Iowa Drops First Game of Two-Game Series at Wisconsin

OSHKOSH, Wis. – The Wisconsin Herd took the first game of a two-game series with the Iowa Wolves on Thursday night rallying for a 108-104 win at Oshkosh Arena.

Iowa (1-3) lost its third-straight game as Wisconsin (1-2) claimed its first win of the season. The Herd trailed by as many as 12 in the fourth quarter and erased an eight-point deficit with just under four minutes left.

Phillip Wheeler had a team-high 20 points for Iowa to go with five rebounds and two blocks off the bench. Rookie Nojel Eastern posted his second-straight double-double in just his second career start with 16 points and 10 rebounds.  

Elijah Hughes paced Wisconsin with 20 points while Stephen Thompson scored 19 points. Wenyen Gabriel finished with eight points but four came in the final two minutes to help complete the comeback. 

Javonte Cooke gave Iowa its final lead of the night at 99-96 with a driving floater with 1:34 remaining. However, Wisconsin outscored Iowa 12-5 down the stretch and the Wolves committed two costly turnovers in that time.  

The two teams play again Saturday night at 7 p.m. and the game will be broadcast locally on WHO Channel 13.4 as well as on ESPN+. Iowa returns to Wells Fargo Arena on Monday, Nov. 20 to host the Motor City Cruise at 7 p.m. CT.