The Steve Alford era at the University of Iowa begins tonight as the Hawkeyes open against top ranked and defending national champion U-Conn in the Coaches Versus Cancer Classic in New York City. The Hawks may be overmatched in this game and Alford says to have a chance they must control tempo.But Alford says the Hawks don’t plan on a slow-down style.Alford says there is a level of anticipation for every opener, especially playing in Madison Square Garden against the defending national champ.Alford says coming out of the exhibition games he is concerned about the Hawkeye’s rebounding.Duke and Stanford play in the other first round game.