The Iowa Hawkeyes (2-0) played tighter than their opener throughout much of the first half, with Alabama State keeping Iowa’s lead to 2 as late as 2:21 remaining in the first half. Payton Sandfort caught absolute fire after drawing a foul for two free throws and then made three threes (including a four-point play) and the Hawks entered halftime up 49-37. Sandfort closed with 17 points on 5/13 shooting and a team-high 12 rebounds while Patrick McCaffery led the team with 22 points on a crisp 12 shots.
Here are some additional takeaways:
Payton Sandfort played like the team’s best player
While Sandfort didn’t get on the scoreboard until 2:32 left in the first half, he stayed engaged up until that point with five boards, including three offensive.