Jan. 25, 2005
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THE SETTING
Iowa (14-4, 3-4) returns home to host Michigan (5-13, 1-6) Thursday. Tip-off is slated for 7:06 p.m. (CST) in Carver-Hawkeye Arena (15,500). The Hawkeyes enter Thursday’s game losers of four of their last five, while the Wolverines have dropped nine of their last 10.
ON THE TUBE
Thursday’s game will be televised live in Eastern Iowa on KCRG-TV9. John Campbell, Amy Herrig and Scott Saville will call the action.
ON THE AIR AND THE INTERNET
All Iowa games are broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network. Listen to 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. Brent Balbinot and Karen Schulte call the action.
Fans can also follow the game’s progress with up-to-the-minute stats and play-by-play by clicking on the “Gametracker” link on the front of www.hawkeyesports.com.
IN THE RANKINGS
For the first time in seven weeks, the Hawkeyes are no longer ranked in the Associated Press poll. Iowa dropped out of the rankings this week after falling at then-No. 23 Purdue Sunday (79-75).
The Big Ten has four teams ranked in the top 25: Ohio State (3), Minnesota (10), Michigan State (11) and Penn State (22). The Big XII and ACC each have a nation-best five schools ranked.
20TH ANNIVERSARY APPROACHING
On Feb. 3, 1985, the Iowa Hawkeyes shattered the NCAA and Big Ten Conference attendance records when 22,157 fans squeezed into the 15,500 seat Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The Hawkeyes lost the game to Ohio State (56-47). Iowa plays at Minnesota on Feb. 3, 2005.
IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 864 games since beginning basketball in 1974. Overall, Iowa’s record is 528-336 (.611). That includes a 279-148 (.653) mark in Big Ten games and a 235-55 (.810) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
RPI RANKINGS
Iowa ranks No. 14 in the RPI ranking and No. 16 in strength of schedule. Michigan ranks No. 158 in the RPI and No. 54 in strength of schedule. The Big Ten ranks third in conference RPI, behind the ACC and SEC. Michigan State (5) is the highest Big Ten team ranked in the RPI, followed by Ohio State (6), Penn State (8), Minnesota (11) and Iowa (14).
The rankings are updated daily on: http://www.collegerpi.com/women/05/rpi.html
ON THIS DATE
The Hawkeyes are 6-2 in games played on January 27. Iowa has never faced Michigan on this date.
HAWKEYES RANK HIGH NATIONALLY
As of games played through Jan. 17, Iowa ranks fourth nationally in least fouls per game (12.7), fifth in field goal percentage (48.0) and 37th in scoring offense (71.1). Individually, Crystal Smith ranks 37th in field goal percentage (53.0). Jamie Cavey ranks 15th in field goal percentage (58.9) and 44th in blocks (2.1).
SHARING THE WEALTH
Iowa’s triangle offense generates many assists. The Hawkeyes have three players who average 2.5 assists or more. Small forward Johanna Solverson (3.56) leads the team, followed by shooting guard Crystal Smith (2.78) and center Jamie Cavey (2.5).
NUMBER OF THE WEEK – – 1,000
Iowa Senior Jamie Cavey scored career point No. 1,000 in career game No. 100 at Purdue on Sunday. There will be a short ceremony prior to Thursday’s game to recognize Cavey’s athletic achievement.
HEAD OF THE CLASS
Jamie Cavey leads Big Ten seniors in field goal percentage (.588). Crystal Smith leads conference juniors in scoring (16.9) and field goal percentage (.521). Krista VandeVenter leads league freshman in rebounding (7.6).
LAST TIME OUT
Iowa dropped its seventh straight game to Purdue and its seventh consecutive contest in West Lafayette Sunday, with a heart-breaking 79-75 loss in Mackey Arena.
The game was a back-and-forth affair that saw 26 lead changes and eight ties. Iowa took a three-point halftime advantage (34-31) into the lockerroom, holding Purdue to 39.4 percent (13-33) shooting from the field.
