From the Iowa men’s basketball team’s point of view, the highlight of the game was Tony Perkins’ drive-ending basket that effectively put Wisconsin ahead in the Hawkeyes’ 88-86 overtime victory over the No. 20 Badgers.
With an apology to his teammates, Perkins played the first half. He played all seven seconds of overtime to secure their win.
The monster? Owen Freeman, a rookie center for the Hawkeyes, was that. In a press conference held after the game, Perkins, at least, referred to Freeman as such. He called him that during the game, but that was only six times.
“I looked at him every time you were fouled, got a rebound, or made a basket,” I told him. You’re a wild animal. Speak like a beast, Perkins remarked.
“He chases after the ball, shoots free throws, scores, and can dunk someone.” Like the kind of player he is, he puts in a lot of work. He is a beast, then.
In addition to recording team-highs of 20 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, four blocked shots, and two steals, the 6-10 Freeman converted all six of his field goals attempts.
An exquisite performance. And it was quite the victory for Iowa given that it fell behind by 13 points halfway through the first half, scored the final points in regulation to force overtime, and overcame a four-point deficit in the extra period to win.
Iowa’s record improved to 15-11 overall and 7-8 in the Big Ten. Wisconsin is 9-6, 17-9, having suffered its fifth defeat in the previous six games.
The Hawkeyes had never shown such emotion following a victory this season as they did on Saturday. The embrace was exuberant and fierce. As Freeman left the arena, he shook hands with spectators.
When Iowa played at Maryland three days prior, they had given up a 12-point lead.
