Feb. 11, 2006
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The Setting ? Iowa (14-8, 7-4) returns to the road this weekend when the Hawkeyes travel to Columbus, OH to face No. 7 Ohio State (20-2, 10-1). Tip-off is slated for 4:05 p.m. (CST) at Value City Arena (19,200). The Buckeyes have won the last five games against the Hawkeyes.
Sunday’s game has an unusual start time due to Ohio State’s men’s basketball team hosting Illinois in a nationally televised game on CBS starting at 12 p.m. (CST) at Value City Arena.
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.
Sunday’s contest can also be heard live on XM Satellite Radio, channel 199.
Iowa History ? Iowa has played 901 games since beginning basketball in 1974. Overall, Iowa’s record is 551-350 (.612). That includes a 274-129 (.680) mark in Big Ten games and a 247-61 (.802) 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 (1,079), 941 of which came the last 55 games (17.1 ppg). She also ranks sixth in career 3-pointers (104) and steals (196).
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 35th nationally. She has led Iowa in scoring 13 times this season.
Scouting No. 7 Ohio State ? Ohio State will have only one day to prepare for Iowa after its 74-55 triumph at Michigan Friday. The Buckeyes boasted a +10 turnover margin in recording its 11th-straight win.
The Buckeyes are led by preseason all-American Jessica Davenport, who ranks first in Big Ten scoring (19.2), first in rebounding (9.0), blocks (2.82) and field goal percentage (.637). This reigning Big Ten Player of the Week, has recorded a league-best nine double-doubles this year. Kim Wilburn ranks first in Big Ten steals (3.55), while Marscilla Packer ranks first in 3-pointers made (2.32) and percentage (.464).
Ohio State’s only two losses came vs. then-No. 3 LSU (64-48) and at then-No. 18 Purdue (61-59). The Buckeyes have won 15-straight Big Ten home games, dating back to a 57-54 loss to Purdue on Feb. 8, 2004. Overall, Ohio State has won 30 of its last 31 home contests, dating back to 2004-05. LSU is the only team to have beaten the Buckeyes at Value City Arena the last two seasons.
Ohio State is coached by Jim Foster, who is in his 28th year (597-252, .703) as a head coach and his fourth season (93-27, .775) with the Buckeyes. Foster is 5-0 against the Hawkeyes.
All-Time Series Record ? Sunday will be the 45th meeting between Iowa and Ohio State, with the Hawkeyes leading the series 24-20. Ohio State boasts a 13-7 advantage in games played in Columbus. The Buckeyes have won all five meetings against the Hawkeyes at Value City Arena.
Ohio State has won the last five in the series and six of the last seven. Iowa’s last victory over the Buckeyes came on Jan. 20, 2002 in Iowa City when the Hawkeyes won 70-65.
Iowa and Ohio State Fast Breaks ? Ohio State and Iowa rank one-two in four Big Ten statistical categories. The Buckeyes rank first in assist/turnover ratio (1.37), field goal percentage (.492) and assists (18.91), while the Hawkeyes rank second in assist/turnover ratio (1.00), field goal percentage (.459) and assists (17.41).
Sunday will be Iowa’s first road game since Jan. 26.
Crystal Smith is only four steals from collecting her 200th career theft, while Megan Skouby is only four points from notching career point No. 300 in her young career.
Value City Arena is one of three Big Ten arenas Iowa Head Coach Lisa Bluder has not recorded a victory. The other two are Minnesota’s Williams Arena and Purdue’s Mackey Arena.
Iowa and Ohio State have a long-storied rivalry. The Buckeyes defeated the Hawkeyes 73-72 in the 1993 Final Four semifinals. The two teams also met on Feb. 3, 1985 in Iowa City when 22,157 fans squeezed into Carver-Hawkeye Arena, shattering the NCAA attendance record. Ohio State won the contest (56-47).
Freshman Megan Skouby is the only Iowa player that hails from Ohio (Mentor). In fact, her grandfather played basketball for the Buckeyes.
RPI Ratings ? Iowa ranks 60th, while Ohio State ranks ninth in the RPI ratings published Feb. 11 on www.collegerpi.com. All eight Iowa losses came to opponents with a current RPI of 93 or better, including three in the top 10.
Last Meeting ? Jessica Davenport scored a season-high 34 points, grabbed 16 rebounds and had six assists to lead No. 8 Ohio State past Iowa 72-62 inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Debbie Merrill added 15 points for Ohio State, which never trailed as the Buckeyes’ post players dominated play. Led by Davenport’s seventh double-double of the season, Ohio State outrebounded Iowa 39-30 and outscored the Hawkeyes 52-30 in the paint.
Crystal Smith led the Hawkeyes with 26 points and Megan Skouby added 11. Smith became the 22nd player to amass 1,000 career points in an Iowa uniform late in the first half.
