What a game this was! You truly must feel sorry for the fans who left, because they missed one of the greatest comebacks in Iowa basketball history!
Everything pointed to this game being a Michigan State victory. That’s how it felt in Carver and for the fans watching at home. The numbers backed it up.
Michigan State was up big heading into the final portion of this game, leading 91-78 with 1:34 left to play. The Spartans still led 96-86 with 48 seconds remaining. Michigan State’s win probability according to ESPN’s analytics was 99.7% with that baker’s dozen advantage with 1:34 to play.
And yet, somehow Iowa was able to pull it off in a season-defining victory. Three-pointer after 3-pointer after 3-pointer went in for the Hawkeyes. The McCaffery brothers played a massive part in the comeback.
Then, Payton Sandfort’s three at the end of regulation brought it to overtime. Iowa was running on pure euphoria while the Spartans ran on fumes. Kris Murray and Tony Perkins took over in the overtime period to solidify the 112-106 win and one of the greatest comebacks in college hoops history.
Relive the magical scenes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena through these sensational still photos below!
NCAA Basketball: Michigan State at Iowa
Feb 25, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; A general view of Carver-Hawkeye Arena before the game…
Feb 25, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; A general view of Carver-Hawkeye Arena before the game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Michigan State Spartans. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
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NCAA Basketball: Michigan State at Iowa
Feb 25, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; A general view of Carver-Hawkeye Arena during the national…
Feb 25, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; A general view of Carver-Hawkeye Arena during the national anthem before the game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Michigan State Spartans. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa forward Kris Murray is introduced before a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against…
Iowa forward Kris Murray is introduced before a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Michigan State, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 009 Jpg
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa guard Josh Dix huddles up with teammates before a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball…
Iowa guard Josh Dix huddles up with teammates before a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Michigan State, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 010 Jpg
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa forward Kris Murray (24) listens to head coach Fran McCaffery during a NCAA Big Ten…
Iowa forward Kris Murray (24) listens to head coach Fran McCaffery during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Michigan State, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 058 Jpg
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa guard Tony Perkins (11) makes a basket during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball…
Iowa guard Tony Perkins (11) makes a basket during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Michigan State, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 046 Jpg
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa guard Connor McCaffery, center, drives to the basket as Michigan State center Mady Sissoko, left,…
Iowa guard Connor McCaffery, center, drives to the basket as Michigan State center Mady Sissoko, left, and forward Jaxon Kohler defend during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 054 Jpg
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NCAA Basketball: Michigan State at Iowa
Feb 25, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Fran McCaffery reacts against the…
Feb 25, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Fran McCaffery reacts against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa forward Kris Murray, left, shoots a basket as Michigan State forward Malik Hall defends during…
Iowa forward Kris Murray, left, shoots a basket as Michigan State forward Malik Hall defends during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 018 Jpg
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NCAA Basketball: Michigan State at Iowa
Feb 25, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Michigan State Spartans center Mady Sissoko (22) and Iowa…
Feb 25, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Michigan State Spartans center Mady Sissoko (22) and Iowa Hawkeyes guard Ahron Ulis (center) and guard Connor McCaffery (right) battle for a loose ball during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa forward Kris Murray (24) shoots a free throw during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's…
Iowa forward Kris Murray (24) shoots a free throw during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Michigan State, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 050 Jpg
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa forward Filip Rebraca, left, drives to the basket as Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler defends…
Iowa forward Filip Rebraca, left, drives to the basket as Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler defends during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 005 Jpg
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery, left, reacts to a call during a NCAA Big Ten Conference…
Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery, left, reacts to a call during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Michigan State, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 045 Jpg
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa forward Filip Rebraca shoots a basket as Michigan State center Mady Sissoko defends during a…
Iowa forward Filip Rebraca shoots a basket as Michigan State center Mady Sissoko defends during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 017 Jpg
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa guard Tony Perkins (11) shoots a basket during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball…
Iowa guard Tony Perkins (11) shoots a basket during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Michigan State, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 055 Jpg
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa forward Patrick McCaffery, right, high-fives guard Connor McCaffery (30) during a NCAA Big Ten Conference…
Iowa forward Patrick McCaffery, right, high-fives guard Connor McCaffery (30) during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Michigan State, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 024 Jpg
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa guard Tony Perkins (11) dribbles during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against…
Iowa guard Tony Perkins (11) dribbles during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Michigan State, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 044 Jpg
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery, center, and argues a call with an official as Iowa assistant…
Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery, center, and argues a call with an official as Iowa assistant coach Sherman Dillard, left, and forward Kris Murray (24) listen in during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Michigan State, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 048 Jpg
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Michigan State guard Tre Holloman, right, shoots the ball as Iowa forward Patrick McCaffery defends during…
Michigan State guard Tre Holloman, right, shoots the ball as Iowa forward Patrick McCaffery defends during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 031 Jpg
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa guard Connor McCaffery (30) makes a 3-point basket as Michigan State guard Jaden Akins (3)…
Iowa guard Connor McCaffery (30) makes a 3-point basket as Michigan State guard Jaden Akins (3) defends during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 056 Jpg
