Feb. 17, 2006
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The Setting ? Iowa (14-10, 7-6) will look to snap a two-game losing skid when it returns home to host Michigan (6-19, 0-13) Sunday. Tip-off is slated for 2:05 p.m. at Carver-Hawkeye Arena (15,500). The Hawkeyes have won six-straight games over the Wolverines. Iowa has not lost three consecutive games this year.
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 198.
Iowa History ? Iowa has played 903 games since beginning basketball in 1974. Overall, Iowa’s record is 551-352 (.610). That includes a 274-131 (.677) mark in Big Ten games and a 247-61 (.802) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Game Time Change ? The Big Ten Conference announced that Iowa’s regular season finale vs. Indiana will be televised live on Comcast SportsNet Chicago. Due to television, the game time has moved from 2 p.m. to 12 p.m. at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The game could potentially have an impact on the seeding for the 2006 Big Ten Tournament presented by Xbox Live. Indiana, which defeated Iowa in Bloomington, 65-53, to open the conference season on Dec. 29, is currently fifth in the Big Ten with an 8-5 record and 14-10 overall. Iowa sits sixth at 7-5, with an overall mark of 14-9.
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 18th in Hawkeye career scoring (1,119), 981 of which came the last 57 games (17.2 ppg). She also ranks fifth in career triples (110) and sixth in steals (202).
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 17.7 ppg through 23 games in her senior campaign. Smith’s scoring average ranks second in the Big Ten and 49th nationally. She has led Iowa in scoring 14 times this season.
Reedy Set Go ? Senior Tiffany Reedy has played the best basketball of her career the last games at No. 7 Ohio State and Michigan State. Reedy scored 36 points, bolstered by 10-16 shooting behind the arc on the two-game road trip. She posted personal bests in scoring (20), field goals made (7) and attempted (13), 3-pointers made (6) and attempted (11) and matched career bests in blocks (2) and minutes played in the two-point loss at No. 14 Michigan State. Her new career high in scoring, bests her previous best of 18 established in her first collegiate game vs. IUPUI 117 games ago. The native of Dysart, IA, ranks fourth in scoring (7.4) and third in steals (22) and rebounding (4.1). She ranks second in Big Ten 3-point field goal percentage (.419).
Scouting Michigan ? Michigan started Big Ten play 0-13 and will be playing its final road game Sunday at Iowa after falling at ninth-ranked Purdue (75-50) Thursday. The Wolverines conclude conference play at home next week with games against No. 14 Michigan State and Illinois.
Like Iowa, Michigan’s roster has been depleted due to injuries. The Wolverines have added three volleyball players and two walk-ons to their active roster last week after starters Katie Dierdorf and Ta’Shia Walker became sidelined.
Michigan ranks 11th in five Big Ten statistical categories and 10th in six categories. The Wolverines do rank fourth in offensive rebounds (12.88).
The Wolverines are led by sophomore Janelle Cooper and freshman Stephany Skrba. Cooper ranks first among active players in scoring (8.8) and 3-pointers made (38), while Skrba ranks first in rebounding (5.2) and second in scoring (7.1). Cooper scored a team-high 17 points in Michigan’s loss at Purdue.
Michigan lost three of its starters this season (Ta’Shia Walker, Katie Dierdorf and Kelly Helvey).
The Wolverines are coached by Cheryl Burnett, who is in her 18th year (344-195, .638) as a head coach and her third season (25-59, .298) with Michigan.
All-Time Series Record ? Sunday will be the 45th meeting between Iowa and Michigan. Iowa boasts a 34-10 advantage in the series, including winning the last six. Iowa holds a commanding 17-4 edge in games played in Iowa City. The Wolverines’ last victory over Iowa came on Feb. 14, 2002 in a 91-80 win in Iowa City.
Iowa boasts a +14.3 margin of victory in its current six-game winning streak over Michigan.
RPI Ratings ? Iowa ranks 57th, while Michigan ranks 206th in the RPI ratings published on www.collegerpi.com. All nine Iowa losses came to opponents with an RPI of 96 or better, including four in the top 10.
Last Meeting ? Four Hawkeye starters scored in double figures as the Iowa Hawkeyes won its sixth-straight game over Michigan 77-63 inside Crisler Arena.
