The Iowa Hawkeyes have put themselves into contention in the Big Ten race by winning at home but to make a serious run at the title they will need to start winning some games on the road. They get a chance tonight with a visit to Purdue. Coach Steve Alford says their defense on the road versus the defense on the road is night and day. He says they need to play defense on the road like they do at home to get the win.
Alford says first year Purdue coach Matt Painter has been installing his system during a 7-12 start. He says some guys have bought into that system and those that haven’t have had to go. Alford says injuries have compounded the problem for Painter.
The Boilermakers are 1-7 in the Big Ten but Alford says that record is deceiving. He says it’s just like Minnesota, as he says their records are because the league is good, not because they’re poor basketball teams. The Hawkeyes are 5-2 in the Big Ten and 16-5 overall.