Iowa vs Utah basketball game to highlight Coaches vs. Cancer

Iowa vs Utah basketball game to highlight Coaches vs. Cancer

Nov. 26, 2024

Contact:
Paul Heinert
Sanford Health Media Relations
605-366-2432 / [email protected]

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - 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 Sanford Sports
Sanford Sports is the modern athletics arm of Sanford Health, the premier rural health system in the United States. Rooted in science and health care, Sanford Sports offers a combination of programs, services, events, facilities and partnerships intended to make active lifestyles accessible and rewarding for people of all ages and abilities. Based on the 500-acre Sanford Sports Complex in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Sanford Sports has been changing the way athletes play for 25 years. With operations in three states, more than one million athletes use Sanford Sports facilities each year. Visit sanfordsports.com for more information.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America's heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization serves 1.4 million patients and nearly 200,000 health plan members across 250,000 square miles. The integrated health system has 45 hospitals, 211 clinic locations, more than 160 Good Samaritan Society senior living centers, 2,900 Sanford physicians and advanced practice providers, 540 active clinical trials, and nine world clinic locations around the globe. Learn more about Sanford Health's commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

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 www.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 or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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