Fran McCaffery became the winningest coach in Iowa history as the Hawkeyes pulled away for an 86-77 win over host Minnesota in a Big Ten Conference matchup on Monday in Minneapolis.
McCaffery, who took the helm for Iowa in 2010, won his 272nd game with the program. He surpassed longtime coach Tom Davis, who won 271 games from 1986-99.
Ben Krikke scored 25 points on 11-for-17 shooting to lead Iowa (11-6, 3-3), which won its third game in a row. Josh Dix added 21 points on 7-for-12 shooting, and Tony Perkins scored 13. Owen Freeman contributed 12 points and eight rebounds.
Dawson Garcia scored a game-high 30 points on 9-for-17 shooting for Minnesota (12-5, 3-3). The Golden Gophers have lost back-to-back games after winning the previous seven in a row.
The Hawkeyes overcame an early deficit to grab a double-digit lead in the second half. Brock Harding made a layup to give Iowa a 59-47 advantage with 10:38 remaining.
Minnesota went on a 7-0 run to pull within 59-54 with 8:44 to go. Isaiah Ihnen made a 3-pointer during the run, and Garcia made two free throws and a layup.
Iowa held the Golden Gophers at bay for the remainder of the game.
Minnesota tried to force a close finish when Mike Mitchell Jr. made a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 73-67 with 2:41 remaining.
The Hawkeyes again held firm. Perkins made a layup and Freeman converted a three-point play with a dunk and a free throw to increase Iowa’s advantage to 78-67.
Iowa led 39-32 at the half.
Minnesota stormed to a 14-3 lead to start the game. Joshua Ola-Joseph and Garcia accounted for the Golden Gophers’ first eight points and 10 of their first 14.
Iowa responded with a 13-2 run to even the score at 16-all with 11:52 to go in the first half. Payton Sandfort had two layups and a 3-pointer during the scoring binge.
Dix finished the first-half scoring with a pair of free throws to put the Hawkeyes up seven.
Iowa forward Patrick McCaffery did not play because of an ankle injury. He is averaging 9.9 points and 3.5 rebounds per game.
–Field Level Media