Feb. 25, 2005
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THE SETTING
Iowa (18-8, 7-8) will look to win its third consecutive game Sunday as it concludes its regular season when the Hawkeyes travel to Bloomington, IN, to face the Indiana Hoosiers (10-16, 3-12). Tip-off is slated for 5:05 p.m. (CST) in Assembly Hall (17,357). Sunday’s game will be Indiana’s fourth consecutive home contest and will be “Senior Night” for two student-athletes. Iowa has not won three straight contests since December.
Both teams have already secured positions in next week’s Big Ten Tournament. The Hawkeyes will be the sixth seed, while the Hoosiers will be the ninth seed.
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.
IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 872 games since beginning basketball in 1974. Overall, Iowa’s record is 532-340 (.610). That includes a 283-152 (.651) mark in Big Ten games and a 237-58 (.803) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
BIG TEN TOURNAMENT TALK
Iowa has secured the sixth seed in the Big Ten Tournament, March 3-7, in Indianapolis. The Hawkeyes will play 11th-seeded Michigan, Thursday, March 3 at 7 p.m. (CST). It marks the first time Iowa will be the sixth seed in the conference tournament and the first time the Hawkeyes will meet Michigan in the league tournament.
Five other schools have already locked up positions in the tournament: Minnesota (4), Purdue (5), Indiana (9), Northwestern (10) and Michigan (11). In addition to the Iowa vs. Michigan match-up, there is one other game that has been determined, (4) Minnesota vs. (5) Purdue.
RPI RANKINGS
Iowa ranks No. 35 in the RPI ranking and No. 40 in strength of schedule. Indiana ranks No. 92 in the RPI and No. 19 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 (7), Minnesota (14), Penn State (22), Iowa (35) and Purdue (43).
The rankings are updated daily on: http://www.collegerpi.com/women/05/rpi.html
RAINING THREES
Iowa has made at least one 3-pointer in 203 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.
HAWKEYES RANK HIGH NATIONALLY
As of games played through Feb. 21, Iowa ranks 11th nationally in least fouls per game (13.8), 14th in field goal percentage (.458), 38th in rebounding margin (+5.3) and 49th in scoring offense (69.6). Individually, Jamie Cavey ranks 17th in field goal percentage (.562).
NUMBER OF THE WEEK – – 3
Abby Emmert was a perfect 3-3 from 3-point range in Thursday’s 24-point triumph over Illinois. The freshman scored a career-high nine points. The nine points are four more points than she had combined in the previous 13 conference games played. In addition, she had only attempted one 3-pointer all season prior to Thursday night’s 3-3 performance.
LAST TIME OUT
Iowa won its second straight conference game for the first time since the Hawkeyes won its first two league contests with a 24-point victory (87-63) over Illinois Thursday night in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The triumph was Iowa’s largest during conference play and secured the Hawkeyes the sixth seed in the Big Ten Tournament.
The Hawkeyes were led by a pair of seniors, who played their final regular season home game in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Jamie Cavey tallied 15 points and eight rebounds, while Jenna Arnstrong netted 10 points and dished out three assists. The senior duo combined to shoot 78.6 percent (11-14) from the field in helping the Hawkeyes shoot a season-high 61.5 percent (32-52) from the floor. Iowa also drained a season-high 11 triples, including four by junior Crystal Smith who finished with a game-high 22 points.
Both teams exchanged early baskets before the Hawkeyes took command. Iowa led 22-15 with 12:49 left before Iowa went on a 30-10 run to close the first half and start the second to grab a commfortable 27-point cushion (52-25). The Hawkeyes led by as many as 28 points twice in the second half.
In addition to Iowa’s two seniors, a pair of freshmen also helped propel Iowa to victory. Krista VandeVenter notched her second career double-double, netting 12 points and hauling in a game-high 11 rebounds. Abby Emmert scored a career-high nine points on a perfect 3-3 shooting from beyond the arc. The nine points are four more than she had combined in the previous 13 conference games played. In addition, she had only attempted one 3-pointer all season prior to Thursday night’s 3-3 performance.
