Hawks to play Virginia Tech in ACC/Big Ten Challenge
Maybe the third time will be the charm for Iowa’s men’s basketball team.
The Hawkeyes will play at Virginia Tech in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge on Nov. 27. Iowa has lost its previous two challenge games with the Hokies, a 69-65 decision in Blacksburg, Va., on Nov. 29, 2006 and a 70-64 loss at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Dec. 19, 2009.Those are Virginia Tech’s only two victories in seven challenge appearances.
Iowa lost at home to Clemson in last season’s challenge game, 71-55, and is 2-9 in the event.
“We always look forward to this event and this year is no different,” Iowa coach Fran McCaffery said. “Anytime you play an ACC opponent on the road, you know it will be difficult. We have a great deal of respect for Virginia Tech. This will be a good road test for our basketball team early in the season.”
Virginia Tech will have a new coach in James Johnson, who from elevated from his assistant’s position after Seth Greenberg was fired.
The Hokies return nine lettermen, including two starters, from last year’s team that finished 16-17 overall and 4-12 in conference play. That includes Erick Green, who led the team in scoring (15.6), assists (88), steals (41), field goal percentage (.438), free throws made and attempted (101-of-122), and minutes played (34.5). The guard, who scored double figures in 30 of 31 games, was a second team all-ACC selection. Forward Jarell Eddie ranked third in team scoring (9.1) and second in rebounding (4.8).
Iowa was 18-17 last season, finishing tied for seventh in the Big Ten with an 8-10 league record and advancing to the second round of the NIT. Iowa returns five of its top six scorers from a year ago.
The 2012-13 ACC/Big Ten Challenge is listed below:
Tuesday, Nov. 27
Minnesota at Florida State
North Carolina at Indiana
NC State at Michigan
Maryland at Northwestern
Iowa at Virginia Tech
Nebraska at Wake Forest
Wednesday, Nov. 28
Purdue at Clemson
Ohio State at Duke
Georgia Tech at Illinois
Michigan State at Miami
Boston College at Penn State
Virginia at Wisconsin
Category: Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball
