Hawkeyes Let Another One Slip Away

It's clear to any fan of this Iowa men's basketball team that they'll go as far this year as their defense will allow them to. These Hawkeyes can score, that has never been the issue. What has been an ongoing problem are defensive lapses that allow games like last nights 89-85 loss to Ohio State to happen.

The Des Moines Register reports that Iowa went through a three minute and 41 second scoring drought. But what killed them was the lack of perimeter defense and getting a stop when you absolutely had to have one. Luke Garza was dominant in the first half, but was just 2 of 8 in the second half. There is no doubt he will continue to carry this Iowa team, but he has to have more help. One player who did step up was Joe Wieskamp.

Wieskamp rode the pine for much of the Iowa's win against Michigan State and played like he got the message against Ohio State. He made four of eight from three point range and finished with a double double of 17 points and 10 rebounds. THAT is the Wieskamp Iowa needs the rest of the season.

Jack Nunge also had another nice game off the bench, hitting several three pointers and scoring 11 points in the first half, according to The Register. The defense clamped down on him the second half and his drives to the hoop proved to be unfruitful. A part of his game he'll have to develop in the off-season.

The Big Ten is stacked this year, and both Iowa and Ohio State will no doubt find themselves in the Big Dance come March. But if Iowa wants to dance long, it better for it's 'defense' shoes first.