Iowa vs. Wisconsin

(Interstat) — In a frantic, foul-filled finish, the Iowa Wolves survived a late charge to edge the Wisconsin Herd 110-108 in a G League matchup Tuesday night at Oshkosh Arena.

The game, a rematch from just two days prior when Wisconsin prevailed, turned into a dramatic affair decided at the free-throw line in the final seconds. Iowa, which led by as many as 14 points in the first quarter and took a 58-52 advantage into halftime, saw its lead evaporate under a persistent Wisconsin comeback that set the stage for a chaotic final minute.

The most critical sequence unfolded in the last five seconds. With Iowa clinging to a 107-105 lead after a Cormac Ryan layup, the Wolves’ Nate Santos was fouled and calmly sank two free throws with four seconds remaining to push the lead to four. Wisconsin’s Mark Sears was then fouled on a 3-point attempt with one second left. After a replay review confirmed the foul, Sears made all three free throws to cut the deficit to 109-108.

On the ensuing inbound play, Iowa’s Tristen Newton was fouled and made one of two free throws with 0.9 seconds left for the final margin. Wisconsin’s desperation heave was unsuccessful, allowing Iowa to split the two-game road set and improve to 8-6. Wisconsin fell to 4-10.

The Wolves were carried by a stellar performance from point guard Tristen Newton, who followed up a 39-point effort in Sunday’s loss with a game-high 25 points, seven assists and six rebounds. His backcourt mate, Jules Bernard, added 22 points. The Wolves dominated the interior, outrebounding the Herd 55-34, led by center Rocco Zikarsky’s 12 rebounds in just 16 minutes and Joan Beringer’s 17 points, eight rebounds and four blocks.

Wisconsin, which trailed 32-18 after the first quarter, mounted its comeback behind balanced scoring and forced 25 Iowa turnovers. Mark Sears led the Herd with 24 points, while Kira Lewis added 15 off the bench. The Herd’s defense generated 16 steals.

Despite shooting just 3 for 19 from 3-point range, Iowa’s efficiency inside the arc and at the free-throw line, where they attempted 27 shots to Wisconsin’s 18, proved decisive. The Wolves also posted a superior offensive rating of 112.4 points per 100 possessions compared to Wisconsin’s 106.4.

The victory snapped a two-game losing skid for Iowa, which will not play again until a road trip starting Dec. 27. Wisconsin, which has lost three of its last four, also returns to action Dec. 27.