(Iowa City, IA) — Third ranked Michigan held off a late rally by Iowa to win 71-68 in a Big Ten men’s basketball game at Carver Hawkeye Arena on Thursday night.
The game was tied 30-30 at the half and it was tied 43-43 after the first 6 minutes of the 2nd half. A three point play from Bennett Stirtz gave the Hawkeyes a 46-43 lead but four straight Michigan points gave the lead right back. Tate Sage’s lay up gave Iowa their last lead at 48-47 with 11:02 remaining and the Wolverines made a 11-2 run. The lead swelled to 10 with 6:14 left.
Iowa made their move when Isaia Howard made a triple to start an 11-1 run to tie the game at 64-64 with just under two minutes left. Michigan’s Aday Mara hit a shot off the glass as the shot clock was expiring to regain the lead. Cam Manyawu came back to score in the paint to tie it at 66-66. Mara got the ball back on a lob and put it in with 43 seconds left to give the Wolverines a 68-66 lead.
The Hawks had a chance to tie or take the lead on back to back possessions but missed three shots and committed a turnover.
Michigan (28-2, 18-1) was led by Leneborg and Morez Johnson Jr. each with 16 points, Mara had 14, and Elliot Cadeau added 11. Michigan shot 53 percent from the field but committed 18 turnovers. Iowa held the Wolverines 18 points below their season scoring average.
Iowa (20-10, 10-9) was led by Stirtz with 21 points while Manyaw added 14. The Hawkeyes conclude the regular season Sunday at #9 Nebraska. Right now, Iowa would be the #9 seed in the Big Ten tournament.