The Boilermakers were a different team in the second half. Purdue shot a blazing 73.1 percent (19-26) in the second stanza to lift the home team to its 11th victory of the season. Iowa led 51-50 with 9:37 to play in the game and then Purdue scored on 10 of its next 11 possessions to take the lead and hold on down the stretch.
The Hawkeyes allowed 42 points in the paint and 21 points off turnovers. Iowa almost collected as many turnovers (22) as field goals made (23).
Jamie Cavey and Crystal Smith fueled Iowa’s offense. Cavey tallied a game-high 22 points (7-12 FG, 8-8 FT), while Smith amassed 21 points (7-17 FG, 5-6 FT). Jenna Armstrong scored all 12 Iowa bench points on 4-6 shooting from beyond the arc, while Krista VandeVenter netted eight of her 12 points at the foul line in defeat.
Purdue’s Katie Geralds scored 17 of her team-high 19 points in the second half. She converted 6-9 from the field, including 3-3 from 3-point range and 2-2 from the charity stripe in the second stanza. Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton also netted 19 points, while Aya Traore added a career-high 16 points.
Iowa converted 84.6 percent from the foul line (22-26) in the loss.
FINAL GAME NOTES
Iowa’s 75 points are the most points scored against Purdue this year.Iowa lost its first game this year when leading at the half (11-1) and was its first loss when leading at the half in 20 games dating back to last season.Krista VandeVenter made all four of her free throw attempts in the final 26 seconds to help the Hawkeyes stay within striking distance.The 26 lead changes are the most in a single-game this season.Jamie Cavey scored her 1,000 career point at the 15:07 mark in the first half on her first free throw attempt.Jenna Armstrong’s four 3-pointers are the second-most triples she has scored in a game in her career. She drained a career-high five vs. Iowa State on Dec. 1, 2004.Five players scored all 75 Iowa points (Cavey, 22; Smith 21; Armstrong, 12; VandeVenter, 12; Solverson, 8).Iowa’s 75 points are the most points the Hawkeyes have scored in Mackey Arena since 1987, a span of 15 games.
ALL-TIME SERIES RECORDS
Iowa boasts a 30-10 advantage in games played vs. Michigan. The Hawkeyes also hold a 16-4 edge in contests played in Iowa City.
The Hawkeyes played Michigan only once in each of the last two years. Iowa won at Michigan (65-57) in 2003 and in Iowa City (66-46) in 2004. The Wolverines last win over Iowa came in 2002 in Carver-Hawkeye Arena (91-80).
Iowa won the first 14 meetings in Iowa City, but since have lost four of the last six.
There has been only one overtime game played in the series. The Wolverines escaped with a 69-65 overtime win over the Hawkeyes in Ann Arbor in 1998.
SCOUTING MICHIGAN
Michigan won its first conference game Sunday with a 63-61 triumph over Indiana in Ann Arbor. The victory snapped a nine-game skid.
Senior Tabitha Pool netted six of Michigan’s final eight points, including the go-ahead basket with 46 seconds remaining to help lift the Wolverines to victory. Pool finished with a double-double (21 points, 11 rebounds). Jessica Starling added 14 points on the perimeter, while Ta’Shia Walker contributed 12 points in the post.
The Wolverines roster is loaded with freshmen. Seven of their 10-person roster are freshmen, one is a sophomore and two are seniors.
Pool ranks first on the team in scoring (16.7), rebounding (9.0) and steals (34). She ranks sixth in Big Ten scoring, third in rebounding and 12th in steals. Walker ranks second on the team in scoring (13.5) and third in rebounding. Starling ranks third on the squad in scoring (5.9) and second in free throw percentage (.786).
Michigan is coached by Cheryl Burnett, who is in her second season with the Wolverines. Prior to coaching at Michigan, Burnett mentored 15 successful seasons at Southwest Missouri State. She guided the Bears to 10 NCAA Tournament berths, including one appearance in the Final Four (2001). Burnett’s overall record stands at 338-166 (.671) and 19-32 (.373) with Michigan.
