Hawkeyes hang on for victory over Gophers

Iowa didn’t score a field goal in the final 10-minutes of the ballgame, but made a dozen free throws to hold on for an 81-78 Big Ten tournament win over Minnesota last night. Iowa’s Dean Oliver didn’t score a point, but Kyle Galloway stepped up to score 30 points, including five of seven three-pointers. Oliver had an inkling Galloway would have a big game.Oliver says Minnesota’s defensive pressure hurt in the second half, but they pulled together just in time.Iowa Coach Steve Alford says his team played well for 31 minutes, but he says the team’s inexperience showed as they lost their focus on the game.Alford’s team led by as much as 20 — but after the Hawk’s 10-minute scoring drought, that lead dwindled to one point.Alford says Galloway “was the difference in the game.”Jacob Jaacks was fouled at the end of the game — but the swipe to his nose drew blood, so Galloway went to the line in his place and sank both free throws to secure the victory. Iowa faces Michigan State tonight — tip time will be about 6:40.