Hawkeyes Travel to Iowa State Friday

Dec. 8, 2005

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THE SETTING
Iowa (7-2) continues its in-state series Friday, Dec. 9, traveling to Ames to face Iowa State (5-2) as part of the second annual Hy-Vee Cy-Hawk Series. Game time is 7:05 p.m. at Hilton Coliseum (14,092). Iowa is 7-2 after a 67-63 overtime loss at Northern Iowa Tuesday evening. Iowa State improved to 5-2 with an 89-74 win at Drake Monday night.

ON THE AIR
Radio: Iowa games are broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network. Gary Dolphin handles the play-by-play with color commentator Bob Hansen. The Hawkeye Radio Network coverage includes a 60-minute pre-game show. Television: ESPN Regional will telecast the game to a network of stations that includes WOI Des Moines, KCRG Cedar Rapids, WBDQ Quad Cities, and KYOU Ottumwa, along with the following cable systems, Lakes Cable, Premier Communications, Siebring Cable, Cable One (Sioux City), Mediacom and Clear Lakes Cable in Mason City/Rochester. Dave Armstrong and Paul Splittorff will call the action.

IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,352 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Overall Iowa’s record is 1,403-949 (.597). That includes an 877-306 (.741) record in home games, a 525-643 (.449) record in games away from Iowa City, a 664-653 (.504) mark in Big Ten games and a 283-80 (.780) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

IN THE RANKINGS
Iowa is ranked 12th by the Associated Press and 13th in the ESPN/USA Today coaches poll. Iowa’s current ranking is its highest ranking since early in the 2001-02 season. Iowa, that season, moved as high as seventh (Nov. 26) in the Associated Press rankings and eighth (Nov. 19) in the coaches poll. Iowa was ranked for nine consecutive weeks during the 2005 season, moving as high as 14th in both polls. This marks the first time the Hawkeyes opened the season in the top 25 since 2001-02. Iowa, that season, was eighth in the first coaches poll and ninth in the Associated Press rankings.

IOWA IN CARVER-HAWKEYE ARENA
Iowa has compiled a 283-80 (.780) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa is 132-67 (.663) in Big Ten games and 151-13 (.921) in non-Big Ten games. Iowa has drawn over five million fans for men’s basketball games since the arena opened in 1983. Iowa has posted a 75-25 (.750) home record under Coach Steve Alford, including a 48-4 (.923) mark in non-conference home games.

THE HY-VEE CY-HAWK SERIES
Iowa won the initial Cy-Hawk series a year ago, but Iowa State has taken a 5-2 lead this season on the strength of wins in football and women’s soccer. Iowa earned its two points with a win on the wrestling mats. The women’s teams meet Thursday, Dec. 8 and the women’s swimming and diving meet is also on Friday, Dec. 9. The football game is worth three points, while all other events are two points.

KNEE INJURY SIDELINES HORNER
University of Iowa senior guard Jeff Horner suffered a partially torn posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Iowa’s game at Northern Iowa Dec. 6. The Mason City native is expected to be out of action for a minimum of two weeks. Horner suffered the injury late in the contest as he was driving to the basket. He was fouled and made two free throws while staying in the game momentarily, but soon was forced out of action and did not play in the overtime period. “I’m happy and relieved to say that the injury isn’t as serious as we might have feared Tuesday night,” said Horner. “We’re encouraged with the MRI results and looking forward to the rehab process and getting back on the court.” Horner has played in all 102 Iowa games over the past four seasons, missing just one start. He surpassed 500 career assists in the game at Northern Iowa and ranks fourth in career assists. Horner ranks 15th in career scoring with 1,203 points and ranks among Iowa’s career leaders in three-point field goals and three-point attempts. Horner through nine games is averaging 12 points and 6.6 assists per outing, leading the Big Ten Conference in assists and ranking second in free throw percentage (.906).

IOWA PROGRAM REACHES 1,400 WINS
The Iowa basketball program reached 1,400 wins (now at 1,403) with a 79-46 victory over Texas-San Antonio on Nov. 26. Iowa is one of 34 NCAA Division I programs with as many as 1,400 wins. Iowa’s basketball history includes 71 winning seasons and 22 years in which the Hawkeyes have won 20 or more games. Iowa (with 21) is one of 31 programs to earn more than 20 invitations (Iowa has 21) into the NCAA Tournament.

