Alford-Knight Duel

Steve Alford has shared some big victories with Bob Knight. Tonight, he wants a victory over his former coach.

Alford played on the last of Knight’s three national championship teams at Indiana and for the gold medal-winning team Knight coached at the 1984 Olympics.

As a coach, he’s 0-2 against Knight. Alford gets another chance tonight when Iowa (6-1) plays Texas Tech, Knight’s post-Indiana team.

Iowa guard Mike Henderson said of Alford: “He’s been working us hard. We’ve been running if we make turnovers and he’s been on us hard about free throws. I think he’s really into it this game.”

Knight downplays the significance of playing a game against Alford. “I’ve coached against so many players that have played for me or coaches that have coached for me that I’ve liked as I like Steve, that I’ve kind of gotten used to it,” he said.

Texas Tech (9-2) will be the “home” team in its return to Dallas. Both Alford and Knight insist there are no problems with their relationship.

“I can’t think of another individual better to X and O with to find out what your strengths and weaknesses are than Coach Knight,” Alford said.

From Associated Press