Break's over; Hawkeyes host Drake

IOWA CITY - Two days off, then back to the basics.

That's been the regimen for the University of Iowa women's basketball team since losing to Iowa State 10 days ago.

“We really broke things down and went to basic fundamentals,” Iowa Coach Lisa Bluder said. “The Iowa State game was a disappointment in that we didn't have as much fight as I'd like.”

The Hawkeyes (5-5) get back to action today with another intrastate squabble against Drake at 1 p.m. in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Iowa has beaten Drake seven straight times, including 71-53 at Des Moines last year. But the Bulldogs (6-2) are riding a four-game win streak, beat Iowa State this season and can virtually wrap up the mythical state title with a win today.

“They play extremely hard; they really get after it,” said Iowa's Kamille Wahlin. “We've got to be ready for a battle.”

Bluder coached at Drake for 10 seasons before leaving in 2000 to take over the Iowa program. She said the emotion “dwindles more every year.”

“My memories at Drake are wonderful,” she said. “I want them to win every game each year but this one.”

Assistant coaches Jan Jensen and Jenni Fitzgerald played at Drake.

Iowa welcomes back Kachine Alexander, who averaged 21 points and 15 rebounds through three games before missing the next seven with a stress fracture in her leg.

Alexander won't start. Bluder plans to play her about 15 minutes.

“I think with (Alexander) on the floor, everybody can relax a little more,” Bluder said.

Drake (6-2) at Iowa (5-5)

Where: Carver-Hawkeye Arena

Tipoff: 1 p.m.

TV: Big Ten Network

Radio: WMT-AM (600), KXIC-AM (800)

Scouting report: Drake leads the series, 24-17, but the Hawkeyes have won seven in a row. Drake has won four straight games and can pretty much wrap up a mythical state championship with a win. Four Bulldogs are averaging in double figures, led by Jordann Plummer (5-6, sr.) at 15.8 points per game. Drake's 14.3 turnovers per game is seventh lowest in the nation. Iowa welcomes back junior guard Kachine Alexander, who averaged 21 points and 15 rebounds in three games before suffering from a stress fracture. Kamille Wahlin averaged nearly 18 points in Alexander's absence. Iowa Coach Lisa Bluder was at Drake for 10 seasons.

Next for Iowa: South Dakota State, 7 p.m. Tuesday

Next for Drake: New Orleans, 5 p.m. Tuesday