IOWA, MICHIGAN GAME NOTES
Iowa and Purdue share only one common non-conference opponent: Drake. The Hawkeyes defeated the Bulldogs (80-69) on Dec. 18 in Des Moines, while the Wolverines dropped a 61-60 heart-breaker on Nov. 30, in Ann Arbor.Iowa ranks in the top five in nine Big Ten statistical categories, while Michigan ranks in the top five in two Big Ten statistical categories. The Hawkeyes rank second in field goal percentage (.480), while the Wolverines rank 11th in field goal percentage defense (.437). Iowa ranks second in scoring offense (71.3), while Michigan ranks ninth in scoring defense (65.7).Michigan does not have any juniors on its squad, while the Hawkeyes do not have any sophomores.Iowa does not have any student-athletes on its current roster from the state of Michigan. Lindsey Nyenhuis, a 5-7 guard from Grand Rapids, Michigan, will join the Hawkeye roster. The Wolverines do not have an Iowans on their roster.
LAST MEETING
Ten Hawkeyes scored at least two points in a 69-58 win over Michigan in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. It was the only regular season meeting between the two schools during the 2003-04 season.
Iowa trailed Michigan by eight points (25-17) with five minutes remaining in the first half. The Hawkeyes ended the half on a 16-3 run to give them a five-point halftime advantage. Iowa’s momentum carried into the second half, scoring the first eight points and building a 13-point lead (41-28) with 17:01 remaining. The Hawkeyes led by as many as 19 points in the second stanza en route to their third straight victory.
Jennie Lillis sparked the Hawkeyes, posting team highs in points (15) and rebounds (8). Jamie Cavey tallied 14 points and pulled down three rebounds. Johanna Solverson recorded eight points, six rebounds and three assists. Crystal Smith tallied eight points and four steals off the bench.
Iowa shot 44.8 percent (26-58), while Michigan shot only 30.6 percent (22-72). The Wolverines also struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 17.9 percent (5-28). Michigan did out-rebound the Hawkeyes (48-41), but Iowa dominated the paint offensively — out-scoring the Wolverines 38-24 in the post.
Michigan’s Jennifer Smith scored a game-high 17 points and collected seven rebounds, while Niki Reams pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds in the defeat.
Iowa’s Solverson and Kristi Faulkner did not see a lot of time on the floor, due to foul trouble. Solverson played only 15 minutes — two in the first half after two quick fouls, while Faulkner saw a season-low 23 minutes of action.
SCORING BY HALVES
Iowa has out-scored its opponents 603-545 in the first half, 667-625 in the second half and 14-5 in overtime. The Hawkeyes have led at halftime in 12-of-18 contests. Iowa has out-scored its opponent in the second half in 10-of-18 games.
COMPARING GAME STATS
FG% 3-PT% FT% REB AST TO PTSIowa .480 .335 .707 37.9 284 327 71.3Opp. .404 .361 .739 32.6 249 283 65.3
IOWA'S RECORD IN GAMES DECIDED BY...
The Hawkeyes are 5-1 in games decided by 6-10 points. Here is a glance at Iowa's record in games decided by... OT 1-5 6-10 11-15 16-20 21+ Total 1-0 2-1 5-1 3-1 1-0 2-1 14-4
HOME, AWAY COMPARISONS
In nine home games, Iowa has out-scored its opponent 675-579 (+10.7 margin), shooting 49.1 percent from the field and holding opponents to a 40.8 shooting percentage. Iowa also posted 159 assists to its opponents’ 118.
