Dec. 31, 2005
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The Setting ? Iowa (7-5, 0-1) returns to action Sunday when the Hawkeyes host Illinois (8-3, 1-0). Tip-off is slated for 2:05 p.m. at Carver-Hawkeye Arena (15,500). The Hawkeyes are 4-1 in home conference openers under Head Coach Lisa Bluder.
On the Radio ? Brent Balbinot and Shelley Till will call the action for the Hawkeye Radio Network. Hawkeye fans can listen to the game on WHO 1040-AM in Des Moines, WMT 600-AM in Cedar Rapids and KXIC 800-AM in Iowa City.
The game can also be heard live over the Internet at www.hawkeyesports.com. Just click “Hawkeye All-Access” at the top right of the page. “Hawkeye All-Access” is a subscription service.
On This Date ? Sunday will be Iowa’s first-ever New Year’s Day game.
Iowa History ? Iowa has played 891 games since beginning basketball in 1974. Overall, Iowa’s record is 544-347 (.611). That includes a 267-126 (.679) mark in Big Ten games and a 243-59 (.805) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Third Hawkeye Suffers ACL Injury ? For the third time in six months, Iowa had a starter suffer a season-ending ACL injury. Sophomore center Stacy Schlapkohl sustained an ACL injury in the first half of Iowa’s 74-64 triumph over Creighton on Dec. 23. Schlapkohl started Iowa’s first 11 contests, ranking fifth in team scoring (6.9) and third in rebounding (3.8) in 21.1 minutes per game. She scored double figures four times, including a season-high 14 vs. Drake on December 18.
Schlapkohl joins small forward Johanna Solverson and point guard Lindsay Richards as Hawkeyes who have suffered season-ending ACL injuries to their right knee.
Steady Improvement ? Senior Crystal Smith averaged 1.1 points per game in 21 games her freshman year, followed by a 3.9 scoring average in 29 contests her sophomore season and 16.8 ppg her junior year. Smith currently averages 20.2 ppg through 11 games in 2005-06. The native of Haughton, LA, averaged 17.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.0 apg and 2.0 spg in two games against Illinois last year.
Scouting Illinois ? Illinois will be looking for its fourth-straight win Sunday when the Fighting Illini travel to Iowa City. Additionally, Illinois has won six of its last seven. The Fighting Illini enter Sunday’s contest with a 2-2 mark in true road games. Illinois has averaged 73.9 points per game in its eight wins and 55.3 ppg in its three defeats.
The Fighting Illini crusied to a 67-48 triumph over Michigan in their conference opener Thursday in Champaign. Illinois had three players score double figures (Erin Wigley, 13; Lori Bjork, 12; Janelle Hughes, 10) and out-rebounded Michigan 45-35. The Fighting Illini (22-30) attempted 15 more free throws than the Wolverines (11-15).
The Fighting Illini have three players that average double figures in scoring (Hughes, 13.5; Bjork, 10.5; Wigley, 10.6). Audrey Tabon ranks first in team rebounding (6.3).
Senior Maggie Acuna and Iowa senior forward Morgan Kasperek were teammates on Hinsdale Central’s Class of 2002. Illinois has one Iowan on its roster, sophomore Stephanie Chelleen (Des Moines).
Illinois is coached by Theresa Grentz, who is in her 32nd year as a head coach and her 11th with the Fighting Illini.
RPI Ratings ? Iowa ranks No. 80, while Illinois ranks 102nd in the RPI ratings published on Dec. 31 on www.collegerpi.com. The Hawkeyes also rank 59th in strength of schedule, while the Fighting Illini rank 219th. All five Iowa losses came to opponents with a current RPI of 66 or better.
All-Time Series Record ? Sunday will be the 53rd meeting between Iowa and Illinois. Iowa boasts a 38-15 advantage in the series that began in 1974. The 38 wins are the most the Hawkeyes’ have against any other Big Ten team. Iowa has won 32 of the last 37 overall meetings.
Iowa holds a 21-4 edge in games played in Iowa City, including a 19-2 advantage in contests played at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Common Opponents ? Iowa and Illinois share two common non-conference opponents: Northern Iowa and Illinois. The Hawkeyes defeated the Panthers (65-54), but lost to the Sooners (85-68). The Fighting Illini topped Oklahoma (86-75), but fell to the Panthers (71-47).