TWO NOMINATED FOR SENIOR CLASS AWARD
Iowa seniors Greg Brunner and Jeff Horner are two of 30 seniors from Division I basketball programs around the nation who have been named as candidates for the Bayer Advantage Senior CLASS Award. The award, now in its fifth year, is presented annually to the nation’s senior player-of-the-year. CLASS is an acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School. The award was launched during the 2001-02 season in response to the trend of college players leaving college early to turn professional. The nomination of Brunner, from Charles City, and Horner, from Mason City, make Iowa one of seven programs to have two candidates among the list of 30 players. Sportscaster Dick Enberg, who initiated the idea for the award and now serves as honorary Chairman, will announce the winner during the CBS telecast of the NCAA Men’s Final Four in April.

IOWA OPPONENTS RANKED
Six teams on Iowa’s 2005-06 schedule were in the initial national rankings, including both opponents who reached the semi-finals of the Guardians Classic. Texas was ranked second by the AP and third by the coaches, Michigan State fourth by the AP and fifth by the coaches, Kentucky ninth and10th, Illinois 17th in both, Indiana 23rd and 22nd and Iowa State 25th and 23rd. Additionally, five Hawkeye opponents were listed among teams receiving votes, including North Carolina State (ranked 21st at the time of Iowa’s win on 11/30/05), Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan and Northern Iowa. The Hawkeyes will play 10 games against the six rated opponents and a total of 16 games against opponents who were either ranked or receiving votes in the pre-season rankings.

IOWA COACH Steve Alford
Steve Alford (pronounced ALL-ford) is in his seventh season as the head coach at the University of Iowa and his 15th season as a college head coach. Alford holds a career record of 273-162 (.628), including a 117-85 (.579) record at Iowa, a 78-29 (.729) record in four seasons (1992-95) at Div. III Manchester College and a four-year record (1996-99) of 78-48 (.619) at Southwest Missouri State. Alford ranks fourth among Iowa’s head basketball coaches in total wins. He is 41-55 (.427) in Big Ten games. Alford is 8-6 in the NCAA Tournament (3-3 in Division I and 5-3 in Division III) and 2-4 in the NIT. His record in the Big Ten Tournament is 10-5 in six seasons and his 10 wins rank as the most among all Big Ten coaches in the event. Iowa won the tournament in 2001, returned to the title game in 2002 and just missed the championship game in 2005. Alford led Iowa into the second round of the 2001 NCAA Tournament in his second season and the Hawkeyes returned to the NCAA Tournament in 2005. Iowa advanced to the NIT in 2002, 2003 and 2004. Alford led Southwest Missouri State to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 1999 and in 1995 Manchester advanced to the NCAA championship game before suffering its first defeat of the season. Alford is a 1987 graduate of Indiana, where he led the Hoosiers to the 1987 NCAA title. Alford was a member of the 1984 U. S. Olympic team that earned the Gold Medal and he was the 26th player selected in the NBA Draft following his senior season. Alford played four seasons in the NBA before beginning his coaching career. At Indiana, Alford started 120 of 125 games in four seasons. He served as team captain in 1987 when the Hoosiers were 30-4. Steve concluded his college career as Indiana’s all-time scoring leader with 2,438 points and he holds the Indiana record for career steals with 178. He was a consensus first team All-American and the Big Ten MVP as a senior. Alford is a member of the Manchester College M Association Hall of Fame and the Indiana University Athletics Hall of Fame. In 2001 he was named one of the “Top 50 Athletes” in the history of the state of Indiana and was selected as a member of the 15-man Indiana University all-Century team. In 2004 he was one of five players selected to ESPN’s Big Ten Conference Silver Anniversary team. Alford holds a 4-3 record vs. Iowa State and a 3-1 record vs. ISU Coach Wayne Morgan.

ISU COACH WAYNE MORGAN
Wayne Morgan is in his third season as the head coach at Iowa State and his ninth season overall as a head coach. Morgan has led the Cyclones to a 44-27 mark and his career record stands at 135-111. He led the Cyclones to a 19-12 record a year ago and a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Morgan compiled a 91-84 record in six seasons as the head coach at Long Beach State (1997-02) and he served as an assistant at Iowa State for one season before taking the head position. At Long Beach State he led his 1999-00 team to a first place finish in the Western Division of the Big West Conference while earning an NIT bid. He was the 2000 NABC District 15 Coach of the Year. Before taking over at Long Beach State Morgan served as an assistant at Syracuse (1984-96), Xavier (1979-84), Dartmouth College (1975-79) and Ithaca College (1973-74). He served one season (1974-75) as the head coach at Dutchess (NY) Community College. He is a graduate of St. Lawrence University. Morgan is 1-1 vs. Iowa and 1-3 vs. Hawkeye Coach Steve Alford.

