PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Josh Dix led the Iowa Hawkeyes with an impressive performance, scoring 26 points, while teammate Payton Sandfort contributed 20 points. The Hawkeyes concluded the game with a strong 8-0 run, defeating the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 84-73 on Wednesday evening. This victory marked Iowa’s first road win in the Big Ten this season, having previously lost all five attempts away from home.

Iowa’s success against Rutgers continues, as they have now claimed victory in eight of their last nine encounters with the Scarlet Knights.

In the final minute of the game, Pryce Sandfort drove for a layup, pushing Iowa ahead 78-73 with just 52.9 seconds remaining. Shortly after, he managed to deflect a pass on defense, which allowed Payton Sandfort to convert two free throws and extend the lead to seven points.

Dix then added two more free throws, and Brock Harding capped off the game with a steal and a fast-break layup, ensuring the win for the Hawkeyes.

Rutgers, now sitting at 12-13 overall and 5-9 in the conference, has fallen below .500 for the first time this season. In addition to Dix and Payton Sandfort’s contributions, Brock Harding had a strong performance as well, finishing with 13 points, while Pryce Sandfort added 10.

For Rutgers, Ace Bailey and Jeremiah Williams each scored 13 points. Tyson Acuff contributed 12 points, while Dylan Harper, who averages 19.1 points per game, managed to score 11. Jamichael Davis also added 10 points to the team’s total.

Rutgers started strong, leading 42-33 at halftime. Five players from the Scarlet Knights connected on three-pointers during the first half, leading to an impressive 8 of 14 from long range, with Acuff making three of those shots.

Although Payton Sandfort connected on a three-pointer to give Iowa a 21-20 lead ten minutes into the first half, the Hawkeyes struggled afterward, missing their next 14 attempts from beyond the arc. However, they found their rhythm, hitting three of four shots to regain control and take a 56-53 lead on a basket by Dix with 9:46 left in the game.

Looking ahead, Iowa will remain on the road to face No. 25 Maryland on Sunday, while Rutgers is set to take on Oregon.