Jan. 24, 2006
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The Setting ? Iowa (12-7, 5-3) travels to State College, PA, Thursday to face Penn State (8-10, 2-5). Tip-off is slated for 6:05 p.m. (CST) inside the Bryce Jordan Center (15,261). The Lady Lions have won four-straight games over the Hawkeyes.
Iowa has won its last three road games, while Penn State has won two of its last three home contests. The game will be the only regular season match-up between the two teams. Iowa is currently in fourth place in the Big Ten standings, while Penn State is in eighth. The Hawkeyes have not lost consecutive games since falling to Rutgers (Dec. 4) and Iowa State (Dec. 8).
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 and WMT 600-AM in Cedar Rapids.
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.
Iowa History ? Iowa has played 898 games since beginning basketball in 1974. Overall, Iowa’s record is 549-349 (.611). That includes a 272-128 (.680) mark in Big Ten games and a 245-61 (.801) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Gold on the Road ? Iowa will wear its gold uniforms in all road games this year after it had its black uniforms shrunk at the Odwalla Classic, Nov. 25-26. After the Hawkeyes played nationally-ranked Oklahoma on Nov. 25, the San Francisco Athletic Department, who hosted the tournament, accidentally overheated Iowa’s road uniforms while washing the uniforms for the Iowa’s consolation game vs. Rider.
Fifth Hawkeye Suffers Knee Injury ? Iowa Head Coach Lisa Bluder announced on Jan. 16 that freshman small forward Nicole VanderPol will be sidelined 3-6 weeks after suffering a partial tear to her medial collateral ligament in her left knee during the second half of Sunday’s 80-48 victory at Northwestern.
The injury is the fifth knee setback to an Iowa women’s basketball player in the last seven months. Point guard Lindsay Richards (June), small forward Johanna Solverson (July) and center Stacy Schlapkohl (December) all suffered season-ending ACL injuries to their right knee. Additionally, small forward Jenee Graham (September) had surgery to repair meniscus damage to her left knee, and returned by the start of the season.
“Unfortunately Nicole has suffered a partial tear in her ligament,” said Bluder. “We are thankful that it is only a partial tear and she’ll be back without requiring surgery. Again, we’ll have to make some adjustments to our lineup, but we hope to have Nicole back before the end of the season.”
VanderPol averaged 2.8 points and 2.1 rebounds in 16 games off the bench for the Hawkeyes. She was shooting 55.6 percent (15-27) from the field and 73.7 percent (14-19) from the foul line before sustaining the knee injury.
Crystal Smith Nets Career Point No. 1,000 ? Crystal Smith became the 22nd Iowa player to amass 1,000 career points when the senior netted 26 points vs. No. 8 Ohio State on Jan. 12 to eclipse the 1,000-point plateau. Smith currently ranks 19th in Hawkeye career scoring (1,053), 915 of which came the last 52 games (17.6 ppg). She also ranks sixth in career 3-pointers (102) and steals (190). Smith has scored double figures 30-straight games, dating back to last year, which ranks second in the league behind Ohio State’s Jessica Davenport (36).
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 18.9 ppg through 19 games in her senior campaign. Smith’s scoring average ranks first in the Big Ten and 23rd nationally. She has led Iowa in scoring 12 times this season.
Scouting Penn State ? Penn State returns home after playing three-straight road contests and four of its last five away from State College. The Lady Lions are coming off their best performance of the year, routing Northwestern 91-48 in Evanston on Sunday in Rene Portland’s 800th career game as a head coach. Penn State out-rebounded the Wildcats by 19 (55-34) and limited Northwestern to only 19.6 percent (11-56) shooting from the field. Sophomore Kam Gissendanner tallied a game-high 21 points, while freshman Brianne O’Rourke collected 15 points, five rebounds and five assists to lead the Lady Lions.
Penn State is 4-4 in home games this season and average 6,041 fans per contest.
Gissendanner ranks first in team scoring (15.6) and second in assists (2.56) and steals (1.06). Junior Amanda Brown ranks second in scoring (14.8) and first in rebounding (7.0), while sophomore Adrienne Squire ranks third in scoring (11.7) and second in rebounding (4.6). Squire also ranks first in Big Ten free throw percentage (.981) for all games, while Brown ranks second in blocks (1.83).