In nine games away from Iowa City, Iowa has out-scored its opponents 609-596 (+1.4 margin). Opponents have recorded 98 steals to Iowa’s 67 (-3.4 margin) on the road. Also, the Hawkeyes have recorded 37 blocks to their opponents 30 away from Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Here are the home and away comparisons:
FG% 3-PT% FT% REB AST TO PTSHome .491 .367 .762 37.9 159 152 75.0Away .469 .305 .645 38.0 125 175 67.7
WINS, LOSSES COMPARISONS
In Iowa’s 14 wins, the Hawkeyes boasted a +11.0 scoring margin. Iowa averaged 73.2 ppg in its victories. The Hawkeyes also shot the ball well from the field (.486) and the charity stripe (.719). Iowa out-rebounded its opponents 553-464 in its triumphs (+6.4 margin).
In the Hawkeyes’ four defeats, Iowa converted only 66.7 percent of their free throw attempts and scored only 64.8 ppg. In addition, Iowa attempted only 50.3 field goals per game in the four losses. Opponents collected 43 steals to Iowa’s 18. Here are the wins and losses comparisons:
FG% 3-PT% FT% REB AST TO PTSWins .486 .310 .719 39.5 231 248 73.2Losses .458 .422 .667 32.5 53 79 64.8
FRESHMAN AMONG ELITE GROUP
Krista VandeVenter leads the Hawkeyes in rebounding (7.6) through 18 games. The last time a true freshman led Iowa in rebounding was Tangela Smith (1994-95). In fact, only four other Hawkeyes have led the team in rebounding as freshman (Tangela Smith, 1994-95; Lynn Kennedy, 1983-84; Cindy Haugejorde, 1976-77; Jenni Mayer, 1975-76).
Furthermore, VandeVenter currently ranks sixth in rebounding for an Iowa freshman. The Osseo, MN, native trails Amy Herrig (1995-96) by five for fifth and Toni Foster (1989-90) by seven for fourth on the list.
CAVEY CLIMBS CAREER CHARTS
Senior Jamie Cavey has amassed 299 points through 18 games this season. The senior has totaled 1,021 career points, which ranks 21st at Iowa. Cavey is only four points from passing Tiffany Gooden (1994-98) for 20th.
The Mechanicsville, IA, native has also collected 72 career blocks, which ranks eighth on Iowa’s career chart. Thirty-six of her 72 blocks have come this season. Jennie Lillis was the last Hawkeye player to collect 36 blocks or more in a season when she rejected 40 shots during the 2002-03 season. Cavey is only seven rejections from passing Lisa Long (1983-87) for seventh on the career chart. Furthermore, the senior is only 15 blocks from moving into fourth place.
Cavey also cracked the top 20 in career rebounding at Michigan State. She has totaled 393 rebounds, which ranks 19th. Cavey is only two rebounds from passing Lindsey Meder (1998-02) for 18th.
Iowa’s bench play has been one of the keys to its 14-4 record. Iowa’s bench has outscored and out-rebounded its opponents 300-205 and 185-121, respectively. The Hawkeyes average 16.7 ppg and 10.3 rpg from their bench players. Iowa has outscored 12-of-18 opponents in bench points.
RAINING THREES
Iowa has made at least one 3-pointer in 195 consecutive contests. It is a streak that has occurred over a span of seven seasons. The last time the Hawkeyes did not make a 3-pointer was against Purdue in the Big Ten Tournament on March 1, 1998.
GRAHAM COMING ON STRONG
Jeneé Graham started her first collegiate game at Michigan State on Jan. 9. Graham played 24 minutes, scored one point and collected three rebounds and one steal. She started again at Ohio State and collected four points and four rebounds in a career-high 29 minutes of action. Graham tallied nine points, six rebounds and two steals in her third start vs. Northwestern.
She was one of Iowa’s top producers off the bench the first 14 games. The freshman has pulled down two or more rebounds in all 15 games she has played. Graham ranks fifth on the team in rebounding (3.3 rpg).
Graham had the best game of her career vs. Penn State on Jan. 6. The native of Bolingbrook, IL, posted career bests in points (11), field goals made (4) and attempted (6), rebounds (7), assists (2), free throws made (3) and attempted (6).
