Key for Iowa today: Stop Northwestern's 3-point prowess (with Senior Day video tribute from floor level)

Iowa has lost four straight to Northwestern, the Hawkeyes' longest losing streak to the Wildcats since a seven-game skid from 1928 through 1932. The common culprit for Iowa in those losses -- especially the last three under Coach Fran McCaffery -- is defending against the 3-pointer.

The Wildcats have shot 81 3-pointers and made an astounding 39 against Iowa in the last three meetings. The margin of victory for Northwestern in those three games is nearly 14 points. Yes, the backdoor cuts and screens have caused Iowa problems, but nothing like the 3-point shots, many of which are either wide open or barely contested.

"We just have to do a better job," Iowa Coach Fran McCaffery said Friday. "We've got to get up, and they run all the cuts and all the back door stuff, so you're concerned about that. And I think that they are driving the ball better than they ever have, so that makes them that much harder to guard. But when it's all said and done, if you're going to take away the 3, you've got to get out there."

Iowa also has to solve Northwestern's 1-3-1 zone defense. It caused major problems for the Hawkeyes in Evanston on Feb. 9, forcing 18 turnovers.

Both teams have plenty to play for Saturday. A win keeps Northwestern's bid for a first-ever NCAA tournament berth alive. An Iowa win gives the Hawkeyes a 9-9 Big Ten record, the first non-losing season for the school since 2007. It also gives Iowa its 17th win, which equals the victory total in 2007, and guarantees the first winning record since that season.

"I think ultimately that's got to be one of the steps along the way," McCaffery said. "You get a winning season and then you get to the NCAA tournament and then you win a championship. It's an important step, no question."