Iowa trailed by as many as 16 points before staging a rally midway through the second half. The Hawkeyes went on a 21-11 run and got within 55-49 on a 3-pointer by Smith with 11:22 left.
The teams traded baskets for the next five minutes before Davenport converted a 3-point play with 6:00 left to push Ohio State’s lead to 66-55. Iowa never got closer than 68-59 after that.
Davenport scored the Buckeyes’ last nine points. She broke the game open with 11 straight points during a 15-1 run midway through the first half that gave the Buckeyes a 39-21 lead. Iowa was unable to stop Davenport from establishing position inside, and she took advantage with five baskets from inside 10 feet during a 3:33 span.
Iowa recorded a season-low 13 turnovers in defeat, including only three by its guards. Abby Emmert came off the bench and directed the Hawkeye offense for most of the second half. The sophomore finished with seven points and three assists.
Last Time Out ? Iowa won its 11th-straight game over Northwestern with a 76-61 triumph at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Iowa’s frontcourt of Megan Skouby, Krista VandeVenter and Morgan Kasperek sparked the Hawkeyes. The trio combined for 37 points on 16-26 shooting from the field (61.5%) and 5-6 from the foul line (83.3%) and also grabbed 24 rebounds. VandeVenter posted her third double-double of the season and sixth of her career, collecting 13 points and 13 rebounds. She also dished out four assists. Skouby netted a game-high 16 points, while Kasperek added eight points.
Iowa jumped out to a quick 9-0 advantage in the first 4:30. Northwestern missed its first nine field goal attempts during the scoring drought. The Hawkeyes had an eight-point cushion (34-28) at the half.
Northwestern opened the second half on a 12-7 run to close the Iowa advantage to three (41-38) with 15:30 remaining. The Hawkeyes answered the Wildcats’ surge and re-established a double digit lead by the eight-minute mark. Iowa’s lead swelled to as many as 23 points in the closing minutes.
For the second-straight game, Iowa shot a blistering percent from the free throw line. The Hawkeyes converted 21-23 from the charity stripe for a 91.3% shooting percentage. The Wildcats only managed to get to the foul line 12 times, converting nine.
Northwestern had two players post double-doubles. Ifeoma Okonkwo tallied 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Kristin Cartwright registered 13 points and 11 rebounds in defeat.
Iowa’s leading scorer, Crystal Smith, struggled from the field again, scoring only six points (1-10, FG, 4-4 FT). Her defensive skills shined as she collected a game-high four steals.
Iowa vs. Ranked Teams ? Iowa has recorded at least one victory over a ranked opponent in each of the six years under Coach Bluder. These are Iowa’s most recent wins vs. nationally ranked opponents:
At Home: 77-71 (OT) over 8th-ranked Purdue, 2/2/06On the Road: 78-67 over 18th-ranked Michigan State, 2/1/04Neutral Court: 54-47 over 21st-ranked Oklahoma, 11/27/04
In the Rankings ? Iowa ranks 19th nationally in field goal percentage, 13th in assists, 23rd in scoring and 18th in fewest fouls and free throw percentage through games played Feb. 6. Crystal Smith ranks 35th in scoring, while Megan Skouby ranks 22nd in field goal percentage.
Ohio State ranks second in scoring defense, third in fewest fouls and assists, fourth in field goal percentage, fifth in scoring margin and eighth in winning percentage. Jessica Davenport ranks fifth in field goal percentage, 12th in blocks and 21st in points. Marscilla Packer ranks seventh in 3-point field goal percentage, while Kim Wilburn ranks 12th in steals.
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 22 games. The Hawkeyes rank first in Big Ten 3-point field goal defense (.265). 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 16.5 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 296 overall points ranks seventh 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 16.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.91 blocks in conference play. The 6-6 standout ranks 12th in overall scoring (13.5) in the Big Ten, third in blocks (1.77) and fourth in field goal percentage (.567). She ranks fourth in conference scoring (16.5), fourth in blocks (1.91) and 16th in rebounding (5.7). Skouby has led Iowa in scoring seven of the last 12 contests, including four of the last six. She has posted 20 points or more four of the last nine games.
Skouby Quickly Climbed Freshman Chart ? Megan Skouby has rejected 39 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. On This Date ? Iowa is 6-2 in games played on Feb. 12, including winning five of the last six.
Smith Ranks Third in Big Ten in Scoring ? Senior Crystal Smith ranks third in Big Ten scoring (17.5) and 35th nationally; Ohio State’s Jessica Davenport (19.2) ranks first, followed by Michigan State’s Liz Shimek (18.0). Smith has led Iowa in scoring in 13 of Iowa’s 22 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.
