The Iowa Hawkeyes used a 22-7 run in the second half to take control enroute to an 84-75 victory over Dayton in the opening round of the NIT. A boisterous crowd of better than 13,000 helped spur the Hawks to their first post season victory in nine years.
“I just am continuously amazed at Hawk fans and their loyalty,” Iowa coach Fran McCaffery said. He says said the energy level in the building was “electric” and home court was a huge factor in the outcome. Freshman forward Aaron White had a huge game for the Hawks.
He scored a career high 25 points and also added 11 rebounds. “This opportunity that we got here was a lot of fun…I had my legs tonight and it was just a great team win,” White says. White says the crowd helped the Hawkeyes.
He says the crowd was loud and that fed their energy on the offensive and defensive end of the floor.
Zach Mccabe finished with 20 points and made all nine of his shots as the Hawkeyes improve to 18-16 on the season.