Last Meeting ? Iowa defeated Illinois 87-63 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Feb. 24, 2005. The triumph was Iowa’s largest during conference play last season 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 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 comfortable 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 her 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.
Last Time Out ? Iowa opened the 2005-06 Big Ten season with a 65-53 loss to Indiana Thursday night at Assembly Hall in Bloomington. Crystal Smith led the Hawkeyes with 14 points, while Krista VandeVenter grabbed eight rebounds in the loss. Smith failed to collect an assist or steal for the first time in 48 games. The last time the senior failed to register an assist or steal was at Illinois (Feb. 29, 2004).
After a back-and-forth first half, Indiana used a 14-0 run in the final 6:47 of the half to gain a 27-16 advantage. Wendy Ausdemore nailed a th3ree-pointer as time expired to cut the halftime deficit to 27-19. Ausdemore’s triple was Iowa’s first bucket in the half since the 7:05 minute mark.
Starting center Megan Skouby was whistled for two quick fouls in the first two minutes, spending the remaining 18 minutes of the period on the bench.
Iowa’s 2-3 zone defense held the Hoosiers to 2-10 shooting from behind the arc in the first half. Indiana could not capitalize on six first half offensive rebounds, scoring only four second chance points.
The Hoosiers opened up their biggest lead at 16 points with 13:53 left, using an 8-0 run capped by a 3-point play by Jenny DeMuth. Iowa cut the lead to six at the 7:28 mark with a 9-0 run, all of which were 3-point baskets. Lindsey Nyenhuis drained her first basket of the game and back-to-back treys by Smith cut the Hoosier lead to 43-36.
Indiana fought back and gained a nine point lead with 1:58 left, but a 3-point play by Smith cut the Hoosier advantage to six once again. This was the closest Iowa would come to gaining a lead as the Hoosiers sunk six free throws down the stretch to secure the victory.
Skouby recorded 10 points and two blocks in only 19 minutes of action, while VandeVenter played the entire 40 minutes. Kristi Smith added a career-high six assists for the Hawkeyes.
Indiana was led by Cyndi Valentin who scored a game-high 20 points. Jenny DeMuth notched a double-double 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Angela Hawkins scored 12 for the Hoosiers. Indiana outscored Iowa 28-18 in the paint, while outrebounding the Hawkeyes 41-31.
VandeVenter Feasts on Creighton ? There’s something about playing Creighton that brings the best out of sophomore Krista VandeVenter. Last season VandeVenter recorded her first career double, posting career highs in points (19), field goals made (8) and attempted (11) and rebounds (14). The native of Osseo, MN feasted on the Bluejays again last Friday. VandeVenter was one point from equaling a career high in scoring, netting 18 points thanks to new career bests in field goals made (9) and attempts (14). She also collected a career-high six steals, besting her previous best of four set last year at Minnesota.
DE-FENSE! ? Iowa’s perimeter defense has been stellar through 12 games. The Hawkeyes rank first in Big Ten 3-point field goal defense (.250). Last season Iowa ranked 10th in the league in 3-point field goal defense (.361).
Smith Ranks Second in Big Ten Scoring ? Senior Crystal Smith ranks second in Big Ten scoring (19.7), trailing only Michigan State’s Liz Shimek (20.6). Smith has led Iowa in scoring in 10 of Iowa’s 12 contests.
Smith’s 46 points at Louisiana Tech are the most scored in a game by any player in the nation this season. San Diego’s Michelle Augustavo ranks second, after netting 42 points vs. Clemson on Dec. 11.
Underclassmen Start For Hawkeyes ? Iowa’s probable starting lineup against Illinois includes two freshmen (Kristi Smith and Megan Skouby) and one sophomore (Krista VandeVenter).
VandeVenter has started all 45 games as a Hawkeye, including all 12 this season. The power forward ranks third in team scoring (9.3) and first in rebounding (8.7).
Smith has started the last four games at point guard for Iowa. The native of Thornton, CO ranks sixth in team scoring (6.3) and third in assists (33).
Skouby will start her first contest Thursday at Indiana. The 6-6 center ranks second in team scoring (10.3), first in blocks (20) and field goal percentage (.615) and fourth in rebounding (4.0).