Illinois was led by Tiffanie Guthrie, who tallied 21 points and seven rebounds. Angelina Williams netted 17 points, but was only 7-24 shooting from the field and 3-10 from beyond the arc.
FINAL GAME NOTES
- Iowa’s bench out-scored Illinois by 18 points (21-3).
- Iowa out-rebounded Illinois by six (38-32), despit having only seven offensive rebounds.
- The Hawkeys converted 61.1 percent (11-18) of their 3-point attempts, which ranks second in a single-game percentage behind their 62.5 percent (5-8) performance at Creighton.
- Iowa totaled 20 assists, while Illinois only collected seven.
- The Hawkeyes only turned the ball over 13 times, which is six under their season average.
- Both teams were 12-17 from the charity stripe, marking the first Iowa game this season both squads finished with the exact number of free throws attempted and percentage.
- Walk-on Ebone Pope played in her sixth game of the year. She had one shot attempt in the final seconds, but missed.
- The Hawkeyes improved to 5-0 when Bryan Enterline is one of the three officials. Enterline called Iowa’s first four games of the season, including both in the Bahamas. Enterline’s daughter, Leah, is a sophomore for Indiana, which is the Hawkeyes’ next opponent.
ALL-TIME SERIES RECORDS
Sunday will mark the 47th meeting between Iowa and Indiana. The Hawkeyes lead the all-time series 34-12, including a 12-8 advantage in games played in Assembly Hall.
The Hawkeyes have won the last three overall meetings and 15 of the last 18. Iowa defeated Indiana (62-51) on Dec. 30, in both teams’ first conference game of the 2004-05 season. Indiana’s last victory over Iowa came on Feb. 13, 2003 in Bloomington when the Hooisers won 89-68. The 89 points were the most Iowa ever yielded against Indiana in Assembly Hall.
There have been two overtime games played in the series, with both teams winning one.
ON THIS DATE
Iowa is 2-2 in games played on February 27, including dropping its last two. The Hawkeyes have never played Indiana on this date.
SCOUTING INDIANA
Indiana enters Sunday’s game on a three-game losing streak, falling to Texas A&M-CC (59-49), Purdue (62-58, ot) and No. 12 Minnesota (52-35). The Hoosiers’ three league wins came over Northwestern (twice) and Wisconsin. Indiana is 7-6 in overall home games and 2-5 in conference home contests.
Indiana will be honoring two seniors before Sunday’s game, LeeAnn Stephenson and Jamie Gathing. Jenny DeMuth is also a senior but injured her knee prior to the season and will return as a redshirt-senior in 2005-06.
In its last game, Indiana trailed Minnesota by only three points (27-24) at halftime. The Hoosiers were plagued by poor second half shooting, converting only 11.1 percent (3-27) from the field. For the game, Indiana made only one 3-pointer (1-11, .091). No Hoosier scored double figures in the loss. Jamey Chapman matched season high with eight points, while Anglea Hawkings pulled down a team-high eight rebounds. Minnesota’s Jamie Broback recorded a double-double, posting game highs in points (15) and boards (10).
Indiana ranks first in the Big Ten in field goal percentage defense (.362) and 3-point field goal percentage defense (.362) and third in scoring defense (55.3). The Hoosiers rank 11th in scoring offense (50.8), field goal percentage (.345), steals (6.46), assists (10.0) and assist/turnover ratio (0.66). Cyndi Valentin ranks 11th in the Big Ten in overall scoring (15.4) and sixth in free throw percentage (.824). Hawkins ranks eighth in rebounding (6.8).
The Hoosiers are coached by Kathi Bennett, who is in her 17th year as a head coach and her fifth at Indiana. Bennett has guided the Hoosiers to a 72-72 (.500) record over the past five seasons.
IOWA, INDIANA GAME NOTES
- Sunday’s game is pushed back to a 5:05 p.m. (CST) tip-off due to Indiana hosting Michigan State in men’s basketball at 11 a.m. (CST).
