IOWA CITY (U of I) — There are two halves to every basketball game, but the University of Iowa women’s team realized Sunday that you can’t lopsidedly concede one of the 20-minute sessions and win against a quality opponent.
The Hawkeyes (3-1 overall) skidded into a 22-point first-half hole against North Carolina (4-0) in the final of the Preseason WNIT, and despite out-scoring the Tar Heels by nine points in the second half, were defeated, 77-64, on Mediacom Court inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Iowa seniors Morgan Johnson and Jaime Printy were named to the six-member all-tournament team. Johnson compiled the 13th double-double of her career Sunday with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
Johnson scored six of Iowa’s first eight points, giving the Hawkeyes an 8-5 lead 4:36 into the game. For the game, she made 8-of-11 field goals with two blocks, two steals and an assist.
Printy was one of three Iowa players to scored 12 points. She added five rebounds and four assists. Johnson and Printy both played 39 minutes.
Also scoring in double figures for the Hawkeyes was Samantha Logic(12 points, six rebounds, six assists, four steals) and Melissa Dixon(12 points).
The Hawkeyes played a much better second half, making 14-of-34 field goals and pulling within 12 points on two occasions.
Iowa committed 15 turnovers during the first 20 minutes, leading to 19 points by the Tar Heels. North Carolina held a 16-0 advantage in second-chance points. In the second half, Iowa reduced its turnover total by five, scored 18 points in the paint and held North Carolina to 30-percent shooting from the field — and forced 10 turnovers of its own.
The next home opportunity is Tuesday, Nov. 20, against winless Robert Morris (0-3) from Moon Township, Pa.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.