Hawks expect to kick the energy up a notch tonight

Lisa Bluder is not guaranteeing victory. But she is promising energy.

Seven days after their worst performance of the season, the Iowa Hawkeyes return to action at 7 tonight for a Big Ten women's basketball game with Penn State at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

“You're going to see a different energy level,” Bluder said. “We're not happy with where we are. I hate losing. I absolutely hate losing.”

Iowa (8-8 overall, 1-4 Big Ten) resides in the basement of the league. But other than the Michigan game - a 63-46 loss at Ann Arbor last Thursday - the Hawkeyes have been in every contest.

Two losses were decided in overtime, including the first meeting with Penn State (11-4, 3-2).

“We just need to start finishing games,” said Kamille Wahlin, the Hawkeyes' leading scorer.

Wahlin was unaware of Iowa's position in the Big Ten.

“I'm not very good at keeping track,” she said. “You never want to be at the bottom. You don't expect to be there.”

Despite the record, Jaime Printy said there is progress.

“All of the losses have been close,” she said. “We're getting better. There is a lot of Big Ten play left.”

Opportunity for upward mobility exists. Other than Ohio State, the rest of the conference appears to be a giant cluster.

“Ohio State, obviously, is a clear favorite,” Bluder said. “They've played very, very well.

“I think it's wide-open after that.”