Iowa won their home opener, beating Eastern Illinois last night, 95 to 79. Jacob Jakes scored a career-high 29 points and pulled down 12 rebounds, to the delight of Iowa Coach Steve Alford.Alford wants the team to improve its half-court defense.Alford points to another defensive worry: Eastern Illinois, a smaller squad than the Hawks, had 17 offensive rebounds.Dean Oliver had 27 points, two steals, only one turn-over and he dished out five assists.A loud and boisterous section has been created in Carver-Hawkeye. Students pay extra to sit together and wear a “uniform” of black and gold. Alford likes it.At one point, the student section chanted “Rogaine” when an Eastern Illinois player stood at the foul line. The result: a lane violation. The Hawkeyes play Creighton on Saturday in Omaha.
