Hawks get a shot at 'signature win'

IOWA CITY - Seven times, the Iowa Hawkeyes have held serve.

They've won the games they should have won, and the result is the fourth-best start in school history. Now comes the toughest stretch of the season.

“Ever since the schedule came out, I highlighted this stretch - three games in eight days,” Iowa's Kachine Alexander said. “If we come out of it with three wins, it would be amazing.”

It starts tonight, when the 18th-ranked Hawkeyes (7-0) face No. 14 North Carolina (7-0) in an ACC/Big Ten Challenge game at Carmichael Auditorium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Tipoff is 6 p.m. (Iowa time).

After that, it's the Big Ten/Big 12 Challenge, with the Hawkeyes taking on Kansas State (6-0) Sunday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa hosts No. 19 Iowa State (5-1) next Thursday.

“It's an important stretch for us,” Iowa Coach Lisa Bluder said. “It's so important with recruiting, fan support and national rankings. It's an opportunity to open some eyes with a signature win.”

Carolina will be a handful. The Tar Heels have demolished opposition by an average score of 91.9-47.3. They average 22 offensive rebounds and outrebound foes by more than 18 boards per game.

“North Carolina is a very balanced team. A very big team. Athletic and fast,” Bluder said. “Let's not get into a jumping contest. We're going to lose that.”

A strong showing in the next eight days would do wonders for an already lofty RPI. The Hawks stand at No. 6, according to realtimerpi.com.

“It's great to play them, but nothing is more important than wins,” Bluder said. “We're 7-0, and we can get so much better. That's exciting.”