Feb. 4, 2005
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THE SETTING
No. 25 Iowa (15-5, 4-5) hosts Wisconsin (8-11, 2-7) Sunday. Tip-off is slated for 2:05 p.m. in Carver-Hawkeye Arena (15,500). Sunday will be the only regular season meeting between the two teams. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for youths.
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
After slipping out of the ESPN/USA Today rankings last week, Iowa rejoined the ranking at No. 25 Tuesday. For the second straight week, the Hawkeyes received votes in the Associated Press poll.
The Big Ten has four teams ranked in the top 25: Ohio State (3/2), Michigan State (10/10), Minnesota (/1614) and Penn State (23/23). The Big XII and ACC each have a nation-best five schools ranked.
IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 866 games since beginning basketball in 1974. Overall, Iowa’s record is 529-337 (.611). That includes a 280-149 (.653) mark in Big Ten games and a 236-55 (.811) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
RPI RANKINGS
Iowa ranks No. 21 in the RPI ranking and No. 24 in strength of schedule. Wisconsin ranks No. 102 in the RPI and No. 47 in strength of schedule. The Big Ten ranks third in conference RPI, behind the ACC and SEC. Ohio State (5) is the highest Big Ten team ranked in the RPI, followed by Michigan State (8), Minnesota (11), Penn State (17) and Iowa (21).
The rankings are updated daily on: http://www.collegerpi.com/women/05/rpi.html
HAWKEYES RANK HIGH NATIONALLY
As of games played through Jan. 31, Iowa ranks fourth nationally in least fouls per game (12.8), sixth in field goal percentage (48.0) and 34th in scoring offense (71.3). Individually, Crystal Smith ranks 45th in field goal percentage (52.2). Jamie Cavey ranks 15th in field goal percentage (59.4) and 45th 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 (3.75) leads the team, followed by shooting guard Crystal Smith (2.6) and center Jamie Cavey (2.5).
ON THIS DATE
The Hawkeyes are 4-5 in games played on February 6. Iowa has never played Wisconsin on this date.
NUMBER OF THE WEEK – – 155
Iowa has attempted 155 more free throws than its opponents through 20 games. The Hawkeyes have attempted 7.75 more free throws per game than the opposition.
HEAD OF THE CLASS
Jamie Cavey leads Big Ten seniors in field goal percentage (.591). Crystal Smith leads conference juniors in scoring (16.8) and field goal percentage (.519), while Johanna Solverson leads league juniors in assists (3.75). Krista VandeVenter leads league freshman in rebounding (7.4).
LAST TIME OUT
Iowa lost its fourth straight road game Thursday, falling 81-50 at No. 14 Minnesota.
The Hawkeyes led 10-9 early, before Minnesota went on a 10-0 run in 4:45 to take a 20-10 advantage with 11:03 left in the half. Later, Iowa trailed 31-23 with 4:39 left in the half, but managed to score only one field goal the remainder of the half and the Golden Gophers took a 14-point halftime lead (41-27). Minnesota all-American Janel McCarville was in foul trouble in the first stanza and scored four points in only 10 minutes, but the Hawkeyes were unable to trim the Golden Gopher advantage.
Iowa looked to gain some momentum in the second half, but McCarville and the Golden Gophers came out firing, out-scoring Iowa 22-6 the first 7:58 to take a commanding 32-point lead (65-32).
Jamie Cavey led all Iowa scorers with 18 points and also grabbed a team-high seven rebounds. Crystal Smith added 12 points, while Johanna Solverson distributed a game-high six assists.
Jamie Broback paced the Golden Gophers posting game highs in points (21) and rebounds (9). McCarville scored 12 of her 16 points in the second half and also hauled in eight boards. Shannon Schonrock tallied 12 of her 14 points on the first half on 4-5 shooting from beyond the arc. As a team, the Golden Gophers drained eight triples to the Hawkeyes’ two.
Minnesota forced a season-high 26 Iowa turnovers and scored 24 points off Hawkeye miscues. Iowa recorded more turnovers (26) than field goals (17). The Golden Gophers out-scored the Hawkeyes 19-5 in bench points.
