Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)
Canes Rising Contributor
Opponent/Conference: University of Iowa (B1G)
Location: Iowa City, Iowa/ Carver-Hawkeye Arena (Capacity: 15,400)
Date/Time: March 22/ 12PM ET
TV/Radio: ESPN2
Game Notes
Iowa's Best Scorer--Holly Disterhoft (15.2 PPG)
Iowa's Best Rebounder--Samantha Logic (6.9 RPG)
Iowa's Best Distributor--Samantha Logic (8.0 APG)
Iowa's Best Perimeter Shooter--Melissa Dixon (45.8%)
Iowa's Best Free Throw Shooter--Melissa Dixon (88.7%)
Team Notes
Iowa's Record--25-7 (14-4)
Iowa's NCAA Seed--3
Iowa's Biggest Wins--Ohio State(73-65), @Northwestern(102-99), @Rutgers(79-72)
Players To Watch
Head Coach Lisa Bluder must have a hard time setting her starting lineups, because she has an embarrassment of riches. Iowa has some of the best guards in the country, and they can all bomb away from deep. The best of the bunch is point guard Samantha Logic, the active NCAA leader in assists. Samantha isn't just a passer, she's the team leader in rebounds as well, averaging almost seven boards per game. Logic is a player who can get to her preferred spots on the floor and find Iowa's shooters, especially Melissa Dixon. Dixon is a gunner who shoots an impressive 45.8% from long distance. If Dixon is covered, Logic can find Holly Disterhoft, a dynamic guard who leads the Hawkeyes in scoring, averaging 15.2 points per game. Disterhoft is a physical player who can slash to the basket and finish at the rim. Dixon, Disterhoft, and Logic aren't the only Hawkeyes opponents should worry about, Bethany Doolittle is a handful in the paint. Doolittle is the lone big in the starting lineup and she uses her size well, averaging 13.8 points per game. The senior center is also a solid defensive player, as evidenced by her selection to the 2014 B1G All-Defensive Team.
Keys To Victory
No Open Threes--Iowa is the third best perimeter team in the country, shooting 39% from beyond the arc. That means that practically every player on their roster can jack, especially the rotation players. Miami has to make sure the Hawkeyes aren't allowed to bomb away. Defensive rotations must be sure,close outs have to be under control, and timely. The best thing a Miami defender can do is run players like Melissa Dixon off of the three point line.
Get to the Rack--American University was able to get to the rim on the Hawkeyes, that's a flaw that should be exploited by the 'Canes. Adrienne Motley, Jessica Thomas and Suriya McGuire should be able to do the same. Eventually, when Iowa adjusts and packs the paint, that will create opportunities on the perimeter for players like Necole Sterling, and Michelle Woods. Miami has to use their superior team speed to create scoring chances.
No Logic--Samantha Logic is a very good player, it's imperative that Miami finds a way to limit her. Forcing the ball out of her hands before she's ready will be important, and may lead to some turnovers. While Logic can't be totally eliminated, she should be forced to work and not allowed to roam free.
Protect the Rock--Miami has to take care of the basketball, giving Iowa chances to score in transition is a frightening proposition, due to their ability on the perimeter. While the typical team is happy to take a transition layup, Iowa's shooters will run to the corners. Miami has to communicate on the defensive end, and prevent those cheap shots.
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