The Lady Lions rank first in Big Ten free throw percentage (.754) for all games, but rank last in steals (6.78), turnover margin (-3.22) and 3-pointers made (3.11).
Penn State is coached by Rene Portland, who’s in her 30th year (157-73, .683) as a head coach and her 26th (88-27, .765) with the Lady Lions. Portland is 17-1 against the Hawkeyes.
All-Time Series Record ? Thursday will be the 29th meeting between Iowa and Penn State, with the Lady Lions leading the series 17-11. Penn State boasts a 9-3 advantage in games played in State College. Penn State (.607) and Purdue (.541) are the only conference teams to have a winning percentage above .500 against the Hawkeyes.
The Lady Lions have won four straight over the Hawkeyes and have won four of the last five contests played at the Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State defeated Iowa twice last year (77-71 in Iowa City and 68-66 in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament).
Iowa and Penn State Fast Breaks ? Iowa scored 96 points in its 15-point win at Penn State in 2002. The 96 points are the most-ever scored by a Lady Lion opponent at the Bryce Jordan Center.
Iowa’s senior class is 1-5 against Penn State, including an 0-2 mark at the Bryce Jordan Center. Thursday will be Krista VandeVenter, Abby Emmert, Stacy Schlapkohl and Jeneé Graham’s first trip to State College.
Senior Morgan Kasperek netted her career-high 11 points last year vs. Penn State in Iowa City.
Iowa boasts a 7-2 mark when collecting 10 or more steals this season. The Hawkeyes rank fifth (9.53) in Big Ten steals in overall games. In conference games only, Crystal Smith and teammate Krista VandeVenter rank first in steals (2.75).
Iowa is the only Big Ten team to have two players rank in the top five in scoring in league games only. Crystal Smith ranks third (17.1), while Megan Skouby ranks fifth (16.9).
RPI Ratings ? Iowa ranks 55th, while Penn State ranks 97th in the RPI ratings published Jan. 23 on www.collegerpi.com. The Hawkeyes also rank 37th in strength of schedule, while the Lady Lions rank 44th. All seven Iowa losses came to opponents with a current RPI of 74 or better, including three in the top 20.
Conference Top Freshmen to be Showcased Thursday ? Two of the leading candidates for Big Ten Freshman of the Year will be showcased Thursday at State College. Iowa center Megan Skouby ranks first in freshmen scoring (13.1) and blocks (1.58), second in field goal percentage (.562) and third in rebounding (4.4). Penn State guard Brianne O’Rourke ranks first in assists (5.33) and steals (1.83) and fourth in scoring (7.3).
On This Date ? Iowa is 5-3 in games played on Jan. 26, losing its last two.
In the Rankings ? Iowa ranks 17th nationally in field goal percentage, 12th in assists, 23rd in scoring and 20th in fewest fouls per game through games played Jan. 23. Crystal Smith ranks 28th in scoring, while Megan Skouby ranks 28th in field goal percentage.
Last Meeting ? Tanisha Wright scored 17 points to help Penn State rally in the second half and beat Iowa 68-66 in a Big Ten tournament quarterfinal.
Jess Strom had 21 points and Ashli Schwab added 10 points and 12 rebounds for the third-seeded Lady Lions.
The Lady Lions looked to be in trouble trailing by eight points with less than nine minutes left, but Wright took over. She scored six points during an 8-0 run to put Penn State ahead 60-59 with 3:10 left.
Following an Iowa free throw to tie the game, Wright hit a jumper and Schwab grabbed an offensive rebound and scored to put Penn State up 64-60.
The Hawkeyes got within 68-66 after Crystal Smith’s runner with nine seconds left. They had a chance to win it, but Smith’s heave from beyond halfcourt fell short.
Jamie Cavey had 21 points, 10 rebounds and blocked an Iowa Big Ten Tournament record five shots for the Hawkeyes. Johanna Solverson scored 20 and Smith added 16 points, four assists and four steals.