ATTENDANCE RANKINGS
Iowa’s home attendance average (3,989) ranks 23rd nationally in the latest attendance rankings released Jan. 24. The Hawkeyes are the sixth-highest ranked Big Ten team behind No. 5 P urdue (8,406), No. 6 Minnesota (7,979), No. 7 Penn State (7,668), No. 13 Wisconsin (5,802) and No. 16 Michigan State (5,218).
ARMSTRONG LEADS HAWKEYE BENCH
Senior Jenna Arnstrong has been one of Iowa’s leading producers the last four games, averaging 8.0 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 1.3 apg off the bench. Armstrong equaled a career high playing 29 minutes at Purdue on Jan. 23. Against the Boilermakers, she scored all 12 Iowa bench points and they all were scored from beyond the arc. Armstrong also hauled in five defensive rebounds against the Boilermakers, four in the first half.
Armstrong has drained 11 field goals the last four games, with 10 of the 11 coming from beyond the arc. She tallied eight points at Michigan State, three at Ohio State and nine vs. Northwestern.
The native of Stockton, MO, ranks 10th in Big Ten 3-point field goals made (1.28) and 11th in 3-point field goal percentage (.354).
IOWA VS. RANKED TEAMS
Iowa has recorded at least one victory over a ranked opponent in each of the five years under Coach Bluder. These are Iowa’s most recent wins vs. nationally ranked opponents:
At Home: 81-61 over 11th-ranked Minnesota, 2/19/04
On the Road: 78-67 over 18th-ranked Michigan State, 2/1/04
Neutral Court: 54-47 over 21st-ranked Oklahoma, 11/27/04
SUCCESS AT THE FOUL LINE
Iowa has had three players shoot 100 percent from the free throw line in games five times (min. 6 att.). Crystal Smith converted 7-7 vs. Missouri, Jamie Cavey drained all nine attempts against Iowa State and all eight at Purdue. Stacy Schlapkohl was a perfect 6-6 vs. Northern Iowa, while making all six attempts vs. Western Illinois.
As a team, the Hawkeyes posted season highs in free throws made (25), attempted (29) and percentage (.862) vs. Western Illinois. Johanna Solverson converted a career-high 11-13 (.846) against the Westerwinds. Prior to that game, Solverson’s career bests in a single game were four free throws made and attempted.
The Hawkeyes converted 84.0 percent (21-25) vs. Northwestern an 84.6 percent (22-26) at Purdue in their last two contests.
QUALITY WINS
One of the key factors that the NCAA Tournament selection committee looks at when selecting teams and seeding teams for the tournament is “quality wins and losses”.
Iowa’s quality wins include: Florida (32), Iowa State (33), Oklahoma (26), Creighton (456 and Marquette (61).
All three of the Hawkeyes’ losses have come against elite competition: Michigan State (5), Ohio State (6), Penn State (8) and Purdue (30).
The numbers in parentheses represent the respective team’s RPI ranking.
VANDEVENTER CLEANS THE GLASS
Krista VandeVenter has been Iowa’s leading rebounder in 11 of its 18 games, including the first five contests of the season. VandeVenter pulled down six rebounds vs. Florida, 11 against Oklahoma and a career-high 14 at Creighton. The freshman averages 7.6 boards per game and ranks sixth in the Big Ten. The last time an Iowa player led the team in rebounding five consecutive games was Jerica Watson in the last five games of the 2001-02 season.
The Osseo, MN, native has also done a good job offensively. VandeVenter scored all of her nine points in the second half against the Sooners. She also tallied 10 points vs. Iowa State and a career-best 19 on 8-11 FG and 3-5 from the charity stripe at Creighton. VandeVenter averages 7.6 ppg. The post player also ranks fourth in assists (36). She has also recorded two steals in five games.
COMEBACK KIDS
Iowa has posted two substantial second half comebacks this season and nearly pulled off a third.
