Nov. 18, 2012
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CANCUN, Mexico — The University of Iowa men’s basketball team didn’t have much time to enjoy last night’s thrilling 65-56 come-from-behind victory over Gardner-Webb. The Hawkeyes departed Iowa City at 4 a.m. for its journey to Cancun.
After a lay-over in Chicago, the team landed in Cancun at 1 p.m. after the three-hour flight. The Hawkeyes were welcomed 80-degree weather.
“Last night was a great team win and now we’re excited to be in Cancun for our next challenge,” said senior captain Eric May. “It was an early morning, but most of us got some sleep on the flight.”
The team spent the afternoon settling in and learning the new surroundings of the fabulous Moon Palace Resort, where the games will be take place in the Galactic Ballroom on Tuesday and Wednesday evening. The tournament hosts have transformed the ballroom into a gym for the holiday tournament.
“This resort is really nice,” said sophomore Aaron White. “We look forward to exploring this place this afternoon before we have our first practice tonight.”
Iowa will begin preparation for its Tuesday opponent, Western Kentucky during a 6-8 p.m. practice Sunday.
“Western Kentucky is one of the winningest programs in college basketball history,” said head coach Fran McCaffery after Saturday’s victory. “They were in the tournament last year. They’ve got really good players. They’re athletic. We’ll be ready for them. We’ll have to be.”
The Hawkeyes and Hilltoppers will tip-off at 8:30 p.m. (CT). The contest will be televised on the CBS Sports Network, which is on most satellite providers and digital cable sports packages.