ALFORD MOVES TO FOURTH
Coach Steve Alford has collected 117 victories as Iowa’s head coach, a total that ranks Alford fourth on Iowa’s list of coaches in career wins. Alford recently moved past Bucky O’Connor, Iowa’s head coach from 1952-58 (he also was Iowa’s head coach for 11 games in 1950), who earned 114 wins as Iowa’s basketball coach. Iowa’s top three coaches in career wins are Tom Davis (269), Lute Olson (168) and Rollie Williams (139).

THESE COACHES HAVE MET
Iowa Coach Steve Alford and Iowa State Coach Wayne Morgan faced each other as head coaches on two occasions before meeting in their current positions. Both of the previous meetings came when Alford was the head coach at Southwest Missouri State and Morgan was the head coach at Long Beach State. Southwest Missouri State defeated Long Beach State on two occasions in which there was an Alford vs. Morgan coaching match-up. The Bears earned a 90-75 win on Jan. 9, 1997 at Long Beach and won again at Southwest Missouri State by an 80-52 margin on Dec. 12, 1998.

THEY ALSO MET IN TITLE GAME
Iowa Coach Steve Alford, as a player at Indiana, helped the Hoosiers win the 1987 NCAA national title with a 74-73 win over Syracuse. Iowa State Coach Wayne Morgan was an assistant on the Syracuse coaching staff at that time. Alford scored 23 points in that contest, including an NCAA-record seven three-pointers, while earning a spot on the Final Four all-tournament team.

THE SERIES
Iowa holds a 40-18 advantage in the series that began with a 30-27 Hawkeye win in 1910. Iowa took a 70-63 win in Iowa City last season and Iowa State won 84-76 in Ames in 2004. The teams split two games in 2003. That marked the first time since 1921 that the teams met twice in the same season and it was the first time the teams met in post-season action. Iowa has won four of the last six meetings and six of the last nine. Just seven of the last 16 games, including the last four in a row, have had a final margin of eight points or less. The visiting team has won seven of the last 12 meetings. Iowa holds a 16-13 margin in games played in Ames and the Hawkeyes have won on four of their last six visits to Hilton Coliseum.

IN-STATE SERIES CONTINUES
Iowa State concludes its participation in the in-state series, having already defeated Northern Iowa 68-61 in Ames and Drake 89-74 in Des Moines. The Hawkeyes lost 67-63 in overtime at Northern Iowa earlier this week and host Drake Dec. 20. Northern Iowa and Drake will meet twice in January, meeting in Cedar Falls Jan. 21 and Des Moines Jan. 28. Iowa won the mythical state title last season for the first time since the 2000-01 season.

COACH ALFORD VS. ISU
Iowa Coach Steve Alford played two games against Iowa State during his Indiana playing career. In 1985 the Hoosiers won 69-67 in Ames and the following season Indiana won 86-65 in Bloomington. Alford in the first meeting had 22 points and five rebounds, while the following year he had 24 points and six rebounds.

IOWA, ISU NOTES

• Iowa’s all-time record against current members of the Big 12 Conference is 87-46, including a 68-59 loss earlier this season to second-ranked Texas in the finals of the Guardians Classic.
• Iowa State is 45-89 all-time against current members of the Big Ten Conference.
• Iowa junior Adam Haluska began his college career at Iowa State, averaging 9.2 points per game while earning a spot on the Big 12 Conference all-Freshman team.
• Iowa sophomore Alex Thompson and ISU freshman Ross Marsden were prep teammates at Ames HS.
• Iowa junior Kurt Looby, who is redshirting, and ISU junior Jessan Gray were junior college teammates at Tyler, TX CC.
• Iowa’s 16-man roster includes 10 players from the state of Iowa. Iowa State’s roster of 17 players includes seven players from the state of Iowa.
• Iowa and Iowa State have played one common opponent. Iowa State defeated Northern Iowa 68-61 in Ames, while Iowa lost to the Panthers 67-63 in overtime in Cedar Falls.