FINAL GAME NOTES
- Minnesota attempted three more free throws than Iowa (23-20), marking the first time this season the opposing team has attempted more foul shots.
- Iowa, who ranks fourth nationally in least fouls per game, committed a season-high 23.
- Minnesota out-rebound Iowa by eight (37-29), which is the largest rebounding margin by a Hawkeye opponent this season.
- Krista VandeVenter collected a career-high four steals.
- Iowa collected a season-high 26 turnovers, marking the sixth consecutive contest the Hawkeyes have posted 20 or more miscues.
- Iowa’s bench produced only five points, which is the third lowest output by Iowa in a game this season (UW-Milwaukee – 3, Ohio State – 4).
ALL-TIME SERIES RECORDS
Sunday’s game will mark the 48th meeting between the two teams. Iowa holds a 29-18 advantage, including winning the last five contests. The Badgers’ last win over Iowa (68-61) came on Dec. 30, 2001, in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The Hawkeyes own an 18-7 edge in games played in Iowa City, including winning five of the last six. The Hawkeyes won both games last year, 66-46 in Iowa City and 87-82 (ot) in Madison.
SCOUTING WISCONSIN
Wisconsin enters Sunday’s contest against the Hawkeyes with an 8-11 overall record and a 2-7 conference mark. The Badgers have lost six of their last eight games. Wisconsin is 1-7 in games away from Madison.
Wisconsin lost its last game at Indiana (71-66) on Thursday. The Hoosiers out-scored the Badgers 20-13 at the foul line and shot 47.9 percent (23-48) compared to Wisconsin’s 39.7 percent (25-63). Jolene Anderson led all scorers with 20 points. Five Indiana players scored double digits in the win.
Anderson is one of the league’s elite freshman. She ranks first on the team in scoring (18.0) and second in rebounding (5.4). Senior Stephanie Rich ranks second on the team in scoring (10.8) and first in steals (38).
Wisconsin won its second conference game of the year on Jan. 30 vs. Michigan (79-71). Anderson scored a team-high 21 points, while Annie Nelson grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds.
The Badgers are coached by Lisa Stone, who is in her 20th season as a collegiate head coach and her second with Wisconsin.
IOWA, WISCONSIN GAME NOTES
- Wisconsin is Iowa’s fourth and last Big Ten opponent it will only play once during the regular season. The Hawkeyes are 0-3 (Penn State, Purdue, Minnesota) against teams they only play once in the regular season.
- Two of the conference’s top freshman will be featured Sunday. Wisconsin’s Jolene Anderson leads Big Ten freshman in scoring (18.0), while Iowa’s Krista VandeVenter ranks first in rebounding (7.4).
- Three of Iowa’s next four games will be played in Carver-Hawkeye Arena (Wisconsin, Ohio State, Michigan State).
- Iowa and Wisconsin share three non-conference opponents: Iowa State, UW-Milwaukee and Marquette. The Badgers defeated UW-Milwaukee (75-66), but lost to Iowa State (88-65) and Marquette (78-64). The Hawkeyes bounced Iowa State (89-80), UW-Milwaukee (59-51) and Marquette (78-72).
- Iowa defeated Wisconsin in the first-ever game played in the Kohl Center (Jan. 20, 1998). The Hawkeyes downed the Badgers (66-63) in front of 16,296 fans.
- Iowa averaged 76.4 ppg in its last five wins over Wisconsin and boasted a winning margin of +14.2.
- Wisconsin Head Coach Lisa Stone (1980-84) and Assistant Coach Donne Freitag (1981-83) played basketball for the Hawkeyes during their collegiate careers. Stone currently ranks 16th in career scoring (1,129) and seventh in assists (322).
- Wisconsin senior Stephanie Rich hails from Crawfordsville and attended Washington High School.
- After Lisa Bluder left Drake to coach the Hawkeyes in 2000, the Bulldogs hired Lisa Stone. Stone coached three seasons in Des Moines before getting hired at Wisconsin.
- Wisconsin Assistant Coach Stephanie Schmitz played two years for Lisa Bluder at Drake.