Megan Skouby had a career night as the 6-6 center posted career bests in points (20), rebounds (8) and blocks (5). Krista VandeVenter, Tiffany Reedy and Crystal Smith each contributed 13 points en route to victory. In addition to her 13 points, Smith collected seven rebounds, four steals and a career-high nine assists.
Iowa’s frontcourt duo of Megan Skouby (7) and Krista VandeVenter (7) scored 15 of Iowa’s 17 points as the Hawkeyes jumped out to a 17-10 advantage in the first eight minutes and would never look back.
The Hawkeyes built their lead to 10 by half (42-32), but Michigan opened the second period on a 10-3 run to trim Iowa’s advantage to three (45-42) with 16:46 left. Iowa’s lead swelled back to nine (53-44) after an 8-2 run with 11:20 remaining. The Wolverines tried to mount one last comeback in the final minutes, but Iowa drained three 3-pointers in the final three minutes to secure the victory.
Iowa’s aggressive play generated 11 more free throw attempts than Michigan. The Hawkeyes made 16-20 (.800) from the foul line, while the Wolverines only made nine trips to the charity stripe – making eight (.889).
Iowa only attempted two triples in the first half – missing both, but found its shooting touch in the second stanza, sinking 5-9.
Michigan were led by reserves Ta’Shia Walker and Katie Dierdorf. Walker netted a game-high 24 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Dierdorf added 10 points and four rebounds.
Iowa’s defense held the Wolverines to 37.9 percent (25-66) from the field and 35.7 percent (5-14) from behind the arc. The Hawkeyes converted 49.1 percent (28-57) of its field goals, including 45.5 percent (5-11) from 3-point range.
Gage Returns to Iowa City ? Michigan Assistant Coach Shannon Gage returns to Iowa City for the first time since joining the Wolverine coaching staff last summer. Gage was Iowa’s Director of Basketball Operations for two seasons (2003-05). Gage was a four-year letterwinner at Missouri State University (formerly known as Southwest Missouri State) and played for current Michigan Head Coach Cheryl Burnett.
Last Time Out ? Iowa dropped its second-straight road contest to a nationally-ranked opponent Thursday as it lost a 73-71 thriller at No. 14 Michigan State.
Playing at the Breslin Center on “Senior Night”, the Spartans built a 10-point advantage (42-32) with 18:06 remaining in the game Michigan State went on a 12-2 run that spanned halves. Still trailing by 10 with 14 minutes remaining, the Hawkeyes went on a 12-2 run to tie the game at 50-50 with 10 minutes remaining.
The game, which saw eight ties and eight lead changes, went back-and-forth until the final minutes. Michigan State had senior Liz Shimek at the free throw line, up two, with six seconds remaining. The senior missed the front-end of a one-and-one and Iowa’s Crystal Smith sprinted the ball up the court and found an open Wendy Ausdemore in the corner. Ausdemore’s 3-point attempt at the buzzer fell short as the Spartans held on for the two-point victory.
Iowa was led by seniors Tiffany Reedy and Crystal Smith and freshman Megan Skouby. Reedy amassed a career-high 20 points, bolstered by a career-high 6-11 shooting from behind the arc. Smith contributed 19 points, five assists, four rebounds and four steals, while Skouby added 17 points and equaled a career high with nine rebounds.
Michigan State was led by senior Lindsay Bowen and freshman Aisha Jefferson. Bowen tallied 18 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, while Jefferson recorded 20 points.
The Spartans dominated the Hawkeyes on the glass, out-rebounding Iowa by 13 (46-33). Iowa yielded 20 offensive rebounds to the Spartans, which Michigan State converted into 19 points.
Iowa’s Krista VandeVenter pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds, marking the eighth time this season she has accumulated double digit rebounds. Michigan State’s three starting guards (Bowen, Jefferson and Victoria Lucas-Perry) combined for 27 rebounds.
Iowa posted season highs in 3-pointers made (10) and attempted (27) and assisted on 22 of its 26 field goals in defeat.
So Close ? Head Coach Lisa Bluder subbed Wendy Ausdemore for Megan Skouby before Michigan State’s Liz Shimek attempted her first free throw in the final seconds Thursday night. After Shimek’s miss, Crystal Smith raced down the court and dished the ball to an open Ausdemore for the game-winning shot attempt that just fell short. Ausdemore sank almost the same shot from a couple feet closer on the baseline to tie Purdue Feb. 2 in Iowa City.
