November 5, 2024

Hawkeyes Star challenge with huge performance against Michigan State

The Hawkeyes got into major foul trouble early on Tuesday night against Michigan State. Star freshman Owen Freeman picked up two in three minutes while freshman Ladji Dembele had three first-half fouls. That’s when fifth-year forward Ben Krikke embraced Fran McCaffery’s challenge.

Ben Krikke responds to Fran McCaffery's challenge with huge performance against Michigan State

IOWA CITY, Iowa– The Hawkeyes got into major foul trouble early on Tuesday night against Michigan State. Star freshman Owen Freeman picked up two in three minutes while freshman Ladji Dembele had three first-half fouls. That’s when fifth-year forward Ben Krikke embraced Fran McCaffery’s challenge.

Takeaways from Iowa basketball's 88-52 win over Florida A&M

Teams have to rebound well when they face a Tom Izzo coached basketball team. The Spartans have always been a scrappy aggressive bunch that prides themselves on hustle and rebounding. Six days prior to Tuesday’s game, Krikke only had one rebound in 34 minutes against Maryland. McCaffery approached Krikke and said that it wasn’t acceptable.

“(Ben) was huge. He’s a terrific player. He’s a big-time scorer. I’ve been challenging him to rebound better. He gets 14. So, I’m really proud of him,” McCaffery said. He did a good job Saturday also against Wisconsin. So that makes a big difference in our team when he’s rebounding like that. Like you said, especially with Owen on the bench.”

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