- Indiana packed in 10,022 fans in its overtime loss to Purdue last Sunday.
- This year marks the second straight season Iowa closes its regular season on the road. Last season, the Hawkeyes played at Illinois (W, 89-64).
- Indiana senior Jenny DeMuth, who earned pre-season all-Big Ten laurels, suffered an ACL injury at “Midnight Madness” on Oct. 16 and has been sidelined for the entire season. Iowa junior Lindsay Richards suffered her second ACL injury last summer and is also sidelined for the enitre season. Both student-athletes will return next year.
- Iowa’s Jamie Cavey netted a then-career-high 25 points (8-15 FG, 9-9 FT), a team-high eight rebounds and a career-best six assists in last year’s win at Indiana. Cavey’s pefect 9-9 shooting from the foul line was also a career best for free throws made and percentage.
- Head Coaches Lisa Bluder (Drake) and Kathi Bennett (Evansville) both coached in the Missouri Valley Conference. In fact, the coaching duo is two of four Big Ten coaches who formerly mentored in the MVC (Cheryl Burnett — SMS and Lisa Stone — Drake).
COMPARING GAME STATS
FG% 3-PT% FT% REB AST TO PTSIowa .464 .337 .717 38.0 16.1 18.7 70.3Opp. .413 .360 .7123 32.7 14.0 16.2 65.5
LAST MEETING
Crystal Smith scored 24 points and No. 18 Iowa extended its best start in 17 years, beating Indiana 62-51 in the teams’ Big Ten opener.
Jamie Cavey added 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Hawkeyes (12-0), while Johanna Solverson finished with 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Only the 1987-88 Iowa team, which won its first 22 games, has started better than these Hawkeyes.
Iowa had trouble shaking Indiana early, then took control with a 29-9 run at the end of the first half and start of the second.
Cyndi Valentin led Indiana (7-4) with 15 points, and Leah Enterline scored 14. The Hoosiers shot just 26.7 percent (8-for-30) in the first half and 31.3 percent overall.
Playing aggressive defense, Iowa came up with 11 steals, including six by Smith.
Smith’s driving layup with 8 seconds left in the half made it 35-23, and Iowa outscored Indiana 14-5 in the first four minutes of the second half to increase its lead to 21.
Indiana closed within 51-43 on Valentin’s basket midway through the second half, but Tiffany Reedy made four straight free throws and Smith hit a layup to put the Hawkeyes back in control.
SCORING BY HALVES
Iowa has out-scored its opponents 864-792 in the first half, 950-906 in the second half and 14-5 in overtime. The Hawkeyes have led at halftime in 15-of-26 contests. Iowa has out-scored its opponent in the second half in 13-of-26 games.
HEAD OF THE CLASS
Jamie Cavey leads Big Ten seniors in field goal percentage (.567). Crystal Smith leads conference juniors in scoring (16.5) and field goal percentage (.502), while Johanna Solverson leads league juniors in assists (4.15). Krista VandeVenter leads league freshman in rebounding (7.4).
HOME, AWAY COMPARISONS
In 14 home games, Iowa out-scored its opponents 1,031-927 (+7.4 margin), shooting 47.4 percent from the field and holding opponents to a 42.5 shooting percentage. Iowa also posted 244 assists to its opponents’ 184 and attempted 98 more free throws (278-180). Iowa converted 75.5 percent of its free throws at home, while only 66.8 percent on the road.
In 12 games away from Iowa City, Iowa has out-scored its opponents 797-776 (+1.8 margin). Opponents have recorded 125 steals to Iowa’s 100 (-2.08 margin) on the road. Also, the Hawkeyes have recorded 44 blocks to their opponents 38 away from Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa has posted 4.17 more turnovers per game than its opponents on the road. Here are the home and away comparisons:
FG% 3-PT% FT% REB AST TO PTSHome .474 .359 .755 37.6 17.4 17.6 73.6Away .452 .307 .668 38.5 14.5 19.9 66.4
WINS, LOSSES COMPARISONS
In Iowa’s 18 wins, the Hawkeyes boasted a +12.5 scoring margin. Iowa averaged 73.6 ppg in its victories. The Hawkeyes also shot the ball well from the field (.483), while Hawkeye opponents have not (.376). Iowa out-rebounded its opponents 724-590 in its triumphs (+7.4 margin). Iowa attempted 138 more free throws (+7.67 margin) in its victories.
