Feb. 7, 2006
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The Setting ? Iowa (13-8, 6-4) returns to action Thursday after receiving its second bye in as many weeks when it hosts Northwestern (6-16, 2-9). Tip-off is slated for 7:05 p.m. at Carver-Hawkeye Arena (15,500). Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for youths and University students are admitted free with student I.D. Iowa has won ten-straight games over Northwestern.
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 900 games since beginning basketball in 1974. Overall, Iowa’s record is 550-350 (.611). That includes a 273-129 (.679) mark in Big Ten games and a 246-61 (.801) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Number of the Week – – 2 ? Iowa has recorded two victories over top-ten opponents this season (No. 9 Michigan State 75-64 and No. 8 Purdue 77-71, ot). The last time the Hawkeyes recorded two wins against top-ten teams in the same season was Head Coach Lisa Bluder’s first season on the Hawkeye sidelines (2000-01). Iowa picked up two victories over Purdue that year, first when it was ranked fifth (96-87 at Iowa City) and second when the Boilermakers were ranked seventh (75-70 at Grand Rapids).
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.
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 (1,074), 935 of which came the last 54 games (17.3 ppg). She also ranks sixth in career 3-pointers (104) and steals (192).
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 18.0 ppg through 21 games in her senior campaign. Smith’s scoring average ranks third in the Big Ten and 23rd nationally. She has led Iowa in scoring 13 times this season.
Scouting Northwestern ? After starting the Big Ten season 0-7, Northwestern has won two of its last four games, notching wins over Michigan (77-57) and Wisconsin (58-56). The Wildcats will finish their regular season with four of five contests on the road.
Northwestern trailed Wisconsin by five points at the half, but rallied to out-score Wisconsin by seven in the second half en route to victory. Ifeoma Okonkwo came off the bench to score a game-high 20 points, including netting her 1,000th career point. The Wildcats out-scored the Badgers 13-7 at the foul line.
Okonkwo is Northwestern’s leading scorer (14.3) and rebounder (7.4), and doing so coming off the bench. A.J. Glasauer ranks second in team scoring (11.9) and assists (3.45). Nadia Bibbs ranks fourth in Big Ten assists (3.91).
The Wildcats rank last in Big Ten scoring defense (74.9), scoring margin (-12.7), field goal percentage (.384), field goal percentage defense (.384), rebounds allowed (42.6) and rebounding margin (-7.7).
Freshman Kristin Cartwright, who averages 6.5 points and 4.0 rebounds, is the daughter of former Chicago Bulls player and Head Coach Bill Cartwright.
Northwestern is coached by Beth Combs, who is in her fifth year (55-86, .390) as a head coach and her second season (11-41, .212) with the Wildcats. Combs is 0-3 against the Hawkeyes.
All-Time Series Record ? Thursday will be the 49th meeting between Iowa and Northwestern, with the Hawkeyes holding a commanding 36-12 advantage. Iowa boasts a 17-4 edge in games played in Iowa City.
Iowa has won the last ten overall meetings against the Wildcats, which is the Hawkeyes’ longest active winning streak over any squad. Northwestern’s last victory over Iowa came Mar. 2, 2000 in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis; Angie Lee’s last game as Hawkeye head coach.
Iowa and Northwestern Fast Breaks ? Iowa has four players on its roster from the state of Illinois: Johanna Solverson (Lake Zurich), Lindsay Richards (Barrington), Jeneé Graham (Bolingbrook) and Morgan Kasperek (Hinsdale).
Iowa boasts a +21.1 margin of victory during its active ten-game winning streak over the Wildcats.
Iowa ranks first in Big Ten scoring (73.2), while Northwestern ranks last in scoring defense (74.9).
Iowa has converted 87.9 percent (29-33) from the foul line its last two games combined.
The Hawkeyes overcame a 17-point second half deficit to upend Northwestern 81-76 in last year’s game in Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Jan. 16, 2005. Iowa rallied to score 54 second-half points, one shy of the arena record.
Iowa has three players ranked in the top eight in Big Ten freshmen scoring: Megan Skouby (1st), Wendy Ausdemore (5th) and Kristi Smith (8th).
Iowa’s Krista VandeVenter (2.6) and Crystal Smith (2.4) rank second and third, respectively, in Big Ten steals in conference games only.
RPI Ratings ? Iowa ranks 59th, while Northwestern ranks 185th in the official RPI ratings published Feb. 6 on www.ncaasports.com. The Hawkeyes also rank 38th in strength of schedule, while the Wildcats rank 62nd. All eight Iowa losses came to opponents with a current RPI of 81 or better, including four in the top 30.