A YEAR AGO
Iowa scored a 70-63 decision over Iowa State last Dec. 10 in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes never trailed in the contest and held on at the end after ISU had pulled to within one, 61-60, with just over two minutes to play. Greg Brunner scored on a driving lay-up for a three point advantage and two free throws by Adam Haluska gave Iowa a 65-60 cushion with 40 seconds remaining. Brunner sealed the win with a steal and a free throw with 12 seconds to play and Jeff Horner added two free throws with seven seconds to play for the final margin. The game was tied three times in the first half before Iowa went to the break with a 34-32 advantage. Iowa then scored the first seven points of the second half and went on to lead by as many as 11 points with 10 minutes remaining before Iowa State rallied at the end. Both teams shot less than 40% from the field. Iowa shot just 23.5% (4-17) from three-point range, but the Cyclones failed to connect on any of their six three-point attempts. Iowa held a 22-17 advantage at the free throw line, but ISU won the rebounding battle, 47-39. Iowa came up with eight steals while forcing 16 ISU turnovers and the Hawkeyes had just 10 turnovers and blocked eight shots. Haluska led Iowa’s balanced scoring attack with 20 points, including 4-8 treys. Pierre Pierce added 15 points, Horner scored 12 and Brunner 11. Brunner led both teams with 13 rebounds, Horner contributed seven assists and Hansen added a career-best seven blocked shots. Iowa State was led by

IOWA WINS OWN CHALLENGE
Iowa won its own Hawkeye Challenge last weekend with victories over Fairfield (75-59) and Valparaiso (72-59). The Hawkeyes have won their own tournament 23 times in the 24-year history of the event. Seniors Greg Brunner and Jeff Horner, along with junior Adam Haluska, were named to the all-tournament team, with Horner earned the Most Valuable Player award.

IOWA SECOND IN GUARDIANS CLASSIC
Iowa made its second appearance in the Guardians Classic and was runner-up for the second time in five seasons. The Hawkeyes, in 2001, defeated Maryland-Eastern Shore (89-59), Boston University (90-61) and Memphis (75-71) before a 78-77 last-second loss to Missouri in the title game. This season the Hawkeyes defeated Maryland-Eastern Shore, Colgate and Kentucky before falling to Texas in the title game. Junior Adam Haluska was named to the all-tournament team in Kansas City, while senior Greg Brunner was named the Outstanding Player in the Iowa City regional portion of the event.

BRUNNER JOINS TOP TEN
Senior forward Greg Brunner has raised his career rebounding total to 757, a total that ranks 10th on Iowa’s career list. Brunner also ranks 22nd in career scoring (1,171) and is ninth (89) in career blocked shots. Brunner had his third double-double of the season at Northern Iowa (26 points, 10 rebounds), giving him 23 in his career. He leads the team in both scoring (15.1) and rebounding (9.0).

HORNER OVER 500 ASSISTS
Senior guard Jeff Horner has become just the fourth Iowa player ever to total over 500 assists. Horner ranks fourth in career assists with 501, he ranks 15th in career scoring (1,203) and he has 473 rebounds. In career numbers, Horner also ranks third in three-point field goals (207) and second in three-point attempts (563). Horner needs just four steals to move into Iowa’s top 10 in that category.

IOWA FALLS IN OT AT NORTHERN IOWA
Northern Iowa outscored the Hawkeyes 11-7 in overtime, taking a 67-63 win at the UNI-Dome Tuesday night. The game was even throughout, especially in the second half. Iowa led by as many as nine points in the opening half and held a 31-24 halftime advantage. Northern Iowa closed the gap early in the second half, but never took the lead until the last few minutes. Iowa’s Greg Brunner gave his team a 54-53 lead with 1:56 to play before the Panthers took a 56-54 advantage on a three-point basket. Brunner added two free throws with 41 seconds to play to knot the score at 56 and the teams headed to overtime after UNI missed two potential game-winning shots in the final seconds. Mike Henderson scored Iowa’s first four points in the overtime period, giving the Hawkeyes a 60-59 advantage. After UNI took the lead on another three-point basket, the Hawkeyes were unable to score again until the Panthers had built a 65-60 margin. Brunner added a three-pointer with 14 seconds to play to cut the margin to two, but the Panthers made their final two free throws to secure the win. Brunner led Iowa with his third double-double of the season, collecting a season-high 26 points and 10 rebounds. Jeff Horner added 10 points before leaving the game late in regulation with an injury. Adam Haluska led Iowa with three assists and three steals, while Erek Hansen added eight points and four blocked shots.