Iowa is one of three Big Ten teams with two or more freshmen starters. Michigan starts three, while Iowa and Penn State start two.
Ausdemore Perfect ? Freshman Wendy Ausdemore has started the season making her first 14 free throw attempts. Ausdemore was a perfect 6-6 from the charity stripe entering the Creighton game and sank all six of her free throws against the Bluejays and both at Indiana.
Cleaning the Glass ? Sophomore Krista VandeVenter ranks third in Big Ten rebounding (8.7) and defensive rebounding (5.83). The native of Osseo, MN, has led the Hawkeyes in rebounding eight times this season. She has pulled down double digit rebounds four times this year.
VandeVenter shattered Iowa’s single season freshmen rebounding record last year, pulling down 252 boards (7.6 rpg).
Nyenhuis Returns ? After missing Iowa’s first five games to a foot injury, freshman Lindsey Nyenhuis hit the court for her first taste of game action vs. Vermont on Dec. 3. The native of Grand Rapids, MI, played the last three minutes and grabbed one rebound.
Nyenhuis scored her first collegiate points when she netted six points on 2-3 shooting from behind the arc in Iowa’s 20-point triumph over Drake on Dec. 18.
Number of the Week — 168 ? Senior Crystal Smith has exactly 168 career assists and steals through 95 games.
Skouby Quickly Climbing Freshman Chart ? Megan Skouby has already rejected 20 shots. She is only three blocks from claiming second place on Iowa’s freshman single season blocking list. Skouby’s two blocks at Indiana surpassed Toni Foster for third.
Freshmen Step Up ? Iowa’s freshmen class ia averaging 26.0 ppg through 12 games. Megan Skouby, Kristi Smith and Wendy Ausdemore lead the freshmen offensive attack. Skouby ranks second in team scoring (10.3) and fourth in rebounding (4.0), Smith ranks sixth in scoring (6.3) and third in assists (33), while Ausdemore ranks seventh in scoring (6.0). VanderPol was Iowa’s first power forward off the bench at Northern Iowa and Drake and matched career highs in rebounds (4) and assists (1) and also rejected her first career shot vs. the Bulldogs. Her minutes will now increase due to the loss of center Stacy Schlapkohl.
Five Spot ? Crystal Smith, who was named Big Ten Player of the Week on Nov. 28, broke or tied five school records during Thanksgiving week.
The senior broke school records for points (46) and free throws attempted (19) in a game and equaled school records in free throws made (15) and 3-pointers attempted (14) in Iowa’s 95-91 double overtime setback at Louisiana Tech on Nov. 22. The native of Haughton, LA, also matched the school record for field goal percentage (9-9, 1.000) in the Hawkeyes’ 88-41 rout over Rider on Nov. 26.
In the three games, Smith averaged 28.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.7 steals per game. She finished the week 26-of-55 (.473) from the field, 10-of-25 (.400) from the perimeter and 23-of-28 (.821) at the line.
Attendance Rankings ? Iowa ranks 18th nationally in the women’s basketball attendance rankings released Dec. 19.
Steak Busters ? For the first time in 217 games Iowa, failed to make at least one 3-pointer when the Hawkeyes shot 0-6 from behind the arc vs. No. 6 Rutgers on Dec. 4. The 216-game streak spanned seven seasons and started on March 13, 1998.
Reedy Set Go ? Senior Tiffany Reedy played in her 100th career game vs. Vermont on Dec. 3. The native of Dysart, IA, has had a great start to the 2005-06 campaign, averaging 6.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg and ranking third on the team in steals with 15. Reedy collected 14 thefts and averaged 3.9 ppg and 2.4 rpg in 33 contests last season. She is also well on her way to surpassing her high mark of 19 triples made in each of her first three seasons. Reedy has already drained 14 treys and is shooting at a 37.8 percent clip from behind the arc, good enough to rank ninth in the Big Ten.
All-Tournament Selections ? Senior Crystal Smith and sophomore Krista VandeVenter were named to the KCRG-TV9 Hawkeye Challenge All-Tournament team. Smith also garnered Odwalla Classic All-Tournament accolades for her efforts Nov. 25-26 in San Francisco, CA.
