I tuned in with about 9 minutes left. I watched Iowa take the lead at 59 to 58, which lasted about 10 seconds. The game turned on free throws. Iowa could not seem to be able to guard Tonje, especially Payton. I think he fouled him twice. Sandfort going 2 for 11 and 1 of 7 from 3 point land didn't help. He took one 23 foot shot from the top of the key on one possession with Iowa still having a chance. Iowa would be better with Payton on the bench from now on. If he is hurt, then sit. Let the freshman and sophs play.
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I can't go as far as to "sit him". He certainly works his ass off, gets boards, brings energy and keeps defenses honest. They definitely need to adapt offense to Dix and Pryce - both of which are better shooters than Peyton by 10 and 4 percentage points, respectively. Could argue to start Pryce over him but Peyton is a far better rebounder and better (albeit, still below average) defender.
Coaches definitely need to have a talk with him to pump the brakes in deference to Josh / Pryce. At the very least, knock off the 25 foot running bombs in transition that are almost guaranteed miss and a quick "turnover". He has to accept when you're sucking as a shooter, you drive and score / get to the line or you kick to your better shooters. You don't take 60 more 3-point shots than anyone else on the team. (And please don't try the " ... but he
could get hot". He hasn't when it mattered nor has he in games where it was needed the most to actually change the outcome from what it would've been anyway.)
I don't know if / how bad he might be injured. Obviously not enough to deter his total effort nor deter him from launching bricks, so, not a legitimate excuse.
The bigger starting lineup change needs to be Dembele for Mulvey. Mulvey and Brauns should sub for Dembele and be limited to just enough to catch his breath. They just don't give you ANY meaningful production - i.e. today's
combined box: 16 minutes - 1 board, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 0 shots.
Even better, considering the pothole that is the middle, just go all small ...
Drew, Josh, Peyton, Pryce, Ladgi. You'll take an even worse beating on the boards but at least you have all 5 who can shoot, handle the ball and far better athleticism to keep the motion offense / back cuts rolling. Just get over trying to compensate for Freeman with D-III level centers and play the best opportunity for production.
As is, unless Josh / Pryce / Peyton are all shooting 35+% from 3 - at the same time - they're going to lose every remaining game. (That's only going 3 for 8, folks! EVERY "shooter" should be able to do that.)
Even then, the ONLY reasonable win possibilities are at Rutgers, vs Washington, at NwU. Given their road woes, they aren't gonna get both of those. IF they can win 2 more, that barely gets them in the BTT - which, right now, looks like the ceiling on their post season.