SHARING THE HONORS
Iowa’s players have been sharing the honors this season. Senior forward Greg Brunner was named the Most Outstanding Player as Iowa opened the season with two wins in the regional rounds of the Guardians Classic. At the Classic finals, where the Hawkeyes defeated Kentucky before losing to Texas in the championship game, junior guard Adam Haluska was named to the all-Tournament team after scoring 23 points vs. the Longhorns. Last week as Iowa won its own Hawkeye Challenge, senior guard Jeff Horner earned tournament MVP honors as Brunner and Haluska were named to the all-tournament team as well. Horner recorded a scoring and assist (12-10) double-double vs. Fairfield and added 19 points against Valparaiso. Brunner had 23 points and 11 rebounds vs. Fairfield and nine points and 13 rebounds vs. Valparaiso. Haluska, in the two games, totaled 25 points and 11 rebounds.

SEASON HIGHS LIFT HAWKEYES
Senior Erek Hansen and junior Mike Henderson played key rolls as Iowa defeated Fairfield and Valparaiso last weekend to win the Hawkeye Challenge. In the win over Fairfield, Hansen matched his career-high with seven blocked shots and added eight points and six rebounds in the win over Fairfield. He added six points, five rebounds and three blocks in the win over Valpo. Through eight games, Hansen is averaging 6.4 points and 5.1 rebounds and he leads the Big Ten with 2.9 blocked shots per game. Henderson played a key role in the championship game win over Valpo, matching his season scoring high with 15 points, hitting 5-6 field goals and 4-5 free throws. Henderson also had six rebounds and five assists. During a key stretch in the second half he scored seven straight Hawkeye points as Iowa increased its lead from three to eight points. Henderson is averaging 8.1 points and 4.4 rebounds per outing through eight games, improving his shooting to 48.7% from the field and 78.1% from the free throw line.

HALUSKA STREAK AMONG LONGEST
Junior guard Adam Haluska has started all 73 games he has played in his career, Haluska’s consecutive starts streak ranks fifth longest among all Division I players, according to STATS — Chicago. Haluska trails Gerry McNamara (Syracuse), Joe Herber (West Virginia), Patrick Sparks (Kentucky) and Donald Wilson (Portland).

LOW TOTAL FOR A WIN
The 45 points scored by Iowa in a win over North Carolina State marks the fewest points scored by Iowa since the Hawkeyes scored 49 in a 49-51 loss at Northwestern on March 3, 2004. The point total is the lowest for Iowa in a winning effort since a 50-49 win at Drake on Nov. 11, 2002. The 45 points are the fewest by an Iowa team in a winning effort in Carver-Hawkeye Arena since a 42-39 win over Northwestern on Jan. 12, 1984. The 45 points match the lowest total scored by Iowa under the direction of Steve Alford, as the Hawkeyes lost a 45-54 contest at Wisconsin on Feb. 23, 2000.

TWO HAWKEYES NAMED TO NAISMITH LIST
Senior forward Greg Brunner and senior guard Jeff Horner are two of 50 players named as pre-season candidates for the Naismith Trophy, presented annually to the Player of the Year. Brunner was named the Most Valuable Player in the Iowa City regional of the Guardians Classic. Brunner is averaging 15.1 points and nine rebounds per game, shooting 46.6% from the field and 73.3% from the foul line. He has recorded three double-doubles in nine games ranks 10th in career rebounds with 757. Horner had a season-high 19 points vs. Valparaiso and 10 assists in a win over Fairfield. He is averaging 12 points, 3.7 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game. Horner ranks 15th in career scoring and fourth in career assists. Both Brunner and Horner have played in 102 games at Iowa, with Horner starting all but one contest and Brunner earning 90 starts.