Century Club ? Iowa Head Women’s Basketball Coach Lisa Bluder reached another milestone on Dec. 3, as Bluder collected her 100th victory as Iowa Head Coach in Iowa’s 79-57 triumph over Vermont on Dec. 3. Bluder, who is the second all-time winningest Iowa coach, boasts a 103-64 (.617) record in six years mentoring the Hawkeyes.
High Octane ? Iowa, who ranks second in Big Ten scoring offense, has scored 80 points or more in five of its first 11 games. The Hawkeyes are 4-1 when scoring 80 points or more.
Iowa Quick Hitters ? Iowa ranks first in Big Ten 3-point field goal defense (.250). Michigan State ranks second, with its opponents shooting .289 from behind the arc.
Iowa is 6-1 when leading at the half, 5-1 when limiting opponents to 59 points or less, 7-1 when having a higher field goal percentage and 5-0 when out-rebounding opponents.
Iowa was whistled for a season-low 13 fouls and matched a season-low in 3-point field goal attempts (6) at Northern Iowa.
Iowa out-scored Northern Iowa and Creighton a combined 22-0 in fast break points, including 14-0 against the Bluejays.
Northern Iowa’s Cassie Hager blocked six shots against Iowa becoming the first Hawkeye opponent player to reject five shots or more since Western Illinois’ Zane Teilane blocked seven exactly a year to the date (Dec. 21, 2004).
Big Ten Rankings ? Iowa ranks first in 3-point field goal percentage defense (.250) and 3-point field goal percentage (.380), second in field goal percentage (.471), scoring offense (73.8), assists (17.75) and third in blocks (4.33).
Senior Crystal Smith ranks second in league scoring (19.7), third in 3-point field goals made (2.0), eighth in steals (2.08) and 11th in free throw percentage (.795). Freshman Megan Skouby ranks third in field goal percentage (.615) and third in blocked shots (1.67). Sophomore Krista VandeVenter ranks third in rebounding (8.7) and fourth in steals (2.25).
Making the List ? Iowa has recorded two victories by 40 points or more this season. The Hawkeyes posted a 40-point triumph (82-42) over UW-Milwaukee on Nov. 20. The 40-point win ranks as the 15th-largest margin of victory in school history. Iowa registered a 47-point victory (88-41) over Rider on Nov. 26. The 47-point win ranks as the ninth-largest margin of victory in Iowa history.
Iowa has posted six wins of 40 points or more under Coach Bluder (48 – UT-Pan American, 2001; 47 — Rider; 45 – Western Illinois, 2000; 43 – Creighton, 2002; 40 – Northwestern, 2001; 40 — UW-Milwaukee, 2005).
Smith Nominated for Senior CLASS Award ? Seniors Crystal Smith is one 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. Smith joins Michigan State’s Liz Shimek and Lindsay Bowen as the only three Big Ten student-athletes nominated. 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.
More on Smith’s Records ? Crystal Smith’s 46 points bested Cindy Haugejorde’s 44-point effort vs. Luther College on Jan. 12, 1977. In addition, the 46 points is the second-most scored in a single game in Big Ten history. Illinois’ Kendra Gantt and Penn State’s Kelly Mazzante both netted 49 points. The 46 points are the most ever scored by a Louisiana Tech opponent, besting the previous record of 43 points scored by USCs Cheryl Miller, and was one point from a Thomas Assembly Center record.
Smith’s 19 free throws attempted topped the previous school record held by Nadine Domond and Amy Herrig. Domond attempted 16 foul shots vs. UCSB on Nov. 25, 1995, while Herrig attempted 16 free throws vs. Nebraska on Dec. 8, 1996. The 19 free throws attempted ranks eighth in Big Ten annals with five others.
Smith’s 15 free throws made equaled Amy Herrig’s school record of 15 established vs. Nebraska on Dec. 8, 1996. The 15 foul shots made ranks seventh in league history with eight others.
Smith’s 14 three-pointers attempted equals the school record previously set by Lindsey Meder twice before. Meder attempted 14 at Colorado on Dec. 2, 2001 and vs. Ohio State on Jan. 3, 2002.
Smith’s perfect 9-9 (1.000) shooting performance from the field matched Jamie Cavey’s record of 9-9 (1.000) vs. Marquette on March 23, 2003. All of Cavey’s field goals were two-point baskets, while four of Smith’s five were from behind the arc.