LAST MEETING
You had to see it to believe it. Iowa overcame an eight-point deficit with 39 seconds left in regulation to defeat Wisconsin, 87-82, in improbable fashion in an overtime thriller at the Kohl Center.
Iowa trailed the Badgers by as many as 13 points with 6:49 left and six points with 20 seconds remaining in regulation. Undaunted, the Hawkeyes mounted one of the most exciting comebacks in school history. Iowa outscored Wisconsin 21-8 the final 6:36 of regulation.
Kristi Faulkner scored an astonishing 15 points (four 3-pointers, one lay-up and one free throw) in the final 1:50 of regulation to help send the game into the extra session.
A Faulkner lay-up with 29 seconds left cut the Badgers lead to six (72-66). Following a Wisconsin turnover, Faulkner drained a 3-pointer from the wing with 17 seconds left to trim the lead to three (72-69). Jennie Lillis stole Wisconsin’s inbound pass and dished the ball to an open Faulkner in the corner, who sank the game-tying triple with seven seconds left. Wisconsin had an opportunity to win the game in regulation, but a lean-in jumper by Stephanie Rich came up short.
Lindsay Richards, who was held scoreless in regulation, made two huge 3-pointers in overtime to help the Hawkeyes maintain its hot shooting. Cavey also heated up in overtime scoring six of her 17 points in the extra session. Iowa was 5-6 from the field in overtime.
Jennie Lillis scored a game and season-high 31 points (12-21 FG, 4-4 FT) and also corralled a team-high eight rebounds. The 31 points were one point shy of a career high. Her 12 field goals made matched a career high, while her 21 attempts were a career best. Lillis has scored in double figures in every game this year and 92 times in career.
Faulkner matched a career high, which she set at Wisconsin last year, with 29 points (11-21 FG, 2-4 FT). Her 11 field goals made and 21 attempted are career highs. She also played a career-high 43 minutes and drained a career-high five triples.
SCORING BY HALVES
Iowa has out-scored its opponents 669-609 in the first half, 722-705 in the second half and 14-5 in overtime. The Hawkeyes have led at halftime in 13-of-20 contests. Iowa has out-scored its opponent in the second half in 10-of-20 games.
COMPARING GAME STATS
FG% 3-PT% FT% REB AST TO PTSIowa .475 .323 .706 37.7 15.7 18.7 70.2Opp. .407 .369 .740 32.8 14.0 15.9 65.9
FRESHMAN AMONG ELITE GROUP
Krista VandeVenter leads the Hawkeyes in rebounding (7.4) through 20 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 fourth in rebounding for an Iowa freshman. The Osseo, MN, native trails Lynn Kennedy (1983-84) by five for third on the list.
IOWA’S RECORD IN GAMES DECIDED BY…
The Hawkeyes are 6-1 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 6-1 3-1 1-0 2-2 15-5
HOME, AWAY COMPARISONS
In 10 home games, Iowa has out-scored its opponent 746-642 (+10.4 margin), shooting 48.9 percent from the field and holding opponents to a 40.6 shooting percentage. Iowa also posted 175 assists to its opponents’ 129 and has attempted 95 more free throws (209-114).
In 10 games away from Iowa City, Iowa opponents have out-scored the Hawkeyes 677-659 (-1.8 margin). Opponents have recorded 109 steals to Iowa’s 78 (-3.1 margin) on the road. Also, the Hawkeyes have recorded 39 blocks to their opponents 31 away from Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Here are the home and away comparisons:
FG% 3-PT% FT% REB AST TO PTSHome .489 .350 .756 38.3 17.5 17.2 74.6Away .408 .296 .651 37.1 13.8 20.1 65.9
WINS, LOSSES COMPARISONS
In Iowa’s 15 wins, the Hawkeyes boasted a +10.8 scoring margin. Iowa averaged 73.1 ppg in its victories. The Hawkeyes also shot the ball well from the field (.485) and the charity stripe (.717). Iowa out-rebounded its opponents 595-496 in its triumphs (+6.6 margin).
