The Iowa Hawkeyes will try to snap a four game losing skid tonight when they open their own tournament against Texas Pan-American. The Hawkeyes are 2-4 after a 69-65 loss at Virginia Tech. Coach Steve Alford says Pan-Am is 5-1 and LaSalle is undefeated and he says they’ll need a lot of help from fans.

LaSalle plays Coppin State in the other first round game. After five straight on the road the Hawkeyes will spend most of December at home. Iowa plays eight of its next nine at home. Alford says it’s a crucial four-game home stand for his team as they’re two games below .500 after what he calls a brutal road trip.

Alford says just because they’re at home, that doesn’t mean they’ll get wins. Alford says they’re not a team that runs away from people. Consolation and championship games are Saturday night.