Iowa’s Owen Freeman calls out Indiana basketball wing Mackenzie Mgbako

Indiana basketball wing Mackenzie Mgbako was called out after IU’s 25-point loss to Iowa on Saturday night — not by his coach or any of his teammates, rather Iowa center Owen Freeman.

Freeman, who shared Co-Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors with Mgbako last season, didn’t mince words when it came to his feelings.

“It was never Co-Freshman of the Year (last season),” Freeman said. “I’m just going to make that apparent.”

Mgbako, who led all freshman in the Big Ten in scoring last season, averaged 12.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists a game while Freeman averaged 10.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and had five double-doubles.

After an extremely slow start to the season, Mgbako finished with a 13.6 point per game average in Big Ten games and shot 37.8 percent from three.

Saturday was the first matchup between Iowa and Indiana basketball since last season and it was all Iowa. The Hawkeyes led by 30 late in the second half and was sparked by a 16-point and 12-rebound performance from Freeman. Mgbako had just six points on 2-of-6 shooting and played just 16 minutes.

IU’s 6-foot-8 wing is averaging 9.5 points and shooting just 29.6 percent from three in Big Ten games this season. On the year he’s averaging 12.8 points and shooting 37.8 percent on 1.6 made 3s a game.

Indiana is now 13-4 overall and 4-2 in conference play. The Hawkeyes are now 12-4 overall and 3-2 in Big Ten play.

Owen Freeman, at the end of his media availability after Iowa’s blowout win over Indiana:

“It was never Co-Freshman of the Year.”

He shared the award with Indiana’s Mackenzie Mgbako last season. pic.twitter.com/23NFiaMSXa

— Eliot Clough (@EliotClough) January 12, 2025

SEE ALSO: Key takeaways from the Indiana basketball 85-60 loss to Iowa

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