Iowa women seek to get even in Big Ten

IOWA CITY - When the Iowa Hawkeyes played at Illinois, their season was swirling the drain.

They had lost four straight games. They were in last place in the Big Ten women's basketball standings. Last place.

Then they went to Champaign, stuffed a plug in the drain and began to swim.

A 75-64 victory set off a six-game run that produced five victories and a steady climb in the conference standings.

The Hawkeyes (13-11 overall, 6-7 Big Ten) try to reach the break-even mark in the league Sunday when they host the Illini (13-11, 5-9).

Tipoff is 2 p.m. at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Earlier this season, the Hawkeyes lost a number of games they could have won. They got one back Thursday, rallying from a late seven-point deficit to win at Indiana, 71-67.

"To win on the road in the Big Ten, without our point guard, (was) a great accomplishment," said Kachine Alexander.

Iowa won without Kamille Wahlin, who sat out due to lingering effects of a concussion. She is probable for today.

Five regular-season games remain for the Hawkeyes, and the majority of the Big Ten pecking order changes on a weekly basis.

Ohio State (24-3, 12-2) has clinched a share of the title, and wins it outright with one win in its last four games.

After that, only three games separate second place and last place. Iowa's smack-dab in the middle of the fray - which is much better than when it visited Illinois.