1,000 POINT CLUB ADDS MEMBERS
Seniors Jeff Horner and Greg Brunner joined Iowa’s 1,000 Point Club as juniors a year ago. Horner has scored 1,203 points (ranks 15th) and is the only Iowa player ever to score over 1,000 points, grab over 400 rebounds and distribute over 400 assists. Horner was honorable mention all-Big Ten a year ago. Brunner has scored 1,171 career points (ranks 22nd) and he has 757 rebounds (10th). Brunner has ranked second in Big Ten rebounding in each of the past two seasons. He was named second team all-Big Ten last season and earned a gold medal at the World University Games last summer. He also ranks ninth in career blocked shots (89).

IOWA EARNS KEY NOVEMBER WINS
Iowa Coach Steve Alford has led five of his Hawkeye teams to key wins over ranked opponents in November. Those victories have included:

• Iowa defeated top-ranked Connecticut 70-68 in the semi-finals of the 1999 Coaches vs. Cancer event in New York’s Madison Square Garden in Alford’s first game as the Hawkeye head coach. The Huskies were the defending NCAA national champions. The Hawkeyes fell to Stanford in the title game.
• Iowa defeated 12th-ranked Memphis 75-71 in the semi-finals of the 2001 Guardians Classic at Kansas City’s Kemper Arena. After losing to fifth-ranked Missouri (77-78) in the finals, the Hawkeyes later that season defeated the Tigers (ranked second at the time) 83-65 in Columbia.
• Iowa defeated 16th-ranked Louisville 70-69 in overtime in the 2003 Wooden Classic in Indianapolis.
• Iowa defeated 11th-ranked Louisville (76-71) and 13th-ranked Texas (82-80) on back-to-back days at the Maui Invitational a year ago. The Hawkeyes fell to North Carolina, the eventual NCAA champion, in the finals.
• After two opening round wins in Iowa City, Iowa defeated seventh-ranked Kentucky 67-63 in the semi-finals of the 2005 Guardians Classic in Kansa City. The Hawkeyes fell to second-ranked Texas in the finals.
• As part of the Big Ten/ACC Challenge, Iowa defeated 21st-ranked North Carolina State 45-42 Nov. 30, 2005 in Carver-Hawkeye Arena, giving the Hawkeyes their second win over a ranked opponent in the first six games of the season.

IOWA VS. RANKED FOES
Steve Alford has posted a 20-31 record against ranked opponents as Iowa’s head coach, including a 2-1 mark in 2005-06. The Hawkeyes defeated seventh-ranked Kentucky (67-63) and 21st-ranked North Carolina State (45-42), while dropping a 68-59 decision to second-ranked Texas. Iowa, a year ago, defeated 11th-ranked Louisville (76-71), 13th-ranked Texas (82-80) and 10th-ranked Michigan State (71-69), with losses to 11th-ranked North Carolina (92-106), at No. 1 ranked Illinois (68-73) in overtime, to 10th-ranked Michigan State (64-75) at home, at #20 Wisconsin (72-69), 75-65 to top-ranked Illinois in Iowa City, 59-56 to #22 Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament and 64-76 to #23 Cincinnati in the NCAA Tournament. Alford’s Hawkeye teams are 7-13 when playing teams ranked in the top 10, including wins over top-ranked Connecticut (70-68 in 1999-00), second-ranked Missouri (83-65 in 2001-02), fifth-ranked Ohio State (67-64 in 1999-00), seventh-ranked Kentucky (67-63 in 2005-06), seventh-ranked Illinois (78-62 in 2000-01), eighth-ranked Illinois (68-61 in 2002-03) and 10th-ranked Michigan State (71-69 in 2005). The 13 losses to top 10 teams have been three times to No. 1 (Duke, 2001-02 and Illinois twice in 2004-05), once to second-ranked (Texas, 2005-06), once to third-ranked (Illinois, 2000-01), twice to fourth-ranked (Michigan State, 1999-00 and 2000-01), twice to fifth-ranked (Tennessee, 2000-01 and Missouri, 2001-02), once to ninth-ranked (Kentucky, 2000-01) and three times to 10th-ranked (Michigan State, 2000, Illinois, 2002 and Michigan State, 2005). In the 51 games against ranked teams, Alford and his Iowa team are 7-9 in home games, 10-11 at neutral sites and 3-11 when playing ranked teams in their home arena.

IOWA DEFENSIVE IN EARLY SEASON
Iowa’s defense has led the way as the Hawkeyes have won seven of their first nine games. Iowa opponents are averaging just 55.1 points per game, shooting 35.7% from the field and 31.5% from three-point range. Iowa has collected 69 steals and forced 162 turnovers while collecting 54 blocked shots. The Hawkeyes have held each opponent under 70 points and won the rebounding battle in seven of nine games.