Penn State took control of the game midway through the first half after building a 28-17 advantage. But the Hawkeyes used a 13-0 run to take a 30-28 lead with 2:30 left. The Lady Lions missed eight straight shots and went nearly six minutes without a basket.
Iowa quickly built its lead to 42-33 early in the second half after Cavey’s jumper. Penn State battled back, getting six-straight points from Strom to cut the deficit to 49-46 with 9:35 left.
Cavey responded with an off-balance jumper and Jenna Armstrong’s 3-pointer pushed Iowa’s lead back to 54-46.
Last Time Out ? Down at halftime for the first time in Big Ten play, Minnesota used a second-half scoring surge and another dominant performance from its bench to put away pesky Iowa in an 80-68 victory in front of a season-high 7,005 fans Sunday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
The 12th-ranked Gophers used a 22-6 run to start the second half and a 30-15 advantage in bench scoring for their third straight win.
Liz Podominick had 13 points and Jamie Broback and Natasha Williams chipped in 12 points each for the Gophers. Minnesota won by double-digits for the third straight game, despite trailing the Hawkeyes 37-32 at halftime.
Podominick had six points during the run to start the second half, but it was the Gophers’ defense that made the difference.
Minnesota forced the Hawkeyes into five missed shots and three turnovers in Iowa’s first eight possessions of the second half and stifled Iowa’s Crystal Smith into a 2-14 shooting day. Smith, the Big Ten’s leading scorer going into the game, managed a season-low 11 points.
Shannon Bolden, Minnesota’s defensive wizard, harassed Smith for most of the day, forcing her to take contested shot after contested shot.
Five players scored in double-digits for Minnesota, including Shannon Schonrock, who scored nine of her 11 points on 3-pointers.
Freshman center Megan Skouby led the Hawkeyes with 20 points. Sophomore forward Krista VandeVenter, who is a Minensota native, recorded her fifth career double-double and her second of the season, collecting 15 points and 12 rebounds.
Iowa shot only 11.1 percent (1-9) from 3-point range in the loss.
Number of the Week — 1 ? Penn State sophomore Adrienne Squire and Iowa freshman Wendy Ausdemore have both missed only one free throw, respectively, this season. Squire has converted 53-54, while Ausdemore has made 23-24.
Skouby Leads Big Ten Freshmen ? Freshman Megan Skouby has raised her game to a new level since taking over the starting center position for injured sophomore Stacy Schlapkohl. Skouby, who is the Big Ten freshmen scoring leader, averages 16.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in conference play. The 6-6 standout ranks 13th in overall scoring (13.1) in the Big Ten, fifth in field goal percentage (.562), fourth in blocks (1.58). She ranks fifth in conference scoring (16.9), fourth in blocks (1.5) and 18th in rebounding (5.4). Skouby has led Iowa in scoring six of the last nine contests, including the last three. She has posted 20 points or more four of the last six games, including the last two.
Skouby Quickly Climbed Freshman Chart ? Megan Skouby has rejected 30 shots. She blocked a career-high five shots at Michigan on Jan. 5 to surpass Jennie Lillis for second place on Iowa’s freshman single season blocking list. Tangela Smith holds Iowa’s freshman mark with 73 blocks. Smith Ranks First in Big Ten in Scoring ? Senior Crystal Smith ranks first in Big Ten scoring (18.9) and 23rd nationally; Michigan State’s Liz Shimek (18.9) also ranks first. Smith has led Iowa in scoring in 12 of Iowa’s 19 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.
Vandy is Dandy ? Sophomore Krista VandeVenter is one of the top all-around threats in the Big Ten. VandeVenter, who has started every game (52) as a Hawkeye, ranks third in Big Ten rebounding (8.6), sixth in steals (2.42), 12th in blocks (0.84) and 29th in scoring (9.3). She has led the Hawkeyes in rebounding 14 times this season. The 6-2 power forward averaged 9.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.1 steals in Iowa’s last ten contests. She has recorded two double-doubles (Iowa State and Minnesota) this season and five in her career.
Triple Play ? Tiffany Reedy made 19 triples in each of her first three seasons. The senior has drained four 3-pointers in the last three games to raise her total to 21 to establish a new single-season high. She is shooting at a 37.5 percent clip from behind the arc, good enough to rank sixth in the Big Ten.
