Before their highly-anticipated matchup with their in-state rival and conference-leading Michigan St. Spartans, the Michigan Wolverines lost in disappointing fashion, 75-59 to the Iowa Hawkeyes at Carver Hawkeye Arena on Saturday afternoon.
Michigan struggled offensively throughout, and among the Wolverines who struggled the most were Evan Smotrycz (0-6 shooting) and Tim Hardaway Jr. (2-13 shooting). Trey Burke led Michigan with 19 points.
Iowa jumped to a 6-0 lead to start the game, and while Michigan came back to go up 13-12, that was the only lead the Wolverines would have all day, as Iowa handled Michigan with surprising ease.
The loss drops Michigan to 14-4 overall and 4-2 in Big Ten play, while Iowa improves to 11-8 and 3-3 in the Big Ten.
Although the Wolverines return home now, things will not get any easier in Big Ten play, as they host the No. 7 ranked and 15-2 Spartans next, on Tuesday. The Spartans are at the top of the conference standings with a 4-0 record.
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