The Hawkeyes trailed by 17 points with 16 minutes remaining vs. Northwestern on Jan. 16. Iowa rallied to win 81-76 in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Iowa erased a 15-point second half deficit with 13 minutes left in regulation at Creighton on Dec. 10. The Hawkeyes won 91-82 in overtime in the Omaha Civic Auditorium.
The Hawkeyes trailed by as many as 20 points with 11:30 remaining vs. Penn State on Jan. 6. Iowa trimmed the Lady Lion advantage to two points with 3:30 left, but were unable to tie or take the lead down the stretch. Penn State won the contest 77-71 in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
The Hawkeyes’ biggest comeback under Coach Bluder was a 19-point second half rally with 19 minutes remaining to bounce Indiana (81-76) from the 2001 Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
IOWA FAST BREAKS
Iowa has controlled the opening tip in 14-of-18 games.Iowa’s single-game season high in attendance is 5,753 (Northwestern).The Hawkeyes have out-scored their opponents 528-336 in the paint (+11.3 margin). Only three teams have out-scored Iowa in the paint this season (Florida, Oklahoma and Ohio State).Jamie Cavey is the only Hawkeye to foul out this season (Marquette, Michigan State, Purdue). Cavey fouled out a team-high eight times last season.Jamie Cavey has scored double figures in 17-of-18 games this year and 43 of the last 44 contests dating back to last season.Iowa has led at the half in 12-of-18 games.Iowa has held four teams to 51 points or less (Indiana — 51; UW-Milwaukee –51; Southern Illinois — 50; Northern Iowa — 50; Oklahoma — 47).Fifteen of Iowa’s 18 opponents have shot less than 50 percent from the field. Ohio State and Purdue shot an Iowa opponent season-best 54.2 percent on Jan. 13 and Jan. 23, respectively.Iowa has had more assists than its opponents in 13-of-18 games and have shot more free throws in all 18 contests.Iowa was 3-0 against teams from the Big XII (Iowa State, Missouri, Oklahoma) and 4-0 vs. Missouri Valley Conference teams (Drake, Southern Illinois, Creighton, Northern Iowa).Only one of Iowa’s starters is a senior (Jamie Cavey).The victory over No. 21 Oklahoma marked Iowa’s first win over a ranked opponent on a neutral floor since dropping Minnesota (80-77) on March 3, 2003 in the Big Ten Tournament.Jenna Armstrong’s 12 three-point attempts vs. Iowa State is the most attempts by an individual since Lindsey Meder attempted 14 twice during the 2001-02 season.Iowa is 3-5 in overtime games under Coach Bluder.Iowa’s 54-47 victory over then-No. 21 Oklahoma in the championship game of the Junkanoo Jam marked the first time the Hawkeyes won a game scoring 54 points or less since a 50-47 triumph over Michigan State on Feb. 22, 2001, in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
BIG TEN RANKINGS
As a team, the Hawkeyes rank second in Big Ten field goal percentage (.480) and scoring offense (71.3), third in offensive rebounds (13.11), rebounds allowed (32.6), fourth in assists (15.78) and rebounding margin (+5.3) and fifth in 3-point field goal percentage (.335).
Individually, Crystal Smith ranks fifth in league scoring (16.9) and eighth in field goal percentage (.521) and free throw percentage (.831) and sixth in steals (2.28). Jamie Cavey ranks seventh in scoring (16.6), 10th in rebounding (6.7), fourth in field goal percentage (.588) and blocked shots (2.0). Krista VandeVenter ranks sixth in rebounding (7.6) and third in offensive rebounds (3.17). Johanna Solverson ranks fifth in steals (2.44), ninth in assists (3.56) and 24th in scoring (11.7).
THUNDER AND LIGHTNING
Guard Crystal Smith has been one of league’s top offensive and defensive player through nine games. The junior was named MVP of the KCRG-TV9 Hawkeye Challenge and Junkanoo Jam. Smith ranks first on the team and fifth in Big Ten in scoring (16.9), first on the team and eighth in conference free throw percentage (.831) and second on the team and sixth in league steals (2.28). The native of Haughton, LA, has netted 20 points or more six times, which ranks third in the Big Ten. She netted a career-high 33 points at Drake on Dec. 18. Smith’s performances has turned some heads around the nation.