Iowa ranks third in Big Ten 3-point field goal percentage (.367) after ranking fourth last year (.343). The Hawkeyes shot a Big Ten-season-best 69.2 percent (9-13) from behind the arc at Northwestern on Jan. 15.
Dishing the Rock ? Iowa ranks second in Big Ten assists, dishing the ball 17.68 times per game. Four Hawkeyes average 2.42 assists or better: Crystal Smith (3.26), Krista VandeVenter (3.16), Kristi Smith (2.79) and Abby Emmert (2.42).
Possessing the Rock ? The Hawkeyes struggled with turnovers in their first six games, collecting 21.0 miscues per game. However, Iowa has done a better job maintaining the ball in its last 13 contests, only averaging 15.5 turnovers. The Hawkeyes only turned the ball over 14 times at Michigan and vs. #9 Michigan State, 13 times vs. #8 Ohio State and a season-low 11 times at Wisconsin. The Hawkeyes rank second in turnover margin (+2.88) in conference games only. Iowa is 8-2 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponent.
Iowa ranks third in Big Ten turnover margin (+1.42) and second in assist/turnover ratio (1.02). Last year, the Hawkeyes ranked ninth in turnover margin (-1.55) and fifth in assist/turnover margin (0.87).
DE-FENSE! ? Iowa’s perimeter defense has been stellar through 19 games. The Hawkeyes rank first in Big Ten 3-point field goal defense (.263). Last season Iowa ranked 10th in the league in 3-point field goal defense (.361).
Cashing in at the Free Throw Line ? Freshman Wendy Ausdemore became the first Hawkeye to start the season making her first 19 free throw attempts. She has made 23-24 (.958) from the charity stripe this season.
Senior Crystal Smith made her first 18 attempts from the foul line in Iowa’s first three conference contests, including draining all 11 attempts vs. Illinois. Smith’s 11-11 performance tied a school and arena record for free throw percentage in a game. She is shooting a blistering 91.7 percent (44-48) from the free throw line in conference games, which ranks first.
Underclassmen Start for Hawkeyes ? Iowa’s starting lineup at Penn State includes two freshmen (Kristi Smith and Megan Skouby) and one sophomore ( Krista VandeVenter).
VandeVenter started all 52 games as a Hawkeye, including all 19 this season. The power forward ranks third in team scoring (9.3) and first in rebounding (8.6). She has pulled down 415 rebounds and is 21 rebounds from equaling Virgie Dillingham (436) for 18th on Iowa’s career rebounding chart.
Smith started the last 11 games at point guard for Iowa. The native of Thornton, CO ranks fifth in team scoring (5.9) and second in assists (2.79).
Skouby will start her ninth contest Thursday. The 6-6 center ranks second in team scoring (13.1), first in blocks (1.67) and field goal percentge (.562), and fourth in rebounding (4.4).
Iowa is one of two Big Ten teams with two or more freshmen starters. Michigan starts three, while Iowa starts two. This season marks this first time since 1998-99 (Leah Magner and Lindsey Meder) that Iowa has started two freshmen.
Big Ten Rankings ? Iowa ranks first in 3-point field goal percentage defense (.263) and scoring offense (73.6), second in field goal percentage (.461), assists (17.68), assist/turnover ratio (+1.02) and third in turnover margin (1.42), 3-point field goal percentage (.367) and scoring margin (+9.6).
Senior Crystal Smith ranks first in league scoring (18.9),fourth in steals (2.47), fifth in 3-point field goals made (1.89), seventh in free throw percentage (.842) and eighth in 3-point field goal percentage (.360). Freshman Megan Skouby ranks fifth in field goal percentage (.562) and fourth in blocks (1.58). Sophomore Krista VandeVenter ranks third in rebounding (8.6), second in defensive rebounds (6.21), sixth in steals (2.42) and 12th in blocks (0.84).
