Overview:
A tough non-conference schedule + playing in a
tough league = a lot of opportunities to boost your
profile. That's exactly the formula that Iowa
followed this season. Only Iowa and UConn have
recorded nine wins against teams ranked in the top
25 of the Sagarin Ratings at the time of the game.
Steve Alford's team also completed the first-ever
undefeated home season in Carver-Hawkeye Arena
history, and the first undefeated home record on any
Hawkeye homecourt since 1966.
Possible Difference Maker: Greg Brunner was
the Hawkeye tabbed as a first team all-Big Ten
selection this season after leading the league in
rebounding (9.7 rpg). But in this tournament, pay
close attention to center Erek Hansen. He's the guy
who does the dirty work for this team, freeing up
everyone else for more glamorous pursuits.
On Offense: They have always been a motion
team, but this year they are running more
quick-hitting plays for their three best players.
They try to get mismatches for Brunner who can hurt
you inside and outside.
On Defense: They are good defensively this
year as they have tough, experience players. They
will play solid man-to-man. Erek Hansen averages
almost 3 blocks per game in 17 minutes
Strength: They are playing with a lot of
mental toughness this year, as they have seniors
that are playing inspired. Their defense carries
them during the tough times, holding opponents to a
37.9% field goal percentage.
Weakness: They are inconsistent offensively as they
lack perimeter shooting outside of Jeff Horner and
Adam Haluska. They do not have much depth
Keys to Success: Their big three of Horner,
Haluska, and Brunner must play well and stay out of
foul trouble. They are at their best playing from
the lead as they play deliberately and have great
leadership. When Haluska plays well, they are tough
to beat.
How to Beat Them: It helps to make perimeter
shots against them, because Iowa has done a great
job of protecting the paint. You have to contain
Brunner on the boards and Horner and Haluska on the
perimeter.
