Adam Haluska’s scoring rampage continued Wednesday night in the Twin Cities. After scoring 33 points in a victory over Indiana the Iowa senior poured in 34 points as the Hawkeyes won their third straight game with a 91-78 win over Minnesota. Iowa coach Steve Alford says there was a lot of pressure to get the win before going to Madison. Alford says his team responded to the pressure and every run Minnesota made, they came right back.
Freshman Tyler Smith had another big game with 19 points and eight rebounds,but it was Haluska who led the way and also chipped in with 8 assists and five rebounds. Alford says Haluska is playing at a very high level and is fun to watch, as he’s scoring and guarding and doing a lot for the team. Alford says Smith is also doing an amazing job.
Haluska was 10-of-14 from the field, including six three pointers. Alford says Haluska took great shots and made them and went to the free-throw line and converted.
The victory improved Iowa’s Big Ten record to 6-4. Haluska says Big Ten road wins feel good and the team is playing well right now. Iowa shot 58 percent for the game while the Gophers hit 62 percent but still lost. Haluska says it was an amazing offensive game for both teams, and not a great defensive night.
Minnesota coach Jim Molinari says the Gophers needed a better effort on defense. Molinari says he told his team they can’t outscore Iowa and they came out and tried to do just that. Iowa is now 14-10 overall.