Dec. 2, 2003
Purchase your Iowa women’s basketball tickets online
Listen to today’s edition of Inside Iowa
Complete Release in PDF Format
Download Free Acrobat Reader
THE SETTING
Iowa (3-1) continues its five-game road trip with a date with in-state rival Iowa State (2-1) on Wednesday in Ames. The contest is slated to tip-off at 7:07 p.m. in Hilton Coliseum (14,092).
ON THE AIR
All Iowa games are broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network. Mark Allen and Karen Schulte call the action. Listen to all the Iowa women’s basketball games on KXIC-AM 800 in Iowa City, WHO-AM 1040 in Des Moines and WMT-AM 600 in Cedar Rapids.
ON THE TUBE
KCRG-TV9 will televise Wednesday’s game live. John Campbell and former Hawkeye Amy Herrig will call the action.
IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 821 games since beginning basketball in 1974. Overall, Iowa’s record is 501-320 (.610). That includes a 266-138 (.658) mark in Big Ten games and a 221-49 (.819) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
HAWKEYES CAPTURE WIN NUMBER 500
Iowa won its 500th game in its program’s 30-year history with a 62-58 victory over Saint Joseph’s in the first round of the FIU Thanksgiving Classic last Friday night in Miami, FL.
Coach Bluder is five games away from coaching in her 600th career game as a head coach and three away from coaching in her 100th contest at Iowa . She holds a 416-179 (.699) mark in 595 contests.
Jennie Lillis BREAKS RECORD
Senior Jennie Lillis entered last weekend’s FIU Thanksgiving Classic 10 free throws attempted from breaking Toni Foster’s school record of 445. Lillis attempted 20 free throws — 10 in each game. She is the new record holder with 453.
Jennie Lillis NAMED PRESEASON ALL-BIG TEN
For the second consecutive year, senior Jennie Lillis was named to the Preseason All-Big Ten team at the annual Big Ten Conference Media Day held Oct. 26 in Rosemont, IL. The three-time captain was the only player to be ranked in the top ten in scoring, rebounding, steals and blocks in the Big Ten last year.
SEASON TICKETS
Hawkeye fans can purchase a season ticket package for only $70 for the 2003-04 season. Senior citizens and faculty/staff can purchase season tickets for $56, while the price for students is $35. There is also a “Family Pack” for $145 that includes admission for two adults and two youths. Tickets can be purchased online by logging on to www.hawkeyesports.com or by calling 1-800-IA-HAWKS. Fans may also order tickets in person at the UI Ticket Office.
GROUP TICKETS
Groups of 20-39 can purchase tickets for $5, while groups of 40 or more can buy tickets for $3. Tickets must be purchased in advance. There are no group sales on gameday.
HAWKEYES WIN FIU THANKSGIVING CLASSIC
Iowa defeated Saint Joseph’s (62-58) in a thriller in the first round of the FIU Thanksgiving Classic played in Miami, FL. In a game that saw six lead changes and seven ties, Iowa rallied to win its second game of the year. Trailing 55-50 with 4:30 left the Hawkeyes ended the game on a 12-3 run, including scoring the game’s final seven points.
Senior Jennie Lillis led the Hawkeyes, posting her first double-double of the season and 16th of her career (19 points, 10 rebounds). Sophomore Johanna Solverson added seven points and collected a career-high 13 rebounds. Senior Kristi Faulkner contributed 15 points and eight rebounds.
The Hawkeyes cruised to a 93-86 victory over host school Florida International in the championship game. Five players scored in double figures for the Hawkeyes. Faulkner scored a game-high 26 points and collected four rebounds, Lillis posted 15 points and six rebounds, junior Jamie Cavey registered 13 points and eight rebounds, while sophomores Crystal Smith and Lindsay Richards each added 10 points.
HAWKEYES EARN TOURNAMENT HONORS
Kristi Faulkner was named the 2003 FIU Thanksgiving Classic Most Valuable Player. The senior averaged 20.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg and 2.5 apg in the two games. Senior Jennie Lillis, who averaged 17.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg and 2.5 apg was named to the all-tournament team.
The honor was Faulkner’s first of her career in a holiday tournament, while Lillis was named to a holiday tournament all-tournament team for the sixth time in her career.