In the Hawkeyes’ eight defeats, Iowa converted only 41.6 percent of their field goal attempts and scored only 63.4 ppg. In addition, Iowa turned the ball over 20.8 times in the eight setbacks. Opponents collected 91 steals to Iowa’s 52. Here are the wins and losses comparisons:
FG% 3-PT% FT% REB AST TO PTSWins .483 .335 .722 40.2 16.8 17.7 73.6Losses .416 .341 .705 33.0 14.4 20.8 63.4
IOWA’S RECORD IN GAMES DECIDED BY…
The Hawkeyes are 5-1 in games decided by 11-20 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 6-4 3-1 3-0 3-2 18-8
FRESHMAN AMONG ELITE GROUP
Krista VandeVenter leads the Hawkeyes in rebounding (7.4) through 26 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 second in rebounding for an Iowa freshman (193). She is 44 rebounds behind Haugejorde for first (237).
VandeVenter has pulled down 193 rebounds in 26 games, which eclipses Iowa’s team-leader Jennie Lillis’ 180 in 29 games last season.
CAVEY CLIMBS CAREER CHARTS
Senior Jamie Cavey has amassed 429 points through 26 contests this season. The senior has totaled 1,149 career points, which ranks 14th at Iowa. Cavey is only 12 points from passing Tia Jackson (1990-95) for 13th.
The Mechanicsville, IA, native has also collected 83 career blocks, which ranks fifth on Iowa’s career chart. Forty-seven of her 83 blocks have come this season. Jennie Lillis was the last Hawkeye player to collect 40 rejections or more in a season when she blocked 40 during the 2002-03 season. Cavey is only three swats from moving into fourth place.
Cavey also cracked the top 20 in career rebounding at Michigan State. She has totaled 447 rebounds, which ranks 17th. Cavey is 36 boards from passing Michelle Edwards (1984-88) for 16th.
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
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”.
Iowa’s quality wins include: Iowa State (34), Oklahoma (36), Florida (38), Marquette (69) and Creighton (70).
The numbers in parentheses represent the respective team’s RPI ranking.
BLOCK PARTY
Senior Jamie Cavey has rejected 47 shots this season, a total that ranks sixth in a single-season at Iowa. She is only one block from moving past Toni Foster (1991-92) for fifth place.
ARMSTRONG MAKES MOST OF STARTING OPPORTUNITY
Senior Jenna Arnstrong has started the last eight games and has averaged 8.67 ppg the last six starts, including posting 11 points vs. No. 2 Ohio State and 10 against Illinois.
She 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 30 field goals the last 12 games, with 23 of the 30 coming from beyond the arc. She tallied eight points at Michigan State, nine vs. Northwestern, 13 vs. Wisconsin, seven at Northwestern, 11 vs. No. 2 Ohio State and netted all eight of her points in the second half in Iowa’s comeback victory at Michigan.
The native of Stockton, MO, ranks 10th in Big Ten 3-point field goals made (1.38) and 11th in 3-point field goal percentage (.340).
CAVEY ON PACE TO BREAK FG PERCENTAGE RECORD
Jamie Cavey is on pace to break the school’s career field goal percentage record. Currently, Cavey is shooting .579 (451-779) for her career. Michelle Edwards holds the career mark (.535, 777-1451).
SOLVERSON CRACKS CAREER LISTS
Johanna Solverson ranks 21st in Iowa career rebounding (383), 14th in career steals (144) and 13th in assists (256). She is only one rebound from moving into 20th place, three thefts from moving into 13th and seven helpers from moving into 12th.
