.
Sandfort and Iowa try to keep rolling Saturday in a Big Ten road game against Northwestern in Evanston, Ill.
“It’s crazy no other Hawkeye has done it,” Sandfort said. “Well, I mean, I see Caitlin do it every day.”
Sandfort’s officially went in the books with 21 seconds left when he rebounded a missed foul shot by Ace Baldwin.
Most of his offense came via the foul line as he converted 18 of 19 attempts. Prior to Tuesday night, he’d never attempted more than seven in a game.
Sandfort paces the Hawkeyes (17-12, 9-9) with 15.7 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. A win Saturday, coupled with one in their regular-season finale March 10 against No. 13 Illinois, might be enough to get them over the at-large hump.
Meanwhile, Northwestern (20-8, 11-6) is in good position for an at-large bid as it’s won five of its past six games, including a 68-61 decision Wednesday night at Maryland.
The Wildcats got a career-high 27 points from Nick Martinelli, who averages 8.5 ppg, and have posted a winning record in the Big Ten for the third time in 56 seasons.
“An enormous win for us,” Northwestern coach Chris Collins said. “It’s just a testament to the guys sitting here in this locker room and their competitive spirit.”
The Wildcats played without Ryan Langborg and Ty Berry, who combine to average 24.1 points per game. Berry is out for the season with a knee injury and the status of Langborg (ankle) for Saturday isn’t known.
Northwestern guard Boo Buie, who leads the team in scoring at 18.6 ppg, will set a school record Saturday by playing in his 144th career game.
–Field Level Media