A late collapse and a costly loss for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Michael Jenkins bounced in a three pointer from the corner as time expired in overtime as Northwestern downed the 23rd ranked Hawkeyes 75-74, a game in which Iowa squandered a 12-point lead in the final three minutes of regulation. Iowa coach Steve Alford says “the smarter team won.” He says they had one lapse after another and had the game won about three different times. Poor foul shooting and a string of miscues opened the door for Northwestern. Pierre Pierce fouled Northwestern’s Vedran Vukisic on a three point attempt with 13-seconds remaining in overtime, he made all three free throws to send the game to overtime. With Iowa leading by two in overtime Northwestern turned the ball over with six seconds remaining. on the ensuing in-bounds play, Pierce threw the ball right to Northwestern’s T.J. Parker and the Wildcats called timeout to set up the final play. The Hawks made only 15 of 26 from the line in falling to 2-4 in the Big Ten. Alford says it was as bad as he’s seen his captains perform. Alford says it’s frustrating because this was a “must win” and they’re going to have to make some changes. Greg Brunner led Iowa with a career high 28-points but that was little consolation. He says everyone is heartbroken and pretty down.The Hawkeyes host Indiana on Saturday.