HAWKEYES STEAL THE SHOW
In its season opening win over Maryland-Eastern Shore, Iowa collected 17 steals while forcing 25 turnovers. The 17 steals are the most by a Steve Alford coached Hawkeye team. Iowa had not had as many as 17 steals in a game since collecting 18 steals in an 84-74 win over Penn State on Jan. 27, 1999, a string of 205 games. Tony Freeman, Adam Haluska, Jeff Horner and Doug Thomas led the way with three steals each, while eight of the 12 Hawkeyes who played collected at least one steal. Iowa added eight steals in the win over Colgate. Iowa’s record for steals in a game is 23. The 25 turnovers are the most by an Iowa opponent since Liberty University was guilty of 24 turnovers on Dec. 22, 2002. Iowa forced 23 turnovers by Texas-San Antonio in a recent 79-46 win and North Carolina State was guilty of 24 turnovers.

SCORING BY HALVES
Iowa has outscored its opponents 309-222 in the first half and 303-263 in the second half. Iowa has led at halftime in all nine games and the Hawkeyes have outscored their opponent in the second half in six games. The second half scoring was even (20-20) vs. NC State and Iowa was outscored 11-7 in its one overtime period.

HOME, AWAY COMPARISONS
In its six home games, Iowa has outscored its opponents by a 71.7-49.7 margin, shooting 45% from the field while holding its opponent to 33.7% shooting. Iowa holds a 41.7-34.5 rebounding advantage. In three games away from Carver-Hawkeye Arena (two neutral site games), Iowa has been outscored 66.0-63.0. The Hawkeyes are shooting 38.1% from the field while opponents are shooting 39.5% and Iowa is being out-rebounded by a 39.7-37.3 margin.

IOWA FROM THE FREE THROW LINE
Iowa had made over 80% of its free throws in three games and at least 70% of its free throws in seven of nine games, with a season-best 83.3% (20-24) in a win over Fairfield. Iowa has posted a 6-1 record when shooting at least 70% from the free throw line.

HAWKEYE TIDBITS

• Iowa is 5-0 when scoring between 70-80 points, 1-1 when scoring between 60-70 points and 1-1 when scoring less than 60 points. Iowa is 6-0 when holding its opponent to less than 60 points and 1-2 when holding its opponent between 60-70 points.
• Iowa is 4-1 when collecting more assists than the opponent, 1-1 when the opponent has more assists and 2-0 when assists are equal.
• Iowa is 5-2 when having fewer turnovers than its opponent and 2-0 when the opponent has fewer turnovers.
• Iowa is 4-1 when collecting more steals than its opponent, 2-1 when the opponent has more steals and 1-0 when steals are equal.
• Iowa has had four players or more score in double figures in three of eight games, with a season-best five players in the win over Maryland-Eastern Shore. Iowa is 0-0 when six players score in double figures, 1-0 when five players score 10 points or more, 2-0 when four reach double figures, 2-0 with three in double figures and 2-2 when two are in double figures.
• Iowa is 7-2 when leading at halftime, 0-0 when trailing at intermission and 0-0 when tied at halftime.
• Iowa is 5-0 when controlling the opening tip and 2-2 when not controlling the tip.
• Iowa is 2-2 in games decided by 10 points or less, 2-1 in games decided by five points or less and 0-1 in overtime.
• Under Steve Alford, Iowa is 35-6 when shooting at least 50% from the field, including 2-0 in 2005-06.
• None of Iowa’s first nine opponents have shot 50% from the field. Iowa allowed just four opponents to shoot at least 50% from the field last season, and Iowa was 3-1 in those games. Iowa was 0-5 when its opponent shot at least 50% from the field in 2004.

IOWA SEEKS SIXTH STRAIGHT WINNING SEASON
Iowa is seeking a sixth straight winning season, a streak that would rank as the second longest in the history of Iowa basketball. Iowa enjoyed seven straight winning seasons from 1950-56. Iowa has had five consecutive winning seasons on four occasions, 1979-83, 1985-89, 1995-99 and 2001-05. Iowa is one of four Big Ten teams to post a winning season in each of the last five years, joining Illinois, Michigan State and Wisconsin. Iowa advanced to post-season play for the fifth straight season a year ago, returning to the NCAA Tournament.