Last Meeting ? Iowa built a 21-point first-half lead and cruised to an 80-48 triumph over Northwestern at Welsh-Ryan Arena. The win was Iowa’s largest conference win since recording a 40-point win over Northwestern on Jan. 25, 2001 in Evanston. The victory was also Iowa’s 10-straight over the Wildcats, all under Head Coach Lisa Bluder.
Megan Skouby and Crystal Smith were Iowa’s offensive catalysts today. Skouby netted a game-high 18 points (8-16 FG, 2-2 FT). The Big Ten’s leading freshman scorer, has tallied double digits four-straight contests and five of Iowa’s six league games. Smith added 13 points in only 18 minutes of action.
Tiffany Reedy had a solid all-around game, converting 3-4 from 3-point range for nine points and collecting seven rebounds, four assists and three steals.
Iowa had a better 3-point shooting percentage (.692, 9-13) than Northwestern did free throw percentage (.615, 8-13). Reedy and Lindsey Nyenhuis drained three triples each, Smith nailed two, while Abby Emmert made one.
Leading 16-7, Iowa went on a 12-0 run to expand its advantage to 28-7. Iowa converted 10 of its first 13 field goal attempts, while Northwestern made only three of its first 19. The Hawkeyes made only two field goals the last nine minutes of the first stanza. Iowa led by 16 at the half (36-20).
Northwestern was led by reserve forward Lauren Roberts and Nadia Bibbs. Roberts tallied a team-high 10 points, while Bibbs recorded a career-high eight rebounds.
Eleven of Iowa’s 12 players scored, including 33 points from the Hawkeye bench.
The Hawkeyes outrebounded the Wildcats by 11 (49-38) and collected 24 assists to Northwestern’s 14.
Last Time Out ? A trio of Iowa freshmen combined for 57 points en route to a thrilling 77-71 overtime win over eighth-ranked Purdue at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The 77 points are the most scored by a Purdue opponent this year.
The victory snapped the Hawkeyes’ seven-game losing streak to the Boilermakers. Iowa’s triumph also halted Purdue’s 13-game overall winning streak and nine-game streak in Big Ten play.
The Hawkeyes trailed the entire game, as much as 11 points in the second half, but a Wendy Ausdemore baseline jumper with 17 seconds left concluded a 6-0 Iowa run to tie the game at 65 and send the contest to overtime.
Iowa, who was playing in its 900th game, scored the first four points of the extra session and never looked back as the Hawkeyes out-scored Purdue 12-6 in overtime.
Hawkeye freshmen Megan Skouby, Kristi Smith and Ausdemore sparked Iowa. Ausdemore tallied a game and career-high 23 points. Smith contributed a career-high 15 points, while Skouby added 19 points. Skouby also posted career bests in rebounds (9) and blocks (5).
Crystal Smith, who entered the game as the Big Ten’s second-leading scorer, only scored four points. In fact, the Boilermakers held Smith scoreless until the 2:09 mark of the second half. Although Smith did not score her usually double figures, she did collected seven assists and six rebounds.
Purdue was led by Aya Traore, Erin Lawless and Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton. Traore netted a team-high 19 points, Lawless added 16 points and Wisdom-Hylton chipped in with 13. Lawless fouled out of the contest with 1:05 remaining in regulation. The Boilermakers blocked a season-high 10 shots in defeat.
Iowa out-scored Purdue 19-7 at the foul line. The Hawkeyes converted a season-high 90.5 percent (19-21) from the charity stripe.
The win was Iowa’s second over a top-ten ranked opponent in 2005-06.
In the Rankings ? Iowa ranks 18th nationally in field goal percentage, 12th in assists, 23rd in scoring, 23rd in fewest fouls per game and 26th in free throw percentage through games played Jan. 30. Crystal Smith ranks 31st in scoring, while Megan Skouby ranks 22nd in field goal percentage.
Another First ? Iowa never had a regulation lead in its thrilling 77-71 victory over Purdue last Thursday. The Hawkeyes’ first lead came one minute into overtime. It is believed to be the first time in Iowa women’s basketball history that the Hawkeyes won a game without sustaining any advantage in regulation.
DE-FENSE! ? Iowa’s perimeter defense has been stellar through 20 games. The Hawkeyes rank first in Big Ten 3-point field goal defense (.267). Last season Iowa ranked 10th in the league in 3-point field goal defense (.361).
