Dec. 20, 2004
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PARK RIDGE, IL – – The Big Ten announced today that Iowa junior Crystal Smith has been named co-Big Ten Player of the Week along with Minnesota senior Janel McCarville. The honor, the first of Smith’s career, marks the first time a Hawkeye has earned the accolade this season.
Smith sparked the Hawkeyes to their ninth consecutive victory to start the season as Iowa defeated Drake (80-69) in Des Moines Saturday afternoon. Iowa remains one of only seven undefeated Division I teams who have played eight games or more.
In Saturday’s 11-point win over the Bulldogs, Smith netted a game and career-high 33 points on 12-16 shooting from the field, including 2-4 from 3-point range and 7-8 from the foul line. The 12 field goals made is also a career best, which ranks second among Big Ten players this season. The native of Haughton, LA, also pulled down six rebounds and dished out one assist. Her 33-point effort tied Lindsey Bowen of Michigan State for the highest point total by a Big Ten student-athlete this season.
Iowa’s junior shooting guard is in the midst of a career season. Smith averaged 3.9 points per game last year and so far this season ranks second in Big Ten scoring (18.7 ppg). The 5-6 senior, also ranks eighth in Big Ten field goal (.558) and free throw (.857) percentage. She has led Iowa in scoring four times and has posted 20 points or more four times this season.
Iowa (9-0) hosts Western Illinois (4-4) Tuesday. Tip-off is 7:05 p.m. in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for youths.