SMITH HAS CAREER GAME
Sophomore Crystal Smith has had a good start to the 2003-04 season, putting together a career game in Iowa’s last contest at Florida International. The native of Haughton, LA, scored a career-high 10 points on 4-5 from the field, bolstered by a perfect 2-2 from three-point range. She also collected four rebounds, three of which were offensive, and two steals.
Smith as been Coach Bluder’s first guard off the bench in Iowa’s first four games.
SCOUTING IOWA STATE
Iowa State enters Wednesday’s game against the Hawkeyes with a 2-1 record. The Cyclones went 1-1 last weekend in the Paradise Jam in the Virgin Islands. Iowa State lost to Virginia Tech (67-57) in the first round game, but rebounded to defeat Big Ten opponent Indiana (75-59) in the consolation game. Junior Lisa Kriener posted a double-double in the Cyclones’ win over the Hoosiers (18 points, 11 rebounds).
Iowa State has four players average in double figures – freshman Lyndsey Medders (15.0 ppg), junior Anne O’Neil ranks second (14.3 rpg), junior Lisa Kriener (11.3 ppg) and freshman Megan Ronhovde (10.0 ppg).
Senior Erica Junod, who missed the Cyclones’ first three games is expected back for Wednesday night’s in-state showdown. Junod averaged 5.1 ppg and 3.6 rpg last year.
Iowa State is in the middle of playing three-straight Big Ten opponents. The Cyclones beat Indiana last Friday, host Iowa on Wednesday and travel to Wisconsin on Sunday.
The Cyclones are coached by Bill Fennelly, who is in his ninth season with Iowa State. Fennelly has an overall record of 342-129 (.726) and a 176-76 (.699) mark with the Cyclones.
ALL-TIME SERIES RECORDS
Iowa holds a 19-14 all-time series lead over Iowa State. The Hawkeyes snapped a five-game losing streak to Iowa State with a 64-39 win in Iowa City last year. Iowa State holds a slim 7-6 advantage in games played in Ames, including winning the last three contests in Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclones defeated the Hawkeyes 82-64 in the last meeting in Ames.
COMMON OPPONENTS
Iowa State and Iowa share four common opponents this year. The Cyclones defeated Indiana (75-59) in the consolation game of the Paradise Jam last Saturday. Iowa State also plays at Wisconsin (Dec. 7) and Drake (Dec. 10) and hosts Northern Iowa (Dec. 30). The Hawkeyes play Indiana and Wisconsin home and away during conference season, travels to Northern Iowa (Dec. 8) and hosts Drake (Dec. 21).
LAST MEETING
Coach Bluder captured her 400th career victory when the Hawkeyes defeated Iowa State, 64-39, in Iowa City.
The Cyclones shot 33 percent (17-52) from the field, 17 percent (3-18) from three-point range and the free throw line (2-12).
Jennie Lillis posted game highs in points (24) and rebounds (10). Lindsay Richards came off the bench to score a career-high 11 points, while also dihing out five assists.
Iowa State’s 39 points is the lowest point by the Cyclones in the 33 meetings between the two schools.
REMMERDE STILL SIDELINED
Hawkeye freshman Deb Remmerde, who suffered a stress fracture in her left foot during a practice in early November, will remain sidelined this week. Coach Bluder is hoping to have Remmerde back by Iowa’s next home game vs. Kansas State on Dec. 12. The native of Rock Valley, IA, is the Iowa High School all-time scoring leader and was named Iowa’s Miss Basketball her senior year.
IOWA CAPTURES SECOND IN HAWKEYE CHALLENGE
For the first time in seven years, Iowa did not win its annual tournament. The Hawkeyes won their first round contest over Butler (83-60), but lost to Houston (70-64) in the championship game last weekend. The Cougars snapped Iowa’s 11-game tournament winning streak.
Iowa had four starters score in double figures to lead the Hawkeyes to a 23-point season-opening win. The victory improved Iowa’s record to 4-0 in season openers under Coach Bluder.
A superior effort by tournament MVP Chandi Jones lifted Houston past the Hawkeyes in the championship game. The nation’s leading scorer last year, scored 25 of her game-high 34 points in the second half to propel the Cougars to victory.
