Iowa vs. Utah basketball game at Sanford Pentagon to highlight Coaches vs. Cancer
The Iowa Hawkeyes matchup against the Utah Runnin’ Utes on Dec. 21 at the Sanford Pentagon will shine a spotlight on the work of Coaches vs. Cancer and cancer care at Sanford Health. The fight against cancer will be highlighted throughout the game, which is airing on the Big Ten Network.
“We are grateful for our partners at Sanford Health for their longtime commitment to Coaches vs. Cancer and the American Cancer Society,” said Dave Benson, executive vice president at the American Cancer Society. “This annual game at the Sanford Pentagon is a shining example of our program’s mission – bringing together the college basketball community to provide the crucial support and resources to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.”
The meeting marks the fourth trip to the Pentagon for Iowa and the debut appearance for Utah. Limited tickets are still available online only at ticketmaster.com.
The Hawkeyes are currently 5-1 this season. Iowa is 2-1 in games played at the Sanford Pentagon. The Hawkeyes beat Colorado, 80-73, on Dec. 22, 2017; lost to No. 1 Gonzaga, 99-88, on Dec. 19, 2020; and defeated Utah State, 94-75, on Nov. 24, 2021.
Utah, a member of the Big-12 Conference, is currently 4-1 this season. Runnin’ Utes’ head coach Craig Smith has coached several times at the Pentagon during his previous tenures at Utah State and South Dakota.
Utah has a 2-0 record against Iowa. In addition to the meeting in the NIT this season, the teams last played on Dec. 29, 1964, at the Los Angeles Classic. The Runnin’ Utes downed the Hawkeyes, 92-88.
The game marks the final scheduled NCAA Division I basketball game at the Sanford Pentagon for the 2024-25 season. The Field of 68 Opening Day Showcase took place on Nov. 4, featuring a triple header of men’s college basketing consisting of College of Charleston, Santa Clara, Saint Louis, McNeese State, South Dakota State and Southern Illinois. The next weekend No. 21 Nebraska defeated South Dakota in women’s basketball, followed by Saint Mary’s beating Nebraska in men’s basketball. Last week, the Iowa women’s basketball team defeated Kansas. All three single games were sellouts.
About Coaches vs. Cancer
Coaches vs. Cancer is a collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) that empowers coaches, their teams, and communities to join in saving more lives. The program leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of basketball coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs. For more information go to CoachesVsCancer.org.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 100 years, we have been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support. We are committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org
