Three offensive rebounds in the final minute of overtime were the difference for U-N-I. Eric Crawford drained a three pointer from the top of the key with 50 seconds remaining as the Panthers downed 12th rated Iowa 67-63.
Iowa coach Steve Alford says he thought they worked hard, but says they have to be tough enough to win down the stretch. Alford says they weren’t able to get any rebounds down the stretch. Crawford’s basket came after the Panthers missed two shots but managed to grab the rebound.
U-N-I also got a key rebound off a missed free throw in the waning seconds as they beat the Hawkeyes for the third straight time in Cedar Falls. Greg Brunner led Iowa with 26 points and ten rebounds but outside of him the Hawkeyes were physically dominated by the Panthers who improve to 5-1 on the season. Alford says he thought Bruner did a good job, but he says his other post players didn’t get into the game like he thought they should.
Iowa’s biggest loss may have come in the last few minutes of regulation. Senior guard Jeff Horner injured his left knee and will have an M-R-I later today. Alford says it’s unfortunate that they didn’t have anyone step up to make plays after Horner went down. Iowa falls to 7-2 and will visit Iowa State on Friday night.