Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/610890
111 O ne of the biggest components to having a successful team is winning on the road. Last season, the University of Iowa men's basketball team posted a 7-3 record in true road games, which included victories at North Carolina, Ohio State, Michigan, and Indiana. e 2015-16 Iowa Hawkeyes got off to a good start on the road Nov. 19, registering an 89-61 triumph at Marquette of the Big EAST Conference in Milwaukee. Iowa's starting lineup is stacked with experience (four seniors and one junior), along with having eight newcomers. Head coach Fran McCaffery believes the veterans have done a phenomenal job setting an example of how to prepare when traveling and playing away from home. "(e starting five) has been involved in a lot of great road wins," said McCaffery. "When you're a young player and you've never been on the road, the process is different. You have to hold on to the game plan and execute the game plan to perfection if you want to beat good teams on the road." Freshman guard Andrew Fleming praised the upperclassmen for showing him and his classmates the right way to approach a road game. "It was the first time I have ever seen a group of guys get a game plan and execute it the way that they did," said Fleming. "It was good to see the older guys do it because it gives us more confidence for the rest of the season. When we become upperclassmen, we can help show the younger guys how to make it happen, like they did with us." Four-year starter Mike Gesell said it was important to demonstrate to the underclassmen what it takes to win on the road because they will play an important role. "As a senior class, we wanted to set a tone," Gesell said. "By jumping out to a big lead at Marquette, it allowed our younger guys to settle in and it showed them what we needed to do in order to get a win on the road." McCaffery praised the upperclassmen's leadership and focus in the early stages of the season. "e young guys will come with you if you have character at the top and we have that," said McCaffery. "We need to continue to hustle, concentrate, execute, and do so consistently possession aer possession. You can't play in spurts and win on the road." Freshman Ahmad Wagner said that last year's Iowa team established an identity by winning on the road and that has to be the focus this season as well. "Your mentality has to change when playing on the road," said Wagner. "You have to go into every game wanting to win, and focusing is a huge part of that. Winning on the road is important and we have to get it done." DECEMBER SCHEDULE Dec. 2 Florida State Dec. 5 Missouri-Kansas City Dec. 7 Western Illinois Dec. 10 at Iowa State Dec. 19 vs. Drake (Des Moines, Iowa) Dec. 22 Tennessee Tech Dec. 29 Michigan State