The Iowa Hawkeyes hope to end a string of frustrating road losses when they visit Minnesota tonight in the Big Ten. To get over the hump coach Steve Alford says the Hawks must be good closers, something they have not done in the conference race. He says the major issue they haven’t overcome is closing out each half of a game strong. Minnesota is in the NCAA Tournament hunt. The Gophers are 7-6 in the league race, 17-9 overall and they have been especially tough in Williams Arena. Alford says the Gophers have been difficult to play at home and says they’re playing welland confident and are finding ways to win. Iowa is 4-8 in the Big Ten and 16-9 overall.
