Half-time: Sloppy first half gives Iowa early advantage, 34-29

The Hawkeyes touted a late 16-2 run in the first half to get back into the contest against Minnesota.  Iowa leads 34-29 at halftime after Tubby Smith’s starting lineup bolted the Gophers to an early 16-point advantage.

Ten turnovers forced Minnesota out of its big advantage.

Roy Devyn Marble drained two three-pointers and accumulated 13 points to give the Hawkeyes its first lead in the game.

The Gophers began the game with confidence, especially after zooming to a 21-5 lead within the first eight minutes of the game.  The lineup soon crumbled after a simple change by Fran McCaffery.

Iowa switched to a zone defense, and it got Minnesota out of its element. The Gophers missed all six three-point attempts after the early surge, including three airballs.

It was a physical first half of basketball with 16 fouls.  Trevor Mbakwe took advantage of the brawling half, leading Minnesota with a team-high 10 points.  Junior Austin Hollins also tallied 10 points in the opening half.

Mbakwe and company made its first nine free throws in the half.