Saved By The Bell ? The Iowa Women’s Basketball Team got a thrill Thursday as they received a message from one of the stars of the cult sitcom Saved By The Bell, Dennis Haskins (Mr. Belding).
ESPN analyst Nancy Lieberman, who is good friends with the actor, was calling the game for ESPNU and after she found out that the team staged a “Saved By The Bell” theme party and were such big fans, she tried to put the team in touch with Haskins. Iowa’s Tiffany Reedy and Abby Emmert left a message with the actor after its afternoon shoot-around. After the game, Lieberman played back a message in front of all the Hawkeyes that Haskins left for the team on her cell phone.
DE-FENSE! ? Iowa’s perimeter defense has been stellar through 24 games. The Hawkeyes rank first in Big Ten 3-point field goal defense (.272). Last season Iowa ranked 10th in the league in 3-point field goal defense (.361).
In the Rankings ? Iowa ranks fifth in the nation in free throw percentage, 17th nationally in field goal percentage, 13th in assists, 21st in scoring and 21st in fewest fouls through games played Feb. 13. Crystal Smith ranks 49th in scoring, while Megan Skouby ranks 18th in field goal percentage.
Another First ? Iowa never had a regulation lead in its thrilling 77-71 victory over Purdue on Feb. 2. 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 holding the lead in regulation.
Skouby Trying to Join Elite List ? Megan Skouby is Iowa’s scoring leader in conference games only, averaging 16.7 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 314 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 16.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.77 blocks in conference play. The 6-6 standout ranks 12th in overall scoring (13.8) in the Big Ten, third in blocks (1.71) and fourth in field goal percentage (.563). She ranks third in conference scoring (16.7), fourth in blocks (1.77) and 16th in rebounding (5.8). Skouby has led Iowa in scoring seven of the last 14 contests, including four of the last eight. She has posted 20 points or more five times this year.
Skouby Quickly Climbed Freshman Chart ? Megan Skouby has rejected 41 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.
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 7.2 points, 3.46 assists and 0.85 steals. Smith dished out a personal-best eight assists at Ohio State. She ranks 10th in Big Ten assists in league games only.
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 32-34 (.941) 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 93.1 percent (54-58) from the free throw line in conference games, which ranks second behind Michigan State’s Lindsay Bowen (.935).
Smith Ranks Second in Big Ten in Scoring ? Senior Crystal Smith ranks second in Big Ten scoring (17.7) and 49th nationally; Ohio State’s Jessica Davenport (19.4) ranks first. Smith has led Iowa in scoring in 14 of Iowa’s 24 contests.
Smith and Indiana State’s Melanie Boeglin scored an NCAA single-game-high 46 points. Both amassed their scoring totals in double overtime as Smith recorded 46 points at Louisiana Tech, while Boeglin tallied 46 at Drake.
Vandy is Dandy ? Sophomore Krista VandeVenter is one of the top all-around threats in the Big Ten. VandeVenter, who has started every game (57) as a Hawkeye, ranks third in Big Ten rebounding (8.4), sixth in steals (2.21) and 13th in blocks (0.71). She has led the Hawkeyes in rebounding 17 times this season. The 6-2 forward has recorded three double-doubles (Iowa State, Minnesota and Northwestern) this season and six in her career.
VandeVenter fouled out of her first career game at Ohio State Feb. 12.
Dishing the Rock ? Iowa ranks second in Big Ten assists, dishing the ball 17.50 times per game. Three Hawkeyes average 3.0 assists or better: Crystal Smith (3.38), Kristi Smith (3.0) and Krista VandeVenter (3.0).
Triple Play ? Tiffany Reedy made 19 triples in each of her first three seasons. The senior drained a personal-best six 3-pointers at Michigan State to raise her total to 31, which is a new single-season best. She is shooting at a 41.9 percent clip from behind the arc, which ranks second in the Big Ten.
Iowa ranks second in Big Ten 3-point field goal percentage (.373) after ranking fourth last year (.343). The Hawkeyes shot a Big Ten-season-best 69.2% (9-13) from behind the arc at Northwestern on Jan. 15. Iowa also converted 53.3% (8-15) from 3-point range at Ohio State on Feb. 12. The Hawkeyes rank third in Big Ten 3-pointers made (5.0).
