Feb. 12, 2009
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Iowa snapped a 10-game losing skid to the Buckeyes with tonight’s 10-point victory (85-75). The series is now tied 25-25 after 50 meetings. Iowa has now recorded two victories over ranked opponents this season (#22 Iowa State and #13 Ohio State).
Iowa has now won 18 of its last 19 contests in Carver-Hawkeye Arena, dating back to last season. Iowa boasts an 11-1 home record this year.
Iowa’s win coupled with Indiana’s loss moves the Hawkeyes into fifth place in the Big Ten standings.
Iowa trailed 34-28 with 5:32 left in the first half, but closed the half on a 19-0 run to lead 47-34 at intermission. The 47 points, in the first half, match a season high for the Hawkeyes in a half (Texas State).
The Hawkeyes dominated the Buckeyes from the free throw line. Iowa attempted 23 more free throws than Ohio State tonight. Iowa was 26-32 (.813), while Ohio State was only 3-9 (.333). Iowa’s Kachine Alexander was 14-18 (.778) from the charity stripe, which is a Carver-Hawkeye Arena record by an Iowa player. Also, Kristi Smith was perfect from the foul line (10-10, 1.000).
Iowa had four players score double figures tonight: Kristi Smith (20), Kamille Wahlin (19), Kachine Alexander (16) and Wendy Ausdemore (14).
After missing the last five games due to an injured ankle, JoAnn Hamlin returned to action playing 18 minutes off the bench. She missed her five field goal attempts, but did grab three rebounds and had an assist and a block.
Wahlin’s 19 points is a personal best. She also dished out a team-high five assists.
Smith has now topped the 20-point plateau four times this season, including twice in the last four games.
Iowa out-rebounded Ohio State by seven tonight (42-35).
Iowa shot 56.7 percent (17-30) from the field in the first half and 45 percent (27-60) for the game. The Hawkeyes’ field goal percentage was bolstered by 5-11 (.455) shooting from distance.
Ohio State was led by Jantel Lavender, who netted a game-high 32 points tonight. She also corralled 10 rebounds. Star Allen contributed 11 rebounds and six points, while Samantha Prahalis collected a game-high six assists and had nine points for the Buckeyes.
Iowa returns to action Sunday when it travels to Penn State. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. (CST) at the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, PA.