“Crystal is just an outstanding player,” said Iowa State Head Coach Bill Fennelly. “She’s an impact player on both ends of the floor. I hope we don’t have to play a guard as good as her the rest of the season.”
“I’ve been around the game a long time and Crystal is as good a player I’ve ever seen,” said Northern Iowa Head Coach Tony DiCecco. “She has a lot of tools. She’s extremely difficult to defend because at a split second she’s at full speed. She’s lightning quick and I tip my hat to her.”
“She’s so lighting fast. She has to be the most improved player in the Big Ten,” said Penn State Head Coach Rene Portland.
Center Jamie Cavey has been a force down in the post. The senior tri-captain, ranks second on the team and seventh in the Big Ten in scoring (16.6) and first on the team and fourth in the conference in field goal percentage (.588).
Cavey has scored double figures in 17-of-18 contests. Furthermore, she has scored double digits in 58 of her last 60 games, dating back to the 2002-03 season. Cavey has posted 20 points or more in three of the last four contests. She was named to the KCRG-TV9 Hawkeye Challenge and Junkanoo Jam all-Tournament teams.
FAST START
Iowa enjoyed its best start in 17 years. The Hawkeyes’ 13-0 is their second-best start in school history. Only the 1987-88 Iowa team, which won its first 22 games, started better than these Hawkeyes. In addition, Iowa was the last Division I team to be beaten.
Iowa’s 13-0 start matched Coach Bluder’s best start at a Division I school. The native of Marion, Iowa, guided the Drake Bulldogs to a 13-0 start in 1994 and eventually advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
RICHARDS TO REDSHIRT
Iowa Head Coach Lisa Bluder on Jan. 11, announced that junior point guard Lindsay Richards will redshirt this season.
“Lindsay has decided to take the redshirt this year,” said Bluder. “I think it’s a great decision. For us to have her healthy for two full years will be a great benefit to our program.”
The junior has recovered and has been participating in practices.
“In the back of my mind I made my decision a couple of weeks ago, but I wanted to make sure I took everything into consideration,” commented Richards. “There’s a big difference between being able to participate and being able to compete. At this time I don’t feel I’m at the level I need to be at.”
Richards underwent successful surgery on July 7 to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee. The native of Barrington, IL, sustained the injury during practice with the Big Ten All-Stars before the team left for Australia in June, 2004. This was the second time in as many years she underwent surgery to repair a damaged ACL in her right knee. Richards’ first ACL injury came in a home game against Denver on December 12, 2002.
Richards started all 29 games for the Hawkeyes last year. She ranked fifth on the team in scoring (5.4 ppg) and free throw percentage (39-51, .765), second in assists (85) and fourth in steals (27). Her 2.93 assists average ranked 11th in the Big Ten. Richards was also an academic all-Big Ten selection last year.
Before injuring her knee as a freshman, she played in eight games as a reserve, averaging 4.5 ppg, 1.6 rpg and dishing out 29 assists. Richards will not receive a medical redshirt for her freshman season.
CAVEY REACHES THE CHARITY STRIPE
Senior Jamie Cavey has attempted at least one free throw in 58 of her last 60 games, dating back to the 2002-03 season. She failed to reach the free throw line vs. Indiana (1/15/04) and vs. Marquette (12/8/04).
IOWA’S BIG TEN SCHEDULE
Iowa’s Big Ten portion of its schedule includes home-and-away contests against Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern and Ohio State.
The Hawkeyes have single games with Penn State, Minnesota, Purdue and Wisconsin. Iowa will travel to Minneapolis and West Lafayette, while the Lady Lions and Badgers will visit Iowa City.
