Iowa defeated Minnesota 74-57 to snap a three-game losing skid

The Hawkeyes have now won the last three meetings against Minnesota.  Iowa improves to 40-20 against the Golden Gophers, including a 22-8 advantage in games played in Iowa City.   JoAnn Hamlin scored a season-high 21 points on 8-9 shooting from the field and 5-6 from the foul line.  She also pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds.  Tonight marked Hamlin's fourth double-double of the season.   Kristi Smith also netted over 20 points, scoring a season-high 20 points on 7-10 shooting from the floor and 1-2 from the charity stripe.  Smith also drained a career-high five triples.   Kachine Alexander dished out a game and career-high eight assists.  The sophomore also scored 10 points and grabbed five rebounds, and held Minnesota leading scorer Emily Fox to only four points.   Wendy Ausdemore collected a career-high six assists to go along with seven points and two rebounds.   Iowa shot 51.9 percent (27-52) from the field, including a blistering 65.2 percent (15-23) in the second stanza.  Iowa was 12-15 (.800) from the free throw line.  Minnesota shot only 35.9 percent (23-64) from the field.   Iowa totaled 19 assists to only 12 turnovers.  Minnesota turned the ball over 17 turnovers, while only recording eight assists.   Kelsey Cermak blocked a career-high two shots.   Iowa returns to action Thursday when the Hawkeyes travel to Illinois.  Tip-off is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Assembly Hall.