Is it just me, or...

[LarryMullenJr.]

was that the most complete "team" game we've played in a good chunk of time? Everyone who saw court time did at least a few things that were very significant contributions. Rebounding, extra passes, spreading the offensive sets out, etc. Just fun to watch everyone mesh together so well. Obviously not perfect, but solid input from everyone tonight.

 

[QChawks]

Yup, it really was fun to watch. Jarod didn't do much, if fact it was probably his worst game of the year.

Mikey and Jok were the stars with a great supporting cast from Woody, Baer and Clemmons.

 

[StormHawk42]

Idk. Marquette was an absolute clinic on shooting, defending, and moving without the basketball. Of course, MSU is better than Marquette so it could be a wash I guess.

 

[anon_i8nzeu2gbf0ba]

I have been waiting for one of Fran's teams to play like men for 40 minutes. They finally did that last night against the Hawkeyes' greatest nemesis. Uthoff was bad, so that pretty much neutralized MSU's loss of Valentine. The rest of the Hawkeyes were good to great. And for those who feared Baer wouldn't show up in Big Ten competition, think again. As I said earlier, the kid is just a basketball player. And that's what Fran's teams have generally been missing. The kid is ice water and hustle, and with any athletic ability at all, those two things can make you a helluva basketball player. There's nobody on this team I enjoy watching more than the walk-on from that basketball factory in Bettendorf.

And let's not forget what a tremendous defensive job Iowa did all night long. As Izzo accurately and graciously said, Iowa played MSU's game and finally out-hustled and out-worked the Spartans.

First EVER win over a No. 1 team in Iowa City. Let that sink in a minute, and then let's see how the Hawkeyes can follow it up at West Lafayette on Saturday.

 

[iahawkeyes17]

Yup, it really was fun to watch. Jarod didn't do much, if fact it was probably his worst game of the year.

Mikey and Jok were the stars with a great supporting cast from Woody, Baer and Clemmons.

Yeah Mike was clutch 2nd half. Ever time they got close to cutting it to single digits he or Jok made some timely shot. Plus that charge he had with over 5 min left was a big play in the game.

First half I think Woody and Clemmon's D was big part of building a 10+ lead. They really limited Forbes (Sapp for whole game on Forbes as Izzo even pointed out) and Costello in first half. Plus I thought Woody did a good job of keeping Costello from getting any offensive boards and did a great job clogging down the lane. Seemed like MSU got lot of their offensive rebounds when he was on the bench.

Best part was Izzo talking in postgame about how the Hawks basically outworked his team last night and it showed. Said Iowa "punked" his team. Love it.

 

[icwesthawk]

The key is Mike. When he can get to the rim, make some outside shots, we are a different team. I don't like Jok's continued lazy passes and times when he forgets he's in a game of basketball. I also don't know how long we can go with a complete 0 from the shooting guard spot. I know Sapp played some of his best defense last nite, we probably don't win without it, but we can't have an absolute donut from the 2 spot nite in and nite out. All that aside, loved that we finished a game and won against a very tough team.

 

[LarryMullenJr.]

The key is Mike. When he can get to the rim, make some outside shots, we are a different team. I don't like Jok's continued lazy passes and times when he forgets he's in a game of basketball. I also don't know how long we can go with a complete 0 from the shooting guard spot. I know Sapp played some of his best defense last nite, we probably don't win without it, but we can't have an absolute donut from the 2 spot nite in and nite out. All that aside, loved that we finished a game and won against a very tough team.

Totally understand what you're saying, but if Big White Baer and JU are hitting bombs from the 3/4 spots I'll take the "what flavor of chewing gum is he" defense from Sapp

 

[IamHawkeye]

was that the most complete "team" game we've played in a good chunk of time? Everyone who saw court time did at least a few things that were very significant contributions. Rebounding, extra passes, spreading the offensive sets out, etc. Just fun to watch everyone mesh together so well. Obviously not perfect, but solid input from everyone tonight.

Fleming is listed as playing. I don't remember seeing him. When was it?

 

[anon_i8nzeu2gbf0ba]

Fleming was a cheerleader. He definitely did not participate in the game as a player. Whoever listed him as playing committed a huge turnover.

 

[CentralIAHawk]

I would say that would be true of our 8-man team. What really makes last night's effort amazing was the Uthoff (#9) not only didn't contribute much, but he was actively working towards a loss much of that game. Frankly, that is why we built the 14 point lead in the first half, and then played even in the second half. Eight turnovers from your superstar is enough to cost most games...let alone against the #1 team in the country.

It was probably more of an advantage for them to NOT have Valentine on the floor, than is was a disadvantage of us to put up with Jarod's horrendous play. That reminded me of the weak JU that we all saw potential in during his sophomore campaign.

And understand, I am not a basher. I think he will be 1st team All B1G, and could be a first round draft pick. But last night something was really wrong. So to defeat the #1 team in the land on that kind of night...well, kudos to the rest of the "team"...well done, I say!

Go Hawks!

PS. Can't imagine seeing the other 8 play that way...plus a strong #9...hopefully on Saturday.