Hawkeyes' quick start stops Gophers

The Gophers never found any rhythm as they missed their first seven field-goal attempts and committed two turnovers in the first 3 1/2 minutes as they fell behind 7-0.

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Last update: January 12, 2009 - 7:31 AM

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IOWA CITY -- JoAnn Hamlin scored 21 points and Kristi Smith scored 20 points to lead Iowa to a 74-57 victory over the Gophers on Sunday.

The loss ended a three-game winning streak for the Gophers (11-5, 3-2 Big Ten). The Hawkeyes (9-7, 2-3) ended a three-game losing streak with the victory.

The Gophers never found any rhythm as they missed their first seven field-goal attempts and committed two turnovers in the first 3 1/2 minutes as they fell behind 7-0. The Gophers shot just 28 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes as they fell behind 36-23 at halftime.

“Iowa came out a very hungry team playing with a sense of urgency,” said Gophers coach Pam Borton. “They threw the first punch and we never were able to answer. We didn’t play as a team either on offense or defense.”

The Gophers didn’t get closer than 14 points in the second half. The Hawkeyes, who led by as many as 26 points in the second half, shot 65 percent from the field (15-of-23) in the final 20 minutes. For the game, the Hawkeyes, who improved to 6-1 at home, shot 52 percent from the field.

Kiara Buford scored 12 points and Ashley Ellis-Milan scored 11 to lead the Gophers.

For the game, the Gophers starting five was a combined 13-of-45 from the field (29 percent). As a team, the Gophers shot 36 percent (23-of-64).

The Gophers outrebounded the Hawkeyes, 42-27. Ellis-Milan and Jackie Voigt each had 10 rebounds.

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