Iowa coach Fran McCaffery says the 18th ranked Hawkeyes need a big defensive effort on Thursday night when they visit 15th ranked Maryland.
Both teams are 6-3 in the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes won the first meeting 67-49 in Iowa City.
Iowa has won five straight. The Terrapins are riding a three game winning streak.
Maryland sophomore forward Jalen Smith is the reigning Big Ten player of the week after averaging 27 points and 11 rebounds in two road victories.
Home teams have dominated in Big Ten play and Maryland hopes to take advantage. The Terrapins are 11-0 at home. Maryland coach Mark Turgeon.
As the regular season race reaches the midway point about half of the teams are within site of the lead.