Skouby Trying to Join Elite List ? Megan Skouby is Iowa’s scoring leader in conference games only, averaging 16.6 points. Only two other freshman Hawkeyes have ever finished the season leading the team in scoring in league games only (Lisa Becker, 1984 and Tiffany Gooden, 1995). Skouby’s 280 overall points ranks eighth in Iowa freshman single-season scoring.
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 16.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in conference play. The 6-6 standout ranks 13th in overall scoring (13.3) in the Big Ten, third in blocks (1.6) and fourth in field goal percentage (.566). She ranks fifth in conference scoring (16.6), fourth in blocks (1.9) and 15th in rebounding (5.7). Skouby has led Iowa in scoring six of the last 11 contests, including three of the last five. She has posted 20 points or more four of the last eight games.
Skouby Quickly Climbed Freshman Chart ? Megan Skouby has rejected 37 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 Second in Big Ten in Scoring ? Senior Crystal Smith ranks third in Big Ten scoring (18.0) and 23rd nationally; Ohio State’s Jessica Davenport (19.1) ranks first, followed by Michigan State’s Liz Shimek (18.5). Smith has led Iowa in scoring in 13 of Iowa’s 21 contests.
Smith’s 46 points at Louisiana Tech are the most scored in a game by any player in the nation this season. North Carolina A&T’s Shareka Glover ranks second after netting 45 points vs. Morgan State on Jan. 23.
On This Date ? Iowa is 4-3 in games played on Feb. 9, including winning four of the last five. The Hawkeyes are 1-0 against Northwestern on Feb. 9.
Vandy is Dandy ? Sophomore Krista VandeVenter is one of the top all-around threats in the Big Ten. VandeVenter, who has started every game (54) as a Hawkeye, ranks third in Big Ten rebounding (8.2) and steals (2.38), 12th in blocks (0.81) and 29th in scoring (9.3). She has led the Hawkeyes in rebounding 14 times this season. The 6-2 forward has recorded two double-doubles (Iowa State and Minnesota) this season and five in her career.
Dishing the Rock ? Iowa ranks second in Big Ten assists, dishing the ball 17.29 times per game. Four Hawkeyes average 2.24 assists or better: Crystal Smith (3.33), Krista VandeVenter (3.05), Kristi Smith (2.76) and Abby Emmert (2.24).
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 36.8 percent clip from behind the arc, good enough to rank seventh in the Big Ten.
Iowa ranks third in Big Ten 3-point field goal percentage (.365) 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.
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 15 contests, only averaging 15.6 turnovers. The Hawkeyes only turned the ball over 13 times vs. #8 Ohio State and a season-low 11 times at Wisconsin. The Hawkeyes rank second in turnover margin (+1.6) in conference games only. Iowa is 8-2 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponent.
Iowa ranks third in Big Ten turnover margin (+0.95) and second in assist/turnover ratio (1.00). Last year, the Hawkeyes ranked ninth in turnover margin (-1.55) and fifth in assist/turnover margin (0.87).
Stayin’ Home ? Playing two home games, surrounded by two byes, have the Hawkeyes staying in Iowa City for 16 days. After playing at Penn State on Jan. 26, Iowa’s next road game will be at Ohio State on Feb. 12.
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 31-32 (.969) 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 92.3 percent (48-52) from the free throw line in conference games, which ranks first.
Underclassmen Start for Hawkeyes ? Iowa’s starting lineup includes two freshmen (Kristi Smith and Megan Skouby) and one sophomore (Krista VandeVenter). The last time Iowa had two freshmen starters was during the 1998-99 campaign (Lindsey Meder and Leah Magner).
VandeVenter started all 54 games as a Hawkeye, including all 21 this season. The power forward ranks third in team scoring (9.3) and first in rebounding (8.2). She has pulled down 425 rebounds and is 11 rebounds from equaling Virgie Dillingham (436) for 18th on Iowa’s career rebounding chart.
Smith started the last 13 games at point guard for Iowa. The native of Thornton, CO ranks fifth in team scoring (6.3) and second in assists (2.76).
Skouby will start her 11th contest Thursday. The 6-6 center ranks second in team scoring (13.3), first in blocks (1.76) and field goal percentage (.566), and fourth in rebounding (4.7).
Iowa is one of two Big Ten teams with two or more freshmen starters. Michigan starts three, while Iowa starts two.
High Octane ? Iowa, who ranks first in Big Ten scoring offense (73.2), has scored 80 points or more in seven of its 20 games. The Hawkeyes are 11-1 when scoring 70 points or more; the lone loss came in double overtime at Louisiana Tech (95-91).