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa forward Patrick McCaffery (22) dunks the ball during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball…
Iowa forward Patrick McCaffery (22) dunks the ball during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Michigan State, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 022 Jpg
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NCAA Basketball: Michigan State at Iowa
Feb 25, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Tony Perkins (11) controls the ball…
Feb 25, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Tony Perkins (11) controls the ball as Michigan State Spartans guard Tyson Walker (2) defends during the second half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
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NCAA Basketball: Michigan State at Iowa
Feb 25, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Tony Perkins (11) goes to the…
Feb 25, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Tony Perkins (11) goes to the basket as Michigan State Spartans guard Tyson Walker (2) looks on during the second half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery stares at an official in a timeout during a NCAA Big…
Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery stares at an official in a timeout during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Michigan State, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 059 Jpg
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery stares at an official in a timeout during a NCAA Big…
Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery stares at an official in a timeout during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Michigan State, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 060 Jpg
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa guard Tony Perkins shoots a 3-point basket as Michigan State guard Jaden Akins defends during…
Iowa guard Tony Perkins shoots a 3-point basket as Michigan State guard Jaden Akins defends during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 042 Jpg
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa assistant coach Sherman Dillard, left, and head coach Fran McCaffery react during a NCAA Big…
Iowa assistant coach Sherman Dillard, left, and head coach Fran McCaffery react during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Michigan State, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 057 Jpg
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa guard Connor McCaffery, left, forward Kris Murray (24) and guard Ahron Ulis (1) react as…
Iowa guard Connor McCaffery, left, forward Kris Murray (24) and guard Ahron Ulis (1) react as an official calls a foul while Michigan State guard Tyson Walker, third from right, and forward Joey Hauser (10) look during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 052 Jpg
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa forward Patrick McCaffery (22) reacts during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against…
Iowa forward Patrick McCaffery (22) reacts during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Michigan State, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 023 Jpg
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Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Iowa forward Payton Sandfort makes the tying 3-point basket as Michigan State forward Joey Hauser defends…
Iowa forward Payton Sandfort makes the tying 3-point basket as Michigan State forward Joey Hauser defends Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. Syndication Hawkcentral
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NCAA Basketball: Michigan State at Iowa
Feb 25, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes forward Payton Sandfort (20) shoots a three-point…
Feb 25, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes forward Payton Sandfort (20) shoots a three-point basket that tied the game in the final seconds of the second half as Michigan State Spartans forward Joey Hauser (10) defends at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa forward Payton Sandfort, left, reacts after making a 3-point basket as Michigan State forward Joey…
Iowa forward Payton Sandfort, left, reacts after making a 3-point basket as Michigan State forward Joey Hauser defends during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 035 Jpg
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa forward Payton Sandfort (20) reacts after making a 3-point basket during a NCAA Big Ten…
Iowa forward Payton Sandfort (20) reacts after making a 3-point basket during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Michigan State, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 036 Jpg
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa forward Payton Sandfort (20) reacts after making a 3-point basket during a NCAA Big Ten…
Iowa forward Payton Sandfort (20) reacts after making a 3-point basket during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Michigan State, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 037 Jpg
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa forward Payton Sandfort (20) reacts after making a 3-point basket during a NCAA Big Ten…
Iowa forward Payton Sandfort (20) reacts after making a 3-point basket during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Michigan State, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 038 Jpg
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NCAA Basketball: Michigan State at Iowa
Feb 25, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes fans react during a late comeback victory…
Feb 25, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes fans react during a late comeback victory over the Michigan State Spartans at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
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NCAA Basketball: Michigan State at Iowa
Feb 25, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo reacts during…
Feb 25, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo reacts during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery, left, and Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo greet each other…
Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery, left, and Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo greet each other before a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 006 Jpg
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa forward Payton Sandfort, center, celebrates with fans courtside as teammates Riley Mulvey, left, and Filip…
Iowa forward Payton Sandfort, center, celebrates with fans courtside as teammates Riley Mulvey, left, and Filip Rebraca embrace him after a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Michigan State, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 039 Jpg
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa guards Connor McCaffery, left, and Tony Perkins embrace after a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's…
Iowa guards Connor McCaffery, left, and Tony Perkins embrace after a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Michigan State, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 041 Jpg
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NCAA Basketball: Michigan State at Iowa
Feb 25, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes forward Patrick McCaffery (22) reacts after the…
Feb 25, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes forward Patrick McCaffery (22) reacts after the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
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NCAA Basketball: Michigan State at Iowa
Feb 25, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Tony Perkins (11) reacts after the…
Feb 25, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Tony Perkins (11) reacts after the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Iowa guard Tony Perkins (11) celebrates with fans courtside after a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's…
Iowa guard Tony Perkins (11) celebrates with fans courtside after a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Michigan State, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 230225 Mich St Iowa Mbb 040 Jpg
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