With Big Ten play all that surrounds basketball season, the Hawkeyes are playing consistently high-quality programs in a quicker turnaround. That includes Iowa's game against Minnesota, just three days after its win over UCLA.

Iowa women's basketball was lacking some of its vocal leadership on Monday at Northwestern, coach Jan Jensen said.

IOWA CITY — Iowa basketball held off a spirited comeback attempt by UCLA, defeating the Bruins 74-61 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Jan. 3. The Hawkeyes led by as many as 24 points in the first half, but the Bruins surged after the halftime break, cutting their deficit to as few as four.

For a variety of reasons, Iowa men's basketball is becoming a must-see show. The Hawkeyes are capturing the hearts and minds of those watching.

The Hawkeyes' win over the Bruins helped teach Iowa two things: the importance of that home court advantage, and knowing how quickly an opponent can pounce.

After Iowa basketball (12-2, 2-1 Big Ten) secured a Quadrant 2 win over UCLA (10-4, 2-1 Big Ten) and a blowout victory over UMass Lowell over the past week, the Hawkeyes see their national ranking rise in the latest USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll, which was released on Monday, Jan. 5.