Big Ten Rankings ? Iowa ranks first in 3-point field goal percentage defense (.267) and scoring offense (73.2), second in free throw percentage (.750), field goal percentage (.459), assists (17.29) and assist/turnover ratio (+1.00) and third in 3-point field goal percentage (.365) and scoring margin (+8.4).
Senior Crystal Smith ranks third in league scoring (18.0), fourth in steals (2.33), sixth in free throw percentage (.847), seventh in 3-pointers made (1.81) and 13th in 3-point field goal percentage (.349). Freshman Megan Skouby ranks third in blocks (1.76) and fourth in field goal percentage (.566). Sophomore Krista VandeVenter ranks third in rebounding (8.2) and steals (2.38), second in defensive rebounds (6.0) and 12th in blocks (0.81).
Home, Away Comparisons ? In 11 home games, Iowa has out-scored its opponents 825-701 (+11.3 margin), shooting 47.8 percent from the field and holding opponents to a 41.7 shooting percentage. Iowa also has posted 199 assists to its opponents’ 129 and attempted 88 more free throws (239-151). Iowa has converted 74.5 percent of its free throws at home, while 75.7 percent on the road.
In ten games away from Iowa City, Iowa has out-scored its opponents 712-659 (+5.3 margin). Iowa has a better 3-point shooting percentage on the road (39.7%) than at Carver-Hawkeye Arena (32.5%). Also, the Hawkeyes rebound better on the road than at home, averaging 37.5 away from Iowa City and 36.4 at home. Here are the home and away comparisons:
FG% 3-PT% FT% REB AST TO PTSHome .478 .328 .745 36.9 18.1 17.6 75.0Away .438 .397 .757 37.5 16.4 17.0 71.2
Wins, Losses Comparisons ? There are big differentials in the stats between Iowa’s wins and losses. The Hawkeyes shoot 10.8 percent better from the field, including 15.5 percent from 3-point range in their victories. Iowa also has made more free throws (207) than its opponents have attempted (160) in its 13 wins. The Hawkeyes hold opponents to only 25.1 percent shooting from behind the arc in their wins. Iowa averages only 14.4 assists in its eight defeats. Here are the wins and losses comparisons:
FG% 3-PT% FT% REB AST TO PTSWins .501 .438 .770 38.9 19.1 17.3 78.6Losses .393 .283 .714 34.4 14.4 17.4 64.4
Freshmen Step Up ? Iowa’s freshmen class (Megan Skouby, Wendy Ausdemore, Kristi Smith, Nicole VanderPol and Lindsey Nyenhuis) are averaging 29.9 ppg through 21 games. The trio of Ausdemore, Skouby and Smith tallied a freshmen season-best 57 points vs. #8 Purdue on Feb. 2.
Skouby ranks second in team scoring (13.3) and second in rebounding (4.7), while Ausdemore (7.0) rank fifth and Smith (6.3) sixth in scoring. Smith also ranks third in assists (2.76).
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 6.4 ppg, 4.3 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.
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.
Movin’ On Up ? Senior Crystal Smith (192) ranks sixth on Iowa’s career steals chart. She is 13 thefts from equaling Jolette Law (205) for fifth. Smith (1,073) is also 27 points from catching Shanda Berry (1,100) for 18th in career scoring at Iowa. Sophomore Krista VandeVenter (425) is 11 rebounds from matching Virgie Dillingham (436) for 18th in career rebounds.
Freebies! ? Iowa has attempted 108 more free throws (416-308) than its opponents through 21 games. The Hawkeyes get to the foul line 5.14 more times than their foes. Furthermore, Iowa has made (312) more free throws than its opponents have attempted (308).
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.
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 ? 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 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.
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.
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 6.5 points, 3.1 assists and 0.9 steals.
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 109-67 (.619) 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).
Attendance Rankings ? Iowa ranks 23rd nationally in the women’s basketball attendance rankings released Feb. 6.
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.
Hy-Vee Cy-Hawk Series ? Iowa State leads the second annual Hy-Vee Cy-Hawk Series 11-4. Iowa State has recorded victories in women’s soccer (2-1), football (23-3), women’s basketball (77-61), men’s basketball (72-60) and women’s gymnastics (195.7-193.375). Iowa’s two wins came in wrestling (20-15) and women’s swimming and diving (156-144).
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.
On the Horizon ? Iowa returns to the road for its first road competition against nationally ranked opponents. The Hawkeyes will travel to Ohio State (Feb. 12) and Michigan State (Feb. 16). Iowa is 2-6 against ranked foes this season.