Cavey led Iowa with 18 points and six rebounds. Lillis scored all of her 14 points in the second half, while senior Kristi Faulkner added 16 points and five rebounds.
TWO HAWKEYES NAMED TO ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Junior Jamie Cavey and senior Jennie Lillis were named to the KCRG-TV9 Hawkeye Challenge All-Tournament Team. It marked the third time Lillis earned the accolade, including being named the MVP last year. Cavey’s honor marked the first time that she was named to the Hawkeye Challenge all-Tournament squad in her three years with the Black and Gold.
RAINING THREES
Iowa has sank at least one three-pointer in 152 consecutive games. It is a streak that has occurred over a span of six seasons. The last time the Hawkeyes did not drain a three-pointer was against Purdue in the Big Ten Tournament on March 1, 1998.
RPI RANKINGS
Iowa ranks 66th in the PRI rankings and ranks 101st in strength of schedule. Iowa State ranks 64th in the RPI and 80th in strength of schedule. The rankings are updated daily on www.collegerpi.com.
HAWKEYE OFFENSE EXPLODES
Iowa’s offensive exploded for 93 points at Florida International last Saturday. The 93 points tie for the 18th-highest scoring output in school history. The Hawkeyes have scored 90 points or more in 10 games under Coach Bluder.
DIFFICULT ROAD STRETCH
Iowa is in the middle of a difficult road stretch where it plays five road games in 11 days. The Hawkeyes started the road trip on a high note, winning games vs. Saint Joseph’s (62-58) on a neutral court and beating Florida International (93-86) in the championship game of the FIU Thanksgiving Classic.
Iowa plays at Iowa State on Wednesday, followed by trips to Marquette on Friday and Northern Iowa on Monday.
HAWKEYES CAPTURED “STATE TITLE”
Iowa’s three victories over Northern Iowa (98-68), Iowa State (64-39) and Drake (72-52) gave it the 2002 mythical state championship. The Hawkeyes boasted a 25.0 average margin of victory against the three in-state opponents. Iowa’s victories snapped a four-game losing streak to Drake and a five-game losing skid to Iowa State.
ONE AND THE BONUS
Jennie Lillis has attempted at least one free throw in 92-of-97 games she has played during her three-year career. Lillis has converted 336-453 free throws in her four-year career. Last weekend, she broke the school record for career free throw attempts and is 55 free throws made from breaking the career free throws made record, which is held by Amy Herrig (390).
THE NAME GAME
Iowa has two players with the first name Lindsay (Geoffroy and Richards). The Hawkeyes also have two Jennie’s on its team. Senior forward Jennie Lillis and athletic trainer Jennie Hartgrave.
LILLIS NAMED TO WADE TROPHY WATCH LIST
Senior forward Jennie Lillis is one of 35 players named to the 2004 State Farm Wade Trophy Watch List. This prestigious award is presented to the nation’s top player.
Lillis, who is a three-time captain, was an all-Big Ten first team selection last year by the media and a second team choice by the media her sophomore season. Lillis was also named to the preseason all-Big Ten squad for the second straight year.
Garnered as “The Mother of Modern Women’s Collegiate Basketball,” Lily Margaret Wade pioneered an unprecedented dynasty in women’s basketball, which led to the growth and popularity of the sport during the 1970s.
Highlighting the 2004 list is last year’s recipient, Connecticut senior Diana Taurasi. Lillis is one of five Big Ten players named to the list. Other league players include Penn State senior Kelly Mazzante, Purdue senior Shereka Wright, Minnesota senior Lindsay Whalen and junior Janel McCarville.
CENTER OF ATTENTION
For the fourth consecutive season, Iowa started its season with a new starting center. Junior Jamie Cavey has solidified herself as Iowa’s starting center in preseason practice.
Since Coach Bluder began coaching the Hawkeyes in 2000 Iowa has had a different center start the season. Randi Peterson was Iowa’s starter in 2000-01, followed by Beatrice Bullock (2001-02) and Tracy Schrupp (2002-03). Peterson, Bullock and Schrupp were all seniors. Cavey is the first junior starting center Coach Bluder has coached at Iowa.
