Iowa (11-3, 0-1)

Iowa challenged Indiana in the opener before losing by four, making the popular preseason pick of the Hawkeyes as a dark horse seem somewhat prescient.

This is a revamped group that won six straight games for the first time in eight seasons. They beat in-state rivals Iowa State and Northern Iowa.

Iowa is young but tough and its home court is hardly comfortable for opponents.

Key player: Forward Aaron White averages 13.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.

Key stat: Don't send the Hawkeyes to the free throw line. They make 71.5 percent of their tries, third best among Big Ten teams.

Big Ten opener: Lost to Indiana 69-65. Up next: Nothing gets easier. At No. 2 Michigan on Sunday.

December 31, 2012