ATTENDANCE RANKINGS
Iowa’s home attendance average (4,083) ranks 25th nationally in the latest attendance rankings released Feb. 21. The Hawkeyes are the seventh-highest ranked Big Ten team behind No. 5 Minnesota (8,799), No. 6 Penn State State (8,665), No. 7 Purdue (8,456), No. 14 Wisconsin (6,100), No. 15 Michigan State (5,913) and No. 23 Ohio State (4,369).
The Hawkeyes averaged 4,134 fans for 13 games last season.
VANDEVENTER CLEANS THE GLASS
Krista VandeVenter has been Iowa’s leading rebounder in 14 of its 26 games, including the first five contests of the season. VandeVenter pulled down 11 rebounds vs. Oklahoma (11/27) and Illinois (2/24) and a career-high 14 at Creighton (12/10). 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 (2.92). 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 at Michigan, 12 vs. Illinois and at Purdue and a career-best 19 on 8-11 FG and 3-5 from the charity stripe at Creighton. VandeVenter averages 7.7 ppg. The post player also ranks fourth in assists (56). She has also recorded two steals in nine games.
SHARING THE WEALTH
Iowa’s triangle offense generates many assists. The Hawkeyes have three players who average 2.27 assists or more. Small forward Johanna Solverson (4.15) leads the team, followed by shooting guard Crystal Smith (2.58) and center Jamie Cavey (2.27).
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 had single games with Penn State, Minnesota, Purdue and Wisconsin. Iowa traveled to Minneapolis and West Lafayette, while the Lady Lions and Badgers visited Iowa City. Iowa went 0-4 vs. the teams it played only once.
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 BENCH PRODUCES
Iowa’s bench play has been one of the keys to its 18-8 record. Iowa’s bench has outscored and out-rebounded its opponents 400-334 and 262-175, respectively. The Hawkeyes average 15.3 ppg and 10.1 rpg from their bench players. Iowa has out-scored 14-of-26 opponents in bench points.
BIG TEN RANKINGS
As a team, the Hawkeyes rank third in Big Ten field goal percentage (.464), offensive rebounds (13.31), scoring offense (70.3) and assists (16.08), fourth in rebounds (38.0), rebounds allowed (32.7) and rebounding margin (+5.3).
Individually, Crystal Smith ranks sixth in league scoring (16.5), eighth in field goal percentage (.502) and 3-point field goals made (1.46), fourth in steals (2.23), seventh in free throw percentage (.814). Jamie Cavey ranks seventh in scoring (16.4), ninth in rebounding (6.7), third in field goal percentage (.567) and fourth in blocked shots (1.81). Krista VandeVenter ranks sixth in rebounding (7.4) and second in offensive rebounds (2.92). Johanna Solverson ranks fifth in steals (2.19), fourth in assists (4.15) and 24th in scoring (10.8).
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.
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 eighth in Big Ten in scoring (16.3), first on the team and eighth in conference free throw percentage (.815) and first on the team and seventh in league steals (2.24). The native of Haughton, LA, has netted 20 points or more seven times, which ranks seventh 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 third in the conference in field goal percentage (.562).
Cavey has scored double figures in 23-of-25 contests. Furthermore, she has scored double digits in 65 of her last 67 games, dating back to the 2002-03 season. Cavey has led Iowa in scoring eight of the last 10 contests. She was named to the KCRG-TV9 Hawkeye Challenge and Junkanoo Jam all-Tournament teams.
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 26 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.
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.
“There’s a big difference between being able to participate and being able to compete,” commented Richards. “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.
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.
CAVEY NAMED TO “WATCH LIST”
Senior Jamie Cavey is one of 36 female student-athletes named to the Collegiate Basketball Award of Excellence “Watch List”.
The award honors college seniors for their athletic and academic achievement as well as their community involvement. The award will be presented at the end of the 2004-05 season on April 12, in Albuquerque, NM.
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).
AFTER THIS
The Hawkeyes will play Michigan in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament, Thursday, March 3 at 7 p.m. (CST). The game will be televised live on FSN Chicago.