The Iowa Hawkeyes enter the Big Ten Tournament today looking for the same success they’ve had in the past two seasons in which they’ve won the title and finished second. Coach Steve Alford was asked why his team has done so well in the tournament, after struggling in the regular season. He says two years ago the team came back in the tournament after injuries, and last year the team got it’s second wind after wearing down in the regular season.Iowa plays Ohio State, amd Alford says the regular season split with the Buckeyes should give them some confidence in knowing it’s a team they can beat.He says the two tournament runs have given them confidence by knowing what to expect.Alford expects freshmen like Jeff Horner and Greg Brunner to be key if his team is to make a tournament run.Iowa could win an automatic bid to the NCAA Tourney by winning the conference tournament, or possibly secure a bid to the N-I-T with a good showing. Alford says any tournament play is important for his team. Iowa enters the tournament at 15-12 overall, while Ohio State is 14-13. The winner advances to play top seed Wisconsin on Friday.
