Iowa City — Each year, college basketball teams face the marathon of the season. For some, it's about maintaining a good emotional pace. December is a tricky month where results can vary greatly depending on one's perspective. This brings us to Jan Jensen's Hawkeyes (8-1), who recently endured a tough loss.

Hawkeyes' Journey Through Early Season Struggles

Dealing with a Setback

After Saturday's 78-68 loss to Tennessee in Brooklyn, Iowa's 30 turnovers came under scrutiny. As coach Jan Jensen said on Monday, "There's a lot of runway left." This loss was an opportunity for the team to realize their weaknesses and grow. It was similar to their previous game against BYU in the Cancun Challenge. They now have a chance to learn from this and improve.There is a significant emotional wave attached to extending or ending streaks. Even if Iowa faces a crash, their experience in handling early-season setbacks is valuable. Two years ago, they lost three games before December and only four more after. Last season, a home stumble gave way to a winning streak. This shows that they have the ability to bounce back.

Offensive Consistency

Offensive consistency is a key issue for the Hawkeyes. They have failed to reach 70 points six times in nine games. Their biggest problem is a seesaw between concerning and reassuring performance. With this roster, there isn't enough evidence yet to determine their offensive capabilities.However, the team is determined to keep working. With two chances this week to get their first ranked win, they are in a prime position to come out on top.

Looking Ahead

The Hawkeyes know that one game doesn't define them. They need to re-affirm the trust that many still have in them. Senior Sydney Affolter emphasized the importance of getting back to work and focusing on what they can control.Whether they end up on a winning streak or face more challenges, the Hawkeyes are ready to face them. They have the team and the determination to overcome any obstacles that come their way.