Home, Away Comparisons ? In 10 home games, Iowa has out-scored its opponents 748-630 (+11.8 margin), shooting 48.2 percent from the field and holding opponents to a 41.5 shooting percentage. Iowa also has posted 183 assists to its opponents’ 116 and attempted 76 more free throws (218-142). Iowa converted 72.9 percent of its free throws at home, while 75.2 percent on the road. The Hawkeyes’ free throw percentage is 2.3 percent better on the road than at home.
In nine games away from Iowa City, Iowa has out-scored its opponents 651-587 (+7.1 margin). Iowa has a better 3-point shooting percentage on the road (40.5%) than at Carver-Hawkeye Arena (32.5%). Also, the Hawkeyes rebound better on the road than at home, averaging 38.9 away from Iowa City and 36.4 at home. Here are the home and away comparisons:
FG% 3-PT% FT% REB AST TO PTSHome .482 .325 .729 36.4 18.3 17.2 74.8Away .440 .405 .752 38.9 17.0 17.3 72.3
Freshmen Step Up ? Iowa’s freshmen class (Megan Skouby, Wendy Ausdemore, Kristi Smith, Nicole VanderPol and Lindsey Nyenhuis) are averaging 28.3 ppg through 19 games. The fivesome tallied a freshmen season-best 43 points at Northwestern on Jan. 15.
Skouby ranks second in team scoring (13.1) and fourth in rebounding (4.4), while Smith (5.9) and Ausdemore (5.9) both rank fifth in scoring. Smith also ranks third in assists (2.79).
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.
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 solid 2005-06 campaign, averaging 6.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg and ranking third on the team in steals with 18. Reedy collected 14 thefts and averaged 3.9 ppg and 2.4 rpg in 33 contests last season.
Movin’ On Up ? Senior Crystal Smith (190) is tied with Jennie Lillis (190) for sixth on Iowa’s career steals chart. She is 15 thefts from equaling Jolette Law (205) for fifth. Smith (1,053) is also 47 points from catching Shanda Berry (1,100) for 18th in career scoring at Iowa. Sophomore Krista VandeVenter (415) is 21 rebounds from matching Virgie Dillingham (436) for 18th in career rebounds.
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.
High Octane ? Iowa, who ranks first in Big Ten scoring offense (73.6), has scored 80 points or more in seven of its 19 games. The Hawkeyes are 6-1 when scoring 80 points or more.
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).
Iowa Ties Arena Mark ? Iowa’s 55 second-half points scored in its 84-65 triumph over Illinois on Jan. 1, matched the Carver-Hawkeye Arena record for most points in a second half. The Hawkeyes also scored 55 vs. Western Illinois on Nov. 25, 2000.
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.
Kristi Smith Maturing Into Starting Role ? Hawkeye freshman Kristi Smith has done a fantastic job directing the Iowa offense since taking over the starting role. In Big Ten play, Smith averages 5.5 points, 3.25 assists and 0.75 steals.
Freebies! ? Iowa has attempted 99 more free throws (383-284) than its opponents through 19 games. The Hawkeyes get to the foul line 5.2 more times than their foes.
Difficult Home Stretch ? Iowa’s last three home contests came against top-15 ranked opponents (No. 8 Ohio State, No. 9 Michigan State and No. 12 Minnesota). The Hawkeyes’ next home game will also come against nationally ranked foe: No. 11 Purdue (Feb. 2).
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.
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 108-66 (.621) record in six years mentoring the Hawkeyes.
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 tenure, 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.
Attendance Rankings ? Iowa ranks 23rd nationally in the women’s basketball attendance rankings released Jan. 23. Penn State ranks 13th with an average of 6,041.
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. 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.
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.
Hy-Vee Cy-Hawk Series ? Iowa State leads the second annual Hy-Vee Cy-Hawk Series 9-4. Iowa State has recorded victories in women’s soccer (2-1), football (23-3), women’s basketball (77-61) and men’s basketball (72-60). Iowa’s two wins came in wrestling (20-15) and women’s swimming and diving (156-144).
On the Horizon ? Iowa will have one week to prepare for nationally-ranked Purdue, who visits Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Thursday, Feb. 2. After playing the Boilermakers, the Hawkeyes will receive its second bye in as many weeks before hosting Northwestern on Thursday, Feb. 9.