Nesbitt dumps redshirt, Hansen makes contribution

IOWA CITY -- Trisha Nesbitt has returned. Kalli Hansen has arrived.

And the Iowa Hawkeyes -- maybe -- have snapped out of their funk before it became an all-out free-fall.

Yeah, it was a win over second-division Minnesota. But it was a win, and the 21st-ranked Hawkeyes flew out of Minneapolis with a load off their shoulders.

"We were singing. We were dancing. It was great," said Hansen, who had a breakout game with seven points, eight rebounds and several clutch moments.

A native of Olin who came to Iowa City by way of Kirkwood Community College, Hansen hit a 3-pointer to tie the game, drilled two free throws to put the Hawkeyes ahead, then hit the clinching foul shots in the final seconds.

"It was just good to perform well and help lead the team to a victory," Hansen said.

It was a key contribution at a key time.

"I think she can do more of that," said Jaime Printy. "She stepped up and hit some big shots. I'm proud of her."

Iowa (13-3 overall, 1-2 Big Ten) badly needed that win, with No. 20 Ohio State coming to Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Saturday -- the game will be televised nationally by CBS -- and a trip to No. 11 Michigan State looming next week.

Had the Hawkeyes not rallied from a 13-point second-half deficit, an 0-5 Big Ten start would have been a distinct possibility.

Instead, they came back. Then they danced and they sang.

Nine Hawkeyes played Wednesday. One of them was Nesbitt, who had missed the first 15 games with plantar fasciitis. The moment she stepped on the floor, any possibility of red-shirting this season ended.

It was a decision made jointly by Nesbitt and Iowa Coach Lisa Bluder.

"It's what Trisha wanted to do," Bluder said. "She has the ability to help us."

A sophomore point guard from Ames, Nesbitt played four minutes.

"It was good to get the first-game jitters out," she said. "It was good to get out and be able to contribute.

"I thought this was the best decision for me and for the team. I'm going to feel pain, whether I play or not. There's always the chance that I could tear it. But I can't play with fear."

The next two games are against the other teams with whom Iowa was expected to battle for the Big Ten title. Ohio State (10-4, 1-1) has won six straight conference crowns.

Last year, Ohio State edged Iowa in the Big Ten tournament championship. The Buckeyes' presence, plus the fact that Saturday is Girl Scout Day, could lead to a fairly crowded Carver.

"There will definitely be a little fire," said Kachine Alexander.