Nov. 19, 2006
IOWA CITY — Bluder’s Bunch remained perfect for 2006-07 Saturday, digging deep to hand Florida International a 72-62 loss in the championship game of the 2006 KCRG-TV9 Hawkeye Challenge.
The win was Iowa’s fifth in a row in eight days. There’s no rest ahead, either for Coach Lisa Bluder’s Iowa Hawkeyes, either. They entertain Louisiana Tech in their annual “Buck Night” game Tuesday in Caver-Hawkeye Arena.
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Iowa returns to action Tuesday in its annual “Buck Night” game against Louisiana Tech. Game time is set for 6:30 p.m. in the Arena.
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The Hawkeyes’ hitched their wagon to the talents of Kristi Smith and Megan Skouby. Smith, Iowa’s fiery point guard, scored 13 of the team’s final 16 points in the first half, helping the team to go into intermission tied at 29-all.
Skouby was the steady force she’s proven to be during the second half when Iowa fought off several charges by FIU.
Smith and Skouby each scored 21 poionts to lead the Hawkeyes. That total was a career-high for Smith. Wendy Ausdemore added 10 and Lindsey Nyehuis nine.
Florida International was paced by LaQuetta Ferguson’s 24 points.
“We’re taking a much-needed day off (Sunday),” said Bluder, who also noted that several members of the already short-on-numbers Hawkeye roster were ill and others were simply tired.
Among the walking wounded was junior forward Jenee Graham. Iowa’s top rebounder gave the Hawkeyes “great effort” said Bluder – five rebounds, two points, two assists and 27 minutes – despite being ill.
The victory gave Iowa is 17th Hawkeye Challenge title in the 21-year history of the event.