The Iowa Hawkeyes play their final non-conference game tonight at home against Mercer. The Hawks have been idle since last Saturday’s win over Kansas State and coach Steve Alford says his team returned from the break ready to go.Iowa has played Duke, Memphis and Missouri twice during the non-conference schedule and while the Hawks are heavily favored against Mercer, Alford says it is important because of its timing, as they have 40 minutes left to get ready for the Big Ten conference season.Alford says it is important to establish the home court heading into a conference race.