HAWKEYES CAPTURE MYTHICAL STATE TITLE
Iowa captured its second mythical state title in three years. The Hawkeyes first defeated Iowa State (89-80) on Dec. 1, followed by victories over and Northern Iowa (77-50) on Dec. 8 and Drake (80-69) on Dec. 18.
EMMERT MAKES HISTORY
Abby Emmert became only the second Iowa freshman to start at point guard. Prior to this season, Cara Consuegra was Iowa’s only freshman to start at point guard (1997).
FRESHMEN START FOR HAWKEYES
Power forward Krista VandeVenter has started all 17 games, while point guard Abby Emmert started 14 contests.
Emmert and VandeVenter became the first Iowa freshmen duo to start since the 1994-95 season where newcomers Tiffany Gooden and Tangela Smith started 17 and 15 games, respectively.
HAWKEYES ADD WALK-ON
Head Coach Lisa Bluder announced that Ebone Pope (Ottumwa, IA) has been added to the 2004-05 roster as a walk-on. The 5-9 guard will wear No. 15.
Pope was a two-year starter at Marshalltown Community College. Pope averaged a team-best 11.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg and 2.7 apg last year. She was team captain, earned first team all-conference and first team all-tournament honors last season. She averaged 9.0 ppg and earned all-region honorable mention accolades her freshman year.
She graduated from Ottumwa High School in 2002, where she averaged 14.5 ppg, 3.5 apg and 3.3 rpg. Pope earned second team all-conference laurels her junior and senior years. Her high school team competed in the state tournament her senior season.
Pope joins Kristi Faulkner (2001-04) as the only walk-ons to make a Hawkeye roster under Coach Bluder.
HAWKEYES WIN TOURNAMENTS
Iowa won two holiday tournaments this season. The Hawkeyes opened the season with wins over Southern Illinois (66-50) and Missouri (75-54) to claim its 16th KCRG-TV9 Hawkeye Challenge championship.
One week later, the Hawkeyes defeated Florida (65-62) and then-No. 21 Oklahoma (54-47) to capture the Junkanoo Jam in the Bahamas.
Crystal Smith was named MVP of both tournaments. Smith averaged 12.0 ppg and was the defensive star of the Junkanoo Jam. The junior averaged 17.5 ppg and 3.5 spg in the KCRG-TV9 Hawkeye Challenge. The native of Haughton, LA, scored 26 points in the championship game vs. Missouri, shattering her previous career high (10 points). Furthermore, Smith was a perfect 7-7 from the foul line, setting new career highs in free throws made and attempted.
Jamie Cavey joined Smith on both all-tournament teams. Cavey averaged 15.5 ppg and 5.0 rpg in the Junkanoo Jam and 12.5 ppg in the KCRG-TV9 Hawkeye Challenge. Johanna Solverson joined Smith and Cavey on the KCRG-TV9 Hawkeye Challenge all-tournament team. Solverson averaged 12.5 ppg in the two games and was a perfect 6-6 shooting from the field, including 4-4 from beyond the arc in Iowa’s first round 66-50 win over Southern Illinois. The four 3-pointers is a career high, as is her game-high six steals against the Salukis.
HOME GROWN HAWKEYES
Iowa’s roster features five players from the state of Iowa (Jamie Cavey, Abby Emmert, Ebone Pope, Tiffany Reedy and Stacy Schlapkohl). The Hawkeyes also have four players from the state of Illinois (Lindsay Richards, Johanna Solverson, Jeneé Graham and Morgan Kasperek). Iowa’s 12-person roster also features players from Missouri (Jenna Armstrong), Minnesota (Krista VandeVenter) and Louisiana (Crystal Smith).
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. There is a cost for the service.
“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 7:30-8:30 p.m. Fans can call toll-free at (800) 332-5401 or locally at (319) 365-0600.
IOWA INFORMATION ON THE WEB
Statistics and play-by-play accounts of all Iowa home games and most road contests 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.
AFTER THIS
Iowa receives its second of two byes (Jan. 30) before returning to the road at nationally-ranked Minnesota (Feb. 3).