Niko Medved remains undefeated in home games against ranked Big Ten foes as the Gophers men’s basketball coach.

While it’s only two, Tuesday’s win was sweeter than the first.

After knocking off then-No. 22-ranked Indiana in the Big Ten opener Dec. 3, Minnesota took down 19th-ranked Iowa 70-67.

The Hawkeyes, a five-point favorite, staked a huge rally over the final six minutes but three attempts at a game-tying 3-pointer where off the mark.

Jaylen Crocker-Johnson made a 3-pointer at the top of the key, and Bobby Durkin made a pair of free throws to make it 68-64.

Iowa’s leading scorer Bennett Stirtz, averaging 17.9 points a game, was held scoreless in the first half but turned it on in the second half. He made a trey to cut lead to 68-67. Isaac Asuma made two free throws to extend the lead. Stirtz missed two of the three attempts on the final possession.

Langston Reynolds scored a game-high 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting, including many drives to the basket.

Minnesota led 31-24 at the half behind 10 points apiece from Reynolds and Cade Tyson.

The U defense held the Hawkeyes to 38% shooting from the field in the first half, with Stirtz at 0 for 5 in nine foul-filled minutes.

The Gophers stormed to a 12-3 lead through the opening six minutes, holding the Hawkeyes to 1-for-7 shooting.

Stirtz was being swarmed on ball screens, started 0 for 3 from the field and went to the bench after picking up his second foul with 14:24 left in the half.

Without their leading scorer, the Hawkeyes mounted a comeback and took a 20-16 lead with six minutes left in the half. The Gophers were cold, 0 for 6 from 3-point range and were allowing too many drives for easy buckets at the rum,.

Minnesota ended the period with a 15-4 run to stake a seven-point lead.

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