Iowa to NIT Finals!

     Iowa is heading to the finals of the NIT.  They had a solid win in the final four against Maryland.  There were four keys that won the hawks the game this time.  Devon Marble played extremely well as he has during the NIT.  Lone senior, Eric May, proved he can provide momentum and leadership on the court.  Iowa’s defense was outstanding.  Finally, Iowa was able to close out a game for the second straight game.

     Devon Marble.  The NBA is going to have to take a look at him.  He had a super-efficient 21 points on 16 shots, grabbed 9 rebounds to go along with three assists, a block and a steal, and generally looked like a player with no fear and infinite swag.  He has averaged 24.3 points per game, 4.8 rebounds per game, 4.8 assists per game, and 2.5 steals per game in the NIT -- oh, and he's only been whistled for TWO FOULS through all four games.  That is the best run by any Iowa player in a long time if not ever.  Marble struggled for two games midway through the season but since those games, he has been on fire.  He will definitely be a key to winning the NIT championship game.

     Eric May.  Lone senior.  Poor guy was caught sleeping on the plane.  They put a playboy magazine over his hand and waste area.  It was funny as hell.  How does May respond.  He records his best game of the year.  He had 12 points, 4 rebounds, a team-best 5 assists, 3 steals, and only 1 foul in a team-high 36 minutes of playing time.  Seniors always seem to step up at the best times and Eric May chose a good game to step up.  Iowa fans should be proud of his performance. 

     Iowa Defense!! This is the defense we missed in the last game.  Guys were steeling and anticipating passes!  Maryland had 17 turnovers that lead to 27 points.  Game, set, match.  It is very hard to win when Iowa commits a season low 7 turnovers.  This was the aggressive, block contesting, stone cold defense I want to see every game.  If this defense shows up, Baylor has no shot.    

     Iowa was able to close out a game! Hooray.  With two minutes remaining, Iowa was clinging to a four point lead.  Eric May managed to get fouled and nailed both free throws.  Senior, Eric May also made a clutch three pointer to put the Hawks up 9 with 40 seconds to play.  It was the knife in the back of Maryland.  The Achilles heel of this team was closing out games.  Eric May sent a message that closing out games was no longer a problem.  He did it perfectly.

     It was an amazing game for the Hawkeyes and a well-deserved win.  Nobody expected the Hawkeyes to go to the finals but we made a statement that the Hawks have come to play.  We are winning convincingly and often.  The Hawks are 11-2 in their last thirteen games.  It’s really exciting to see how much this team has improved in March.  I am very excited for tomorrow’s game as well as the season next year! 

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