Iowa and Drake meet tonight

It’s the 55th meeting between Iowa and Drake in the Knapp Center tonight. The Hawkeyes are 1-0 after a four point win over Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Sunday night. Iowa coach Steve Alford says the Hawks have a much larger presence in the post this season compared to last year when they didn’t have a true center.The Hawkeyes got a lift from freshman forward Courtney Scott. Alford says Scott has come on as of late after a slow start.With a host of newcomers Alford says the Hawkeyes will find out quickly what it takes to win. He says playing at this level is a lot different for younger players.This is the season opener for the Bulldogs and coach Kurt Kanaskie says his team has a lot more scoring punch this season. He says they’re disappointed with the way they’re playing defense and will have to improve to be successful.Kanaskie says while Iowa has an improved front line the guard court with Dean Oliver and Luke Recker has been impressive.Last year, Drake took Iowa to double overtime before falling in Iowa City but Kanaskie says this is a much better Hawkeye team.