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 57 games as a Hawkeye, including all 24 this season. The power forward ranks third in team scoring (9.0) and first in rebounding (8.4). She has pulled down 453 rebounds and is 29 rebounds from equaling all-American Michelle Edwards (482) for 17th on Iowa’s career rebounding chart.
Smith started the last 16 games at point guard for Iowa. The native of Thornton, CO ranks fifth in team scoring (6.7) and second in assists (3.0).
Skouby will start her 14th contest Sunday. The 6-6 center ranks second in team scoring (13.8), first in blocks (1.71) and field goal percentage (.563), and second in rebounding (4.9).
Iowa is one of two Big Ten teams with two or more freshmen starters. Michigan starts three, while Iowa starts two.
On This Date ? Iowa is 6-2 in games played on Feb. 19, including winning three straight. Iowa is 2-0 against Michigan on Feb. 19.
Big Ten Rankings ? Iowa ranks first in 3-point field goal percentage defense (.272), scoring offense (73.4) and free throw percentage (.760), second in field goal percentage (.460), assists (17.5), assist/turnover ratio (+1.03) and 3-point field goal percentage (.373).
Senior Crystal Smith ranks second in league scoring (17.7) and steals (2.46), fifth in free throw percentage (.854), sixth in 3-pointers made (1.83) and ninth in assists (3.38). Freshman Megan Skouby ranks third in blocks (1.71) and fourth in field goal percentage (.563). Sophomore Krista VandeVenter ranks third in rebounding (8.4), sixth in steals (2.21), second in defensive rebounds (6.08) and 13th in blocks (0.71).
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 12 games away from Iowa City, Iowa has out-scored its opponents 860-820 (+3.3 margin). Iowa has a better 3-point shooting percentage on the road (40.4%) than at Carver-Hawkeye Arena (32.8%). 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 .444 .404 .760 35.4 16.8 16.3 71.7
Wins, Losses Comparisons ? There are big differentials in the stats between Iowa’s wins and losses. The Hawkeyes shoot 2.3 percent better from the field, including 11.1 percent from 3-point range in their victories. Iowa averages 6.4 more rebounds in wins than losses. The Hawkeyes have made more free throws (228) than its opponents have attempted (172) in its 14 wins. Iowa holds opponents to only 24.9 percent shooting from behind the arc in their wins. The Hawkeyes average only 15.2 assists in its ten 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 .408 .320 .735 32.5 15.2 16.4 66.3
High Octane ? Iowa, who ranks first in Big Ten scoring offense (73.4), has scored 80 points or more in seven of its 24 games. The Hawkeyes are 12-3 when scoring 70 points or more; the three losses came in double overtime at Louisiana Tech (95-91), at No. 7 Ohio State (88-77) and No. 14 Michigan State (73-71).
Freshmen Step Up ? Iowa’s freshmen class (Megan Skouby, Wendy Ausdemore, Kristi Smith, Nicole VanderPol and Lindsey Nyenhuis) are averaging 30.1 ppg through 24 games. The trio of Ausdemore, Skouby and Smith tallied a freshmen season-best 57 points vs. No. 8 Purdue on Feb. 2.
Skouby ranks second in team scoring (13.8) and second in rebounding (4.9), while Ausdemore (6.7) and Smith (6.7) rank fifth in scoring. Smith also ranks second in assists (3.0). 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 (202) ranks sixth on Iowa’s career steals chart. She is only three thefts from equaling Jolette Law (205) for fifth. Smith (1,119) is also only ten points from catching Lisa Anderson (1,129) for 17th in career scoring at Iowa. Sophomore Krista VandeVenter (453) is 29 rebounds from matching all-American Michelle Edwards (482) for 17th in career rebounds.
Freebies! ? Iowa has attempted 114 more free throws (470-356) than its opponents through 24 games. The Hawkeyes get to the foul line 4.75 more times than their foes. Furthermore, Iowa has made (357) more free throws than its opponents have attempted (356).
Iowa is getting to the foul line 1.0 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 19.6 attempts.
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.
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.
Attendance Rankings ? Iowa ranks 23rd (3,756) nationally in the women’s basketball attendance rankings released Feb. 13.
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 presented by Xbox Live 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.
On the Horizon ? Iowa will play its final regular season road contest at Illinois (7 p.m.) on Thursday, Feb. 23 before returning home for its regular season finale vs. Indiana (12 p.m.) Sunday, Feb. 26.