The Iowa Hawkeyes won a defensive battle as the downed UNI 51-39 in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes connected on just 40% for the game while the Panthers shot a chilly 27%.

Iowa coach Fran McCaffery says U.N.I. rarely beats themselves and that did not happen, but they did hold them below 28% shooting and did the things they needed to do to win. Freshman Melsahn Basabe led the Hawks with 14 points while senior Jarry Cole had 10 points and 15 rebounds.

McCaffrey says Basabe was explosive and determined to get the ball, and says he made great decisions and played like a veteran.

The Panthers had trouble finding a way to score.

Coach Ben Jacobsen says they are younger, but they also have experience and should have been able to handle the changes in defense. Jacobsen says Iowa had a good defensive game plan.

U.N.I. is now 4-3. Iowa is 5-4.