In the Hawkeyes’ five defeats, Iowa converted only 67.3 percent of their free throw attempts and scored only 61.8 ppg. In addition, Iowa attempted only 49.6 field goals per game in the five losses. Opponents collected 54 steals to Iowa’s 29. Here are the wins and losses comparisons:
FG% 3-PT% FT% REB AST TO PTSWins .485 .306 .717 39.7 16.5 17.9 73.1Losses .440 .382 .673 31.8 13.2 21.0 61.8
ATTENDANCE RANKINGS
Iowa’s home attendance average (3,989) ranks 23rd nationally in the latest attendance rankings released Jan. 31. The Hawkeyes are the sixth-highest ranked Big Ten team behind No. 5 P urdue (8,406), No. 6 Penn State (8,137), No. 7 Minnesota (7,979), No. 14 Wisconsin (5,858) and No. 18 Michigan State (5,081).
CAVEY CLIMBS CAREER CHARTS
Senior Jamie Cavey has amassed 331 points through 20 games this season. The senior has totaled 1,053 career points, which ranks 18th at Iowa. Cavey is 48 points from passing Shanda Berry (1985-89) for 17th.
The Mechanicsville, IA, native has also collected 75 career blocks, which ranks eighth on Iowa’s career chart. Thirty-nine of her 75 blocks have come this season. Jennie Lillis was the last Hawkeye player to collect 39 blocks or more in a season when she rejected 40 shots during the 2002-03 season. Cavey is only four rejections from passing Lisa Long (1983-87) for seventh on the career chart. Furthermore, the senior is only 11 blocks from moving into fourth place.
Cavey also cracked the top 20 in career rebounding at Michigan State. She has totaled 404 rebounds, which ranks 18th. Cavey is 33 boards from passing Virgie Dillingham (1990-94) for 17th.
IOWA BENCH COMING THROUGH
Iowa’s bench play has been one of the keys to its 15-5 record. Iowa’s bench has outscored and out-rebounded its opponents 328-235 and 205-129, respectively. The Hawkeyes average 16.4 ppg and 10.3 rpg from their bench players. Iowa has out-scored 13-of-20 opponents in bench points.
RAINING THREES
Iowa has made at least one 3-pointer in 197 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.
ARMSTRONG STARTS FIRST CAREER GAME
Senior Jenna Arnstrong started her first collegiate game vs. Michigan on Jan. 27. Armstrong scored three points, grabbed four rebounds and collected two assists in the victory.
She 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 13 field goals the last six games, with 12 of the 13 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 11th in Big Ten 3-point field goals made (1.25) and 14th in 3-point field goal percentage (.333).
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 (36), Iowa State (29), Oklahoma (27), Creighton (53) and Marquette (59).
All five of the Hawkeyes’ losses have come against elite competition: Ohio State (5), Michigan State (8), Penn State (17) and Purdue (47).
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 20 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 7.4 boards per game and ranks sixth in the Big Ten. She also ranks second in the Big Ten in offensive rebounds (3.1). 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 7.5 ppg. The post player also ranks fourth in assists (41). She has also recorded two steals in six 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.
CAVEY ON PACE TO BREAK FG PERCENTAGE RECORDS
Jamie Cavey is on pace to break the school’s season and career field goal percentage records. Currently, Cavey is shooting 59.1 percent for the season and 58.8 for her career. Lisa Becker currently holds the season record (.584, 184-315), while Michelle Edwards holds the career mark (.535, 777-1451).
IOWA FAST BREAKS
- Iowa has controlled the opening tip in 15-of-20 games.
- Iowa’s last four road contests have come against ranked opponents (#6 Michigan State, #5 Ohio State, #23 Purdue and #14 Minnesota).
- The Hawkeyes have attempted 401 free throws compared to their opponents’ 246. Iowa has attempted 155 more free throws than its opponents, attempting 7.75 more free throws per game than its opponent.
- The Hawkeyes will play back-to-back home games vs. Ohio State (Feb. 13) and Michigan State (Feb. 17). The consecutive home games are the only two back-to-back home games during conference play and first consecutive home games played since the Hawkeyes entertained Northern Iowa (Dec. 5) and Marquette (Dec. 8).
