IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Mike Gesell scored a career-high 25 points and Iowa cruised past top-ranked Michigan State 83-70 on Tuesday night, handing the Spartans their first loss of the season.
Peter Jok had 19 points for the Hawkeyes (10-3), which toppled a No. 1 team for the first time in 16 years.
Iowa never trailed in what turned out to be a surprisingly easy win over the Spartans (13-1). The Hawkeyes led by as much as 19 in snapping a nine-game losing streak against Michigan State.
Eron Harris scored 21 points to lead the Spartans. They were playing their second game without injured star Denzel Valentine — their leader in scoring, rebounds and assists — and their first since coach Tom Izzo’s father Carl died Monday.
Iowa forward Nicholas Baer dunks over Michigan State guard Matt McQuaid (20) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo looks on during a moment of silence to honor his father Carl before an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015, in Iowa City, Iowa. Carl Izzo died Monday in Appleton, Wis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa forward Jarrod Uthoff, left, fights for a rebound with Michigan State forward Marvin Clark Jr. (15) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
