Adam Haluska was named one of 30 finalists for the Naismith Trophy. The award is presented to the best college basketball player each year. Haluska currently leads the Big 10 in scoring.
Archive for February, 2007
22
Feb
Iowa 78 Purdue 59
The Hawkeyes beat Purdue with something new this season, a balanced offensive attack. Instead of Haluska and Smith scoring over 50% of the team’s points, the Hawkeyes had five players in double figures, Smith – 18, Freeman – 14, Haluska and Tate – 11 and Henderson – 10. The score does reflect the game, Iowa was in control for most of the game. The Boilermakers got close in the 2nd half, but Iowa responded with a 10-0 run and never was in danger after that.
The win keeps Iowa’s tournament hopes alive. They still need to win out the rest of schedule and do well in the Big 10 tournament. The Hawk’s RPI is still high, around 79. If the Hawks should do well in the Big 10 tournament, the RPI will go down, maybe as low as the 50′s, depending on who they beat, which should be enough to get into the tournament. It is still possible for the Hawks to make the NCAA Tournament, which is pretty good for a rebuilding year.
17
Feb
Mich St 81 Iowa 49
Iowa’s tournament hopes took a hit today by losing badly to the Spartans. The Hawkeyes had trouble shooting (only 34.1% for the game), defending (Spartans shot 57.9%) and rebounding. Iowa kept it close for the first three minutes until Michigan State went on an 18-0 run and never looked back. The Hawks could never close the gap for the rest of the game. Haluska led Iowa with only 11 points.
To keep their tournament hopes alive Iowa must win the rest of the schedule and go far in the Big 10 tournament. Winning the last three games is possible and Alford has shown he can do well in the tournament.
