Rutgers University
Iowa
Men's Hoops Halted by the Hawkeyes
Jan 31 | Men's Basketball
Box Score
Photo Gallery
Video: Postgame Press Conference
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Deshawn Freeman had his ninth double-double of the season, posting 17 points and 13 rebounds, but Rutgers (12-11, 1-9) was unable to stifle the hot shooting of Iowa (13-10, 5-5) in an 83-63 loss at the RAC Tuesday night. The Hawkeyes made 61.1 percent (11-of-18) of their attempts from behind the arc to lead from start to finish.
Mike Williams joined Freeman in double figures, falling just short of a double-double, with 16 points and nine rebounds, while also grabbing five steals. The duo helped RU establish a 44-34 advantage on the glass.
After missing five of their initial seven shots, the Hawkeyes deposited nine of their next 10 to take a 29-8 lead and never looked back. The advantage grew to 25, before Rutgers battled back to reduce its deficit to 16.
Iowa entered the locker room at the midpoint with a 48-30 advantage.
After the break, the Scarlet Knights were able to get within 16, 53-37, with possession, but could not tweak the twine with regularity to move closer. Jake Dadika provided a career-high 20 key minutes off the bench, including 13 in the second half.
RU made 39.1 percent (25-of-64) of its field goal attempts, while Iowa shot an even 50 percent (30-of-60).
Rutgers returns to the hardwood Saturday at Penn State. The game will tip-off at 1 p.m. on ESPNU.
Postgame Notes
Deshawn Freeman had 17 points and 13 rebounds for his ninth double-double of the season. It represents the most double-doubles in a season for a Rutgers player since Rashod Kent had 14 in 2001-02.
He scored in double figures for the 12th time this season. Freeman reached double-figures in rebounds for the 12th time this season, and has led the team on the boards in 16 of 23 games this season.
Mike Williams scored in double figures for the 11th time this season (36 career). He also tied his season-high with four steals.
Guards Jake Dadika and Khalil Batie saw their first action in a conference game this season. Dadika played a career-high 20 minutes, and scored his first points of the season.
Eugene Omoruyi tied his career-high with four assists.
Iowa leads the all-time series 5-0.
Postgame Quotes
Rutgers Head Coach Steve Pikiell
Opening Statement: "We weren't ready to play. I was disappointed. I want to thank Jake [Dadika]. I thought he gave us some great minutes. Mike Williams played hard and so did DeShawn [Freeman]. We need everybody to play hard. We're not the toughest team in the world, as you saw today, and we really need to get better. That was not how I want people to think of Rutgers basketball and not the way we've been playing all season long. We have to get back to practice and make some changes."
On whether it was a result of not getting over the Wisconsin game: "I don't know. If that's a part of it, it has nothing to do with Saturday. We're not tough, and you saw it today. If that's getting over Saturday and getting ready to play today, then that's probably what it is. I'm just disappointed. When the bell rang, we just weren't ready to play and that's on me and I have to do a better job with this group."
On the play of Jake Dadika: "He came ready to play. He moved the ball around. We had the best ball movement when he was in there. We played the best defense when he was in there. So that's a credit to Jake. He comes and practices that way every day. He got an opportunity and he did a good job with it. Thankful for him."
On the play of Iowa: "Have to give Iowa credit. They're well coached. Their coach did a great job. They were ready to play. Credit to Iowa."
Iowa Head Coach Fran McCaffery
On ball movement: "Rutgers is a team that has really impressed me with their defensive intensity level. Start to finish, they really got after us last time we played, which was a really close game. Steve (Pikiell) has got them playing really hard. When you face a team like that, you got to move the ball. If you try to score on one or two passes, it is not going to work. Then you get (Corey) Sanders out in transition and you have problems. We felt that if we move it, move it, move it, share it and the best stat I see is 24 assists on 30 baskets."
On quick start: "We have been struggling on the road with our starts. But the truth is, we have been inconsistent on the road and not just at the start. Today was the most cohesive and consistent effort that we have had this year (on the road)."
On facing Rutgers the second time: "I thought we'd be ready. We played well in the last game, but hadn't been good on the road. And they earned our respect last time we played them. We were fortunate to win the last game down nine with about seven minutes to go. So I knew we would come out ready, but you never know if you are going to make shots early. There were a couple games where we started slow with good shots that didn't go in. We expected them to keep coming and they made a run at the end of the first half and at the beginning of the second. We seemed to answer and I am proud of that."