Jennie Lillis CONTINUES TO RISE
Senior Jennie Lillis has been Iowa’s leader on and off the court the last couple years. The native of Urbandale, IA, averaged 14.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg and 2.6 apg her sophomore season and 16.3 ppg and 7.2 rpg last season. She has started all but one game in her career and currently has 1,362 career points, which is seventh-best on Iowa’s career scoring chart. She also has collected 675 rebounds, which is ninth-best all-time. Lillis is on pace to finish her career in the top-five in career rebounding and top 10 in career scoring. Lillis, who was a WBCA Region 6 All-American Honorable Mention last year, was the only Big Ten athlete ranked in the top 10 in the conference in scoring, rebounding, blocks and steals.
Lillis started the 2003-04 season strong, collecting 14 points or more and five or more rebounds in all four games. She posted her first double-double of the season and 16th of her career vs. Saint Joseph’s (19 points, 10 rebounds).
Lillis is 237 points from moving into sixth in career scoring and 17 rebounds from sliding into the No. 8 position in career rebounds.
RICHARDS DIRECTS HAWKEYE OFFENSE
Lindsay Richards has done a good job directing the Hawkeye offense in her first four games as strating point guard. The sophomore is averaging 8.3 ppg, 4.5 apg and 2.8 rpg. She collected 10 points and seven assists vs. Butler and 10 points and six assists at Florida International.
Richards sustained a season-ending knee injury in Iowa’s home win over Denver on Dec 12 last year. The native of Barrington, IL, underwent successful surgery on Dec. 19 to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee.
CAVEY PACES HAWKEYES
Jamie Cavey was a force in the post for Iowa in its first two games. Cavey averaged 22.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg and 2.0 apg. The native of Mechanicsville, IA, shot 81.8 percent (18-22) from the field and 72.7 percent (8-11) from the free throw line.
Cavey posted career highs in points (26), field goals made (11) and attempted (13) and assists (4) vs. Butler. She tallied 18 points and six rebounds vs. Houston, and might have produced better numbers if not for early foul trouble in the second half that kept her on the bench.
ATTRACTIVE HOME GAMES
Iowa opened its 13-game regular season home schedule with the annual KCRG-TV 9 Hawkeye Challenge on Nov. 21-22. Besides eight exciting Big Ten Conference home games, Iowa hosts Big 12 power Kansas State (Dec. 12), in-state rival Drake (Dec. 21) and last year’s Missouri Valley Conference co-champions Creighton Bluejays (Dec. 28).
The Hawkeyes play every Big Ten school twice except Northwestern, Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State. Iowa will play the Buckeyes and Wolverines at home, while it will visit the Wildcats and Spartans.
IOWA INFORMATION ON THE WEB
Statistics and play-by-play accounts of all Iowa home games will be available live on the internet. The statistical program allows viewers to read the play-by-play action just moments after it takes place, and to view all individual and team statistics while the game is in progress.
The program can be accessed through www.hawkeyesports.com and then clicking on the Gametracker link.
NUTHIN’ BUT NET
Catch all the University of Iowa women’s basketball games over the Internet at www.hawkeyesports.com. Fans can listen to live or replay previously played games. Just click on the “Multimedia” link near the top of the page.
“HAWK TALK WITH Lisa Bluder”
Catch “Hawk Talk with Lisa Bluder”, the radio call-in program Monday nights featuring Iowa Hawkeye women’s head coach Lisa Bluder, on KXIC-AM 800 in Iowa, WHO-AM 1040 in Des Moines and WMT-AM 600 in Cedar Rapids from 6-7 p.m. The show is broadcast live from the Chili’s Restaurant in Coralville. Fans can call toll-free at (800) 332-5401 or locally at (319) 365-0600.
“THE Lisa Bluder TV SHOW”
“The Lisa Bluder Show” returns for its second season. Fans can watch the show once a month on KCRG-TV 9. The show includes interviews with Coach Bluder and players and feature stories. Below is a list of the dates and times.
Saturday, December 20 – 5 p.m.
Saturday, January 24 – 5 p.m.
Saturday, February 21 – 5 p.m.
Saturday, March 20 – 5 p.m.
NEXT ACTION
Iowa concludes its five-game road trip at Marquette on Friday and at Northern Iowa on Monday. The Hawkeyes’ next home game is vs. nationally ranked Kansas State on Dec. 12.