Melsahn Basabe helped Iowa break out of its win-lose rut this season, crafting the team's first two-game winning streak.

Basabe scored 14 points to help the Hawkeyes prevail 51-39 in an in-state grudge match against Northern Iowa Tuesday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Prior to this game, Iowa (5-4) alternated wins and losses, but the Hawkeyes topped Idaho State on Saturday and Northern Iowa to climb above the .500 mark.

A fastbreak layup by Anthony James cut Iowa's lead to 26-25 with 15:57 to go in the game, but the Hawkeyes went on an 8-0 run that put away the game. It was Northern Iowa's 22nd loss in 23 games at Iowa City.

Iowa won despite 40 percent shooting (18-of-45), including 3-of-12 from the arc.

Basabe added seven rebounds and Jarryd Cole notched a double-double of 10 points and 15 rebounds - seven offensive.

The Panthers (4-3), who were 15-of-55 (27.3 percent) from the field, got 11 points from Kwadzo Ahelegbe and Jake Koch.