Iowa 86, Arkansas–Pine Bluff 61

Today’s game was notable for a couple reasons.

1) It marked the end of the lengthy hangover from the loss at Iowa State. Sure, it was a great game, and I think it did wonders for both programs on the national stage. But its sour aftertaste (for Hawkeye fans) lingered for over a week and the CRG sports writers wrote about it ad nauseam, replaying the end of the game over and over in text. What did it say about Iowa? What did it say about Iowa State? It means this. It means that. Ugh! Let’s move on, please. Thank you.

2) It marked the end of Iowa’s non-conference schedule. No more cupcakes. Now it gets serious.

3) It was Ed Hightower’s final game. The legendary referee announced his intention to retire at the end of the year and I had no idea his final game would be at Carver. Having refereed in the Big Ten for thirty-two seasons, Hightower was a fan favorite. It seemed like everybody knew who he was — and loved complaining about his calls. “Oh come on, Hightower!” It rained down from the stands almost every time he refereed at Carver, and yesterday was no exception. His whistle seemed quieter than usual, but he had his moments and the heckles came. After a questionable call, I heard someone near the court yell, “You suck, Hightower!” It could not have ended any differently for a referee, even one as renown and famous as Hightower. I wish him well in retirement.