- Iowa’s single-game season high in attendance is 5,753 (Northwestern).
- 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 19-of-20 games this year and 45 of the last 46 contests dating back to last season.
- Iowa has led at the half in 13-of-20 games.
- Iowa has held four teams to 51 points or less (Indiana — 51; UW-Milwaukee –51; Southern Illinois — 50; Northern Iowa — 50; Oklahoma — 47).
- Seventeen of Iowa’s 20 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 14-of-20 games and have shot more free throws in 19-of-20 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.
SOLVERSON CRACKS CAREER LISTS
Johanna Solverson is ranked 21st in Iowa career rebounding (362) and 14th in career steals (133). She is 22 rebounds from moving into 20th place and 14 thefts from moving into 13th.
BIG TEN RANKINGS
As a team, the Hawkeyes rank second in Big Ten field goal percentage (.475), third in offensive rebounds (12.9) and fourth in assists (15.65), scoring offense (70.2), rebounds allowed (32.8) and rebounding margin (+4.9).
Individually, Crystal Smith ranks sixth in league scoring (16.8), seventh in field goal percentage (.51910th), 10th in free throw percentage (.800) and sixth in steals (2.35). Jamie Cavey ranks seventh in scoring (16.5), 11th in rebounding (6.6), fourth in field goal percentage (.591) and blocked shots (1.95). Krista VandeVenter ranks seventh in rebounding (7.4) and second in offensive rebounds (3.1). Johanna Solverson ranks seventh in steals (2.3), fifth in assists (3.75) and 24th in scoring (11.1).
DOWN THE STRETCH
On paper, Iowa’s final seven games will be easier than its last seven. Five of its next seven contests will come against teams with and RPI ranking above 67. The Hawkeyes will face Wisconsin (102), Northwestern (136), Michigan (166), Illinois (67) and Indiana (82). Iowa’s toughest opponents will be Ohio State (5) and Michigan State (8), but play them in the friendly confines of Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
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 sixth in Big Ten in scoring (16.8), first on the team and 10th in conference free throw percentage (.800) and first on the team and sixth in league steals (2.35). The native of Haughton, LA, has netted 20 points or more six times, which ranks sixth 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 (16.5) and first on the team and fourth in the conference in field goal percentage (.591).
Cavey has scored double figures in 19-of-20 contests. Furthermore, she has scored double digits in 60 of her last 62 games, dating back to the 2002-03 season. Cavey has led Iowa in scoring five of the last six contests. She was named to the KCRG-TV9 Hawkeye Challenge and Junkanoo Jam all-Tournament teams.
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.
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.
CAVEY REACHES THE CHARITY STRIPE
Senior Jamie Cavey has attempted at least one free throw in 60 of her last 62 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 19 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.
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).
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.
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.
HY-VEE CY-HAWK SERIES
Iowa leads the inaugural Hy-Vee Cy-Hawk Series 9-6. Iowa has recorded victories in football (17-10), women’s basketball (89-80), women’s swimming and diving (214-85) and men’s basketball (70-63). Iowa State won in women’s soccer (6-1), wrestling (19-16) and women’s gymnastics (195.575-192.4).
A point system will track each institution’s performance and will culminate in one institution winning the annual trophy for the Hy-Vee Cy-Hawk Series. Intercollegiate athletic teams from Iowa and Iowa State will square off in head-to-head competition nine different times during the 2004-05 academic year. The competition this year is in men’s basketball, women’s basketball, wrestling, women’s gymnastics, women’s soccer, softball and women’s swimming and diving. Additional points will be available for each school to secure based on successful performance in the classroom by its student-athletes. Listed below is the upcoming competition schedule:
Feb. 19, W. Gymnastics — 2 points Apr. 19, Softball — 2 points 2 points for an institution if the student-athlete graduation rate for all student-athletes is greater than the national average for all student-athletes.
AFTER THIS
Iowa hits the road again when it travels to Northwestern (Feb. 10). The Hawkeyes will then return home for a pair of games vs. No. 2 Ohio State (Feb. 13) and No. 10 Michigan State (Feb. 17).