Recap: Iowa vs. Western Ky
Cancun, MX (Sports Network) - Mike Gesell scored a game-high 19 points, leading three players in double figures, as the Iowa Hawkeyes defeated the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, 63-55, as part of the Cancun Challenge at Moon Palace Resort.
Melsahn Basabe added 11 points, five rebounds and four blocked shots off the bench for the Hawkeyes (5-0), while Roy Devyn Marble chipped in 10 points as the team remained undefeated.
The Hilltoppers (2-2) were paced by T.J. Price with 16 points, although he shot just 5-of-14 from the floor. Jamal Crook contributed 14 points and six assists, while Brandon Harris accounted for 10 rebounds, but just 2-of-8 shooting from the floor.
Iowa scored the first points of the contest and never looked back, using 4- of-7 shooting behind the three-point line and a stiff defense in the first half to register a 30-22 advantage at the break. The Hilltoppers shot a mere 28.6 percent from the floor over the first 20 minutes.
In the second half the Hawkeyes missed all five of their three-point tries, but thanks to a 9-of-11 showing at the charity stripe the team was able to hold on for the victory.
Iowa overcame 18 turnovers by holding WKU to just 33.3 percent shooting from the field and 5-of-21 out on the perimeter.
With the victory the Hawkeyes will now face off against the Wichita State Shockers in the title game of the tournament on Wednesday.
Game Notes