Vandy is Dandy ? Sophomore Krista VandeVenter is one of the top all-around threats in the Big Ten. VandeVenter, who has started every game (55) as a Hawkeye, ranks third in Big Ten rebounding (8.5), fourth in steals (2.32), 12th in blocks (0.77) and 28th in scoring (9.5). She has led the Hawkeyes in rebounding 15 times this season. The 6-2 forward has recorded three double-doubles (Iowa State, Minnesota and Northwestern) this season and six in her career.
Dishing the Rock ? Iowa ranks second in Big Ten assists, dishing the ball 17.41 times per game. Four Hawkeyes average 2.23 assists or better: Crystal Smith (3.27), Krista VandeVenter (3.09), Kristi Smith (2.82) and Abby Emmert (2.23).
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 36.2 percent clip from behind the arc.
Iowa ranks third in Big Ten 3-point field goal percentage (.364) 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.
Kristi Smith Matures 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 6.8 points, 3.18 assists and 1.0 steals. She is averaging 10.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.7 steals in the Hawkeyes’ last three contests.
Cashing in at the Free Throw Line ? Iowa has raised its Big Ten-leading free throw percentage .20 points the last three contests. The Hawkeyes are 50-56 (.892) from the charity stripe its last three games. Iowa is shooting a staggering 79.3 percent from the foul line in league games only.
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 92.9 percent (52-56) 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 55 games as a Hawkeye, including all 22 this season. The power forward ranks third in team scoring (9.5) and first in rebounding (8.5). She has pulled down 438 rebounds and is 44 rebounds from equaling all-American Michelle Edwards (482) for 17th on Iowa’s career rebounding chart.
Smith started the last 14 games at point guard for Iowa. The native of Thornton, CO ranks fifth in team scoring (6.5) and third in assists (2.82).
Skouby will start her 12th contest Sunday. The 6-6 center ranks second in team scoring (13.5), first in blocks (1.77) and field goal percentage (.567), 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.
Big Ten Rankings ? Iowa ranks first in 3-point field goal percentage defense (.265), scoring offense (73.3) and free throw percentage (.759), second in field goal percentage (.459), assists (17.41) and assist/turnover ratio (+1.00) and third in scoring margin (+8.7).
Senior Crystal Smith ranks third in league scoring (17.5) and steals (2.41), sixth in free throw percentage (.852), eighth in 3-pointers made (1.73) and 12th in 3-point field goal percentage (.342). Freshman Megan Skouby ranks third in blocks (1.77) and fourth in field goal percentage (.567). Sophomore Krista VandeVenter ranks third in rebounding (8.5), fourth in steals (2.32), second in defensive rebounds (6.18) and 12th in blocks (0.77).
High Octane ? Iowa, who ranks first in Big Ten scoring offense (73.3), has scored 80 points or more in seven of its 20 games. The Hawkeyes are 12-1 when scoring 70 points or more; the lone loss came in double overtime at Louisiana Tech (95-91).
Home, Away Comparisons ? In 12 home games, Iowa has out-scored its opponents 901-762 (+11.6 margin), shooting 47.7 percent from the field and holding opponents to a 41.2 shooting percentage. Iowa also has posted 219 assists to its opponents’ 142 and attempted 99 more free throws (262-163). Iowa has converted 76.0 percent of its free throw attempts at home.
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 .477 .328 .760 37.1 18.3 17.8 75.1Away .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 3.8 percent better from the field, including 14.8 percent from 3-point range in their victories. Iowa also has made more free throws (228) than its opponents have attempted (172) in its 14 wins. The Hawkeyes hold opponents to only 24.9 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 .431 .431 .781 38.9 19.1 17.4 78.4Losses .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 30.2 ppg through 22 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 (13.5) and second in rebounding (4.7), while Ausdemore (7.0) rank fifth and Smith (6.5) sixth in scoring. Smith also ranks third in assists (2.82).
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 (196) ranks sixth on Iowa’s career steals chart. She is nine thefts from equaling Jolette Law (205) for fifth. Smith (1,079) is also 21 points from catching Shanda Berry (1,100) for 18th in career scoring at Iowa. Sophomore Krista VandeVenter (438) is 44 rebounds from matching Michelle Edwards (482) for 17th in career rebounds.
Freebies! ? Iowa has attempted 119 more free throws (439-333) than its opponents through 22 games. The Hawkeyes get to the foul line 5.41 more times than their foes. Furthermore, Iowa has made (333) more free throws than its opponents have attempted (320).
Iowa is getting to the foul line 1.3 times more this year than it did last year. Last season, the Hawkeyes averaged 18.6 free throw attempts, while so far this year Iowa averages 19.9 attempts.
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, 4.1 rpg and ranking fourth 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.
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).
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.
Attendance Rankings ? Iowa ranks 23rd nationally in the women’s basketball attendance rankings released Feb. 6.
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.
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).
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 remains on the road as the Hawkeyes travel to nationally-ranked Michigan State next Thursday. The Hawkeyes return home to host Michigan on Sunday, Feb. 19.