SEVEN STRAIGHT IS IOWA RECORD
Iowa’s longest streak of consecutive winning seasons is seven, from 1950 through 1956. Pops Harrison, Bucky O’Connor and Rollie Williams all coached the Hawkeyes during those years. Only a 10-10 record in 1949 kept Iowa from 13 consecutive winning seasons (1944-56). Harrison coached Iowa to five straight winning seasons from 1944-48, Lute Olson coached Iowa to winning seasons from 1979-83, George Raveling and Tom Davis combined to coach Iowa to winning seasons from 1985-89 and Davis coached Iowa to winning seasons from 1995-99.

CAPTAINS NAMED FOR 2006
Iowa’s captains are seniors Greg Brunner and Jeff Horner. Brunner, a native of Charles City, has started 90-102 games in his career and ranks among Iowa’s career leaders in scoring, rebounds and blocked shots. He earned second team all-Big Ten honors in 2005 and placed second in the league in rebounding in each of the past two seasons. Horner, a Mason City native, has started 101 of 102 games in his career. He has led the team in assists in each of the last three seasons and ranks among Iowa’s career leaders in scoring, assists and three-point field goals.

THE RETURNING CAST
Iowa returns five starters and 11 lettermen from 2005. The returning starters include three players, Greg Brunner, Adam Haluska and Jeff Horner, who earned all-Big Ten recognition a year ago. Iowa returns 84.6% of its scoring from 2005, 90.9% of its rebounding, 81.6% of its assists and 78.5% of its steals. Iowa’s returning players shot 45.5% from the field, 38.7% from three-point range and 71.9% from the free throw line. The Hawkeyes return their statistical leader from last season in all categories,

IOWA IN TOURNAMENT PLAY
Iowa has faired well while taking part in regular-season tournaments over the past 24 years. In that time Iowa has won the Great Alaska Shootout (1986-87), the Cal-Irvine Anteater Classic (1986-87), the Maui Classic (1987-88), the San Juan Thanksgiving Shootout (1992-93), the San Juan Christmas Shootout (1997-98), the Big Ten Conference Tournament in 2001 and its own invitational 23 times. In addition, Iowa was runner-up in the 1985-86 Far West Classic, the 1987-88 All-College Tournament, the 1988-89 Chaminade Classic, the 1991-92 Tampa Tribune Holiday Invitational, the 1994-95 Rainbow Classic, the 1995-96 Great Alaska Shootout, the 1999-00 Coaches vs. Cancer Classic, the 2001-02 Guardians Classic, the 2002 Big Ten Conference Tournament, the 2004 Maui Invitational and the 2005 Guardians Classic.

IOWA IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT
Iowa made its 21st appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2005, falling to Cincinnati in the opening round at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. Iowa earned the bid after posting a 21-win season, including wins over Purdue and 10th-ranked Michigan State in the 2005 Big Ten Tournament. The Hawkeyes hold an overall record of 27-23 in the tournament, advancing to the Final Four in 1955 (fourth), 1956 (second) and 1980 (fourth). Iowa had advanced to at least the second round in its last 10 tournament appearances before last season. Iowa reached the regional championship in 1987 and lost in the regional semi-final in 1988 and 1999.

IOWA ON THE TUBE
Every Iowa game throughout the 2005-06 season will be televised. Iowa will appear on national cable television (ESPN and ESPN2) as many as 11 times. Hawkeye games not selected for national coverage will be televised regionally by ESPN Plus, while several conference games will be televised throughout the Big Ten Conference viewing area as part of the Big Ten regional network agreement with ESPN Plus.

HAWK TALK WITH Steve Alford
Fans of the University of Iowa basketball program may join Iowa Coach Steve Alford and radio announcer Gary Dolphin each week during the season for the “Hawk Talk with Steve Alford” radio call-in show. The show takes place each week at Carlos O’Kelly’s Mexican Café in Iowa City from 7-8:30 p.m. and the dates are Dec. 12 and 19; Jan. 10, 16, 23 and 30; Feb. 6, 12, 20 and 27; and March 6, 13 and 20.

AFTER THIS
Iowa takes a break for final exams before returning to action Dec. 17, hosting Arizona State. Iowa will host Drake (Dec. 20) and Robert Morris (Dec. 22) before closing non-conference action Dec. 30 at Saint Louis.