Yes, Thursday night's Iowa game was a disappointment. The Hawkeyes came up short against a hot shooting Indiana team 95-73 and more than likely watched it's NCAA Tournament hopes wash away for the year. But lets not over react here. I know the internet isn't the place to go for a rational discussion following a loss, but some online were calling for Fran McCaffery's head Thursday evening. Please. This was Fran's best coaching job since he's been at Iowa. And the future is very bright.

This young Iowa team finished the way NCAA Tournament-bound teams finish the regular season. Hot. The Hawks had won four straight and beat ranked Maryland and Wisconsin teams on the road. They had also beaten this Indiana team along the way too. But the Hoosiers simply couldn't miss, especially from three-point range. 60% from three will win you most games. Iowa's defense just wasn't in sync.

Iowa's offense was also out of sorts. The Big Ten sixth man of the year, Nicholas Baer had three points and NO rebounds. How is that even possible? Senior Peter Jok struggled to just 11 points on the night. Iowa needed all of it's big time players to play well and they simply didn't. But there were bright spots.

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Freshman point guard Jordan Bohannon had another game that has the Big Ten on notice. This kid is for real. Bohannon tied a career high with 24 points and had 6 three pointers on the night. He also had a career-high 10 assists. Bohannon's confidence is at an all-time high right now. Iowa has it's leader for next year and beyond and it starts with the point guard from Linn-Mar.

Freshman Cordell Pemsl had nice game battling the Indiana bigs. The Iowa center finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman Tyler Cook battled foul trouble and settled for 8 points and 7 rebounds. Make no mistake about it. This Iowa team next year will be loaded. Losing senior Peter Jok will hurt, but this team is ready for the future now.

Iowa fans have a right to be disappointed today. Iowa beat three of the top four teams in the Big Ten this year, but once again couldn't win a game in the Big Ten Tournament. It looks like a likely NIT bid. Which Iowa team will show up? The one we saw Thursday night, or the one that finished on a four-game winning streak? The answer lies in the future, which for Iowa basketball, is a bright one.

 

[via Gazette]

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