Movin’ On Up ? Senior Crystal Smith (168) is nine steals from equaling Nadine Domond (177) and Lisa Anderson (177) for seventh on Iowa’s career steals chart. Smith (930) is also only six points from matching Randi Peterson (936) for 22nd in career scoring at Iowa.
Young Guns ? Iowa is tied for 15th in the nation with the most underclassmen on its roster. The Hawkeyes are tied with 16 other schools, including Big Ten schools Northwestern and Illinois, with nine underclassmen on its roster. The Hawkeyes have four freshmen and five sophomores on its roster. Air Force (13) leads the nation, followed by New Orleans (12). Michigan is tied for seventh (10), while Penn State (8) and Wisconsin (8) are tied for 31st.
Home Grown Hawkeyes ? Iowa’s roster features six players from the state of Iowa (Wendy Ausdemore, Abby Emmert, Ebone Pope, Tiffany Reedy, Stacy Schlapkohl and Nicole VanderPol). The Hawkeyes also have four players from Illinois (Jenee Graham, Morgan Kasperek, Lindsay Richards, Johanna Solverson). Iowa’s 15-person roster also features players from Colorado (Kristi Smith), Louisiana (Crystal Smith), Michigan (Lindsey Nyenhuis), Minnesota (Krista VandeVenter) and Ohio (Megan Skouby).
Center of Attention ? For the fifth time during Coach Bluder’s Iowa tenture, the Hawkeyes started the season with a different center. Jamie Cavey started for the Hawkeyes the last two years. She became Iowa’s first center to start consecutive seasons since Amy Herrig (1997-99). Randi Peterson was Iowa’s starter in 2000-01, followed by Beatrice Bullock (2001-02), Tracy Schrupp (2002-03) and Jamie Cavey (2003-05).
Iowa’s two centers on its 2005-06 roster are sophomore Stacy Schlapkohl and freshman Megan Skouby.
ACL Trio ? In a span of six months, Iowa had three players who suffered ACL injuries to their right knees. Lindsay Richards, Johanna Solverson and Stacy Schlapkohl all suffered season-ending injuries. Richards sustained her injury in June, followed by Solverson (July) and Schlapkohl (December).
Nuthin’ But Net ? Catch all the University of Iowa women’s basketball games on the radio and the Internet (www.hawkeyesports.com). Fans can listen to live or archived games with a subscription to “Hawkeye All-Access”.
Brent Balbinot is in his second season as the play-by-play voice, while Shelley Till is in her first season as the color analyst.
Hawkeyes Pen Quoie ? Iowa signed Woodbury, MN, native Zoraa Quoie to a National Letter of Intent last fall. She was an all-conference and honorable mention all-state selection her junior year. Quoie averaged 10.6 ppg and just fewer than four steals per game on a team that won its conference and finished 25-3 last season. Her Woodbury High School team also captured a league title and finished third at the Minnesota state tournament her sophomore year. Quoie was a reserve her sophomore year, but started last season. She was also an all-state sprinter on the track team her freshman year.
Big Ten Tournament Tickets on Sale ? All-session tickets for the 2006 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament are $55. Tickets can be purchased at the Conseco Fieldhouse box office, Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at (317) 239-5151.
The tournament returns to Indianapolis for the 11th time in 12 years and has attracted more than 30,000 fans for each of the last four events. Just two years ago, the Big Ten set a pair of attendance records when the 2004 championship game was played in front of a single-session record of 9,417 fans, which established an overall tournament record of 37,635 spectators. In the past 11 years of Big Ten Tournament play, the conference has welcomed more than 314,000 fans. Five different league representatives have become tournament champions. Purdue leads all teams with five titles followed by two championships for both Iowa and Penn State and a single title for Indiana and Michigan State.
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.
“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 6-7 p.m. Fans can call toll-free at (800) 332-5401 or locally at (319) 365-0600. The show originates from Bob’s Your Uncle restaurant on the eastside of Iowa City.
On the Horizon ? Iowa travels to Ann Arbor Thursday for a game against the Michigan Wolverines. Tip-off is slated for 6:05 p.m. (CST). Iowa returns home for a rare Monday night game when the Hawkeyes host nationally-ranked Michigan State on January 9 inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena.