Iowa hopes to reverse crushing losses to Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS - Twice last year Minnesota thrashed the Iowa men's basketball team so badly that the scars remain embedded in the Hawkeyes' history book.

In the regular-season finale, the Gophers stomped Iowa 88-53, the Hawkeyes' worst defeat to their northern neighbor in 108 years. In the teams' first meeting in Iowa City, the Gophers forced Iowa (7-9, 0-4 Big Ten) into a Big Ten-high 25 turnovers, including 18 in the first half alone in a 12-point win.

Some of the losses last year were discarded into a stack of bad memories for many Iowa players. The losses to Minnesota, however, have yet to fade.

“We really got outplayed,” Iowa junior guard Matt Gatens said. “They really gave it to us up there last year and even here last year was a rough game. I think we have some pretty recent memories of this team and hopefully that plays a role in our motivation and how hard we're going to work to get ready for these guys.”

Minnesota (13-4, 2-3) features a balanced scoring attack and a high-pressure defense. Long-range shooter Blake Hoffarber paces the Gophers with 14.1 points a game, including 32 3-pointers. Power forward Trevor Mbakwe leads the Big Ten in rebounding at 10.4 a game and hits a Big Ten-high 60.2 percent of his shots. The Gophers also lead the league in rebounding and blocks.

Minnesota does have a change at point guard from last year's second game. Devoe Joseph quit the team last week, and Al Nolen is the primary point guard. Nolen was declared academically ineligible halfway through last season.

Nolen has a league-leading 30 steals despite an early-season foot injury costing him five games.

“You think about the way they play, the defense they play because it really affected us last year,” Iowa sophomore Eric May said. “They had their way with us both games with their pressure. You've got to keep that in mind coming into their place this year. They're going to have the same mentality. They're a top-25 team. They're going to get out there really aggressive. We have to match that intensity.”

Iowa Coach Fran McCaffery said the Gophers' versatility makes them difficult to defend. McCaffery said he prefers covering every facet rather than surrendering one aspect on defense.

“I try not to pick my poison,” McCaffery said. “I try to address everything and that's my philosophy. Other coaches will say, ‘OK, we'll let him get his and we'll lock this up. You know, that can be dangerous.

“We'll try to deal with all of that at the same time and minimize all of their strengths. That's how we'll try to do it.”