Feb. 21, 2006
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The Setting ? Iowa (15-10, 8-6) will play its final regular season road game Thursday when it travels to Illinois (13-12, 5-9). Tip-off is slated for 7:05 p.m. at Assembly Hall (16,500). The Hawkeyes have won five-straight games over the Fighting Illini, including the last two meetings in Assembly Hall.
With two games left, the Hawkeyes have solidified no-worse than a sixth-place finish in the Big Ten. To secure fifth in the Big Ten standings, Iowa must win its last two games AND Indiana must lose its last two, OR, if both Indiana and Iowa lose its respective road games Thursday, Iowa must defeat Indiana Sunday.
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 904 games since beginning basketball in 1974. Overall, Iowa’s record is 552-352 (.611). That includes a 275-131 (.677) mark in Big Ten games and a 248-61 (.803) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Game Time Change ? Iowa’s regular season finale vs. Indiana Sunday 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 tied with Minnesota for fourth in the Big Ten with an 9-5 record and 15-10 overall. Iowa sits sixth at 8-6, with an overall mark of 15-10.
Giant Killers ? 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 (1,129), 991 of which came the last 58 games (17.1 ppg). She also ranks fifth in career triples (110) and sixth in steals (205).
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 17.4 ppg through 25 games in her senior campaign. Smith’s scoring average ranks third in the Big Ten and 49th nationally. She has led Iowa in scoring 14 times this season.
Reedy Set Go ? Tiffany Reedy played the best basketball of her career at No. 7 Ohio State and No. 14 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 (38) in the two-point loss at No. 14 Michigan State. Her new career high in scoring bests her previous best (18) established in her first game vs. IUPUI — a span of 117 games. The native of Dysart, ranks fourth in team scoring (7.5) and steals (22) and third in rebounding (4.0). She ranks second in Big Ten 3-point field goal percentage (.418).
Scouting Illinois ? Illinois has had a week to prepare for Iowa as the Fighting Illini received their second bye on Sunday. Thursday will be “Senior Night” for three student-athletes on Illinois’ roster. Maggie Acuna, Janelle Hughes and Brittney Daugherty will be recognized in their final regular season home game at Assembly Hall.
Illinois snapped an eight-game losing skid at Northwestern with a 60-59 victory on Feb. 16. Freshman Chelsea Gordon converted a traditional 3-point play with 2.6 seconds remaining to lift the Fighting Illini to a one-point win in Evanston. Illinois scored the last five points of the game.
Hughes ranks first in team scoring (13.2) and second in assists (51) and steals (42). Wigley ranks second in scoring (11.3) and rebounding (5.4), while Audrey Tabon is the team’s leading rebounder (6.6). Lori Bjork averages 9.8 points, the second-highest freshman average in the Big Ten behind Iowa’s Megan Skouby (13.8).
Illinois ranks last in league offensive rebounding (9.57), but is first in defensive rebounding (25.5). Iowa is a perfect 10-0 when it out-rebounds its opponents this season.
Acuna and Iowa senior Morgan Kasperek were teammates on Hinsdale Central’s Class of 2002. Illinois has two Iowans on its roster, Stephanie Chelleen (Des Moines) and Bjork (Johnston).
Illinois is coached by Theresa Grentz, who is in her 32nd year (649-296, .687) as a head coach and her 11th season (188-141, .571) with the Fighting Illini.
All-Time Series Record ? Thursday will be the 55th meeting between Iowa and Illinois. Iowa boasts a 39-15 advantage in the series that began in 1974. The 39 wins are the most the Hawkeyes’ have against any other Big Ten team. Iowa has won 33 of the last 38 overall meetings.
Iowa holds a 15-10 edge in games played in Champaign, including winning the last two. Fighting Illini Head Coach Theresa Grentz is 5-14 against Iowa.
Iowa boasts a +20.0 margin of victory in its current five-game winning streak over Illinois.
RPI Ratings ? Iowa ranks 60th, while Illinois ranks 146th in the RPI ratings published on www.collegerpi.com. All ten Iowa losses came to opponents with an RPI of 100 or better, including four in the top 10.
Last Meeting ? A big second half lifted Iowa to an 84-65 victory over Illinois inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. A crowd of 3,439 watched Iowa’s first-ever New Year’s Day game.
Crystal Smith ignited the Hawkeye offense, scoring a game-high 27 points on 7-13 shooting from the field and a perfect 11-11 from the foul line. Smith tallied 19 of her 27 points in the second period. Smith also collected seven rebounds, four steals and two assists.
Smith’s perfect 11-11 shooting performance from the charity stripe tied a school record for free throw percentage in a game.
Krista VandeVenter had another big game for the Hawkeyes, scoring all 13 of her points in the second period and also posting game bests in rebounding (7) and assists (6). The six assists matched a career high for VandeVenter. Nicole VanderPol added four points and four rebounds.
Illinois started the game on fire, draining seven of its 12 field goal attempts in the first six minutes to grab a commanding 17-2 advantage. The Hawkeyes started the contest ice-cold from the floor, missing six of their first seven field goal attempts. Iowa regained its shooting touch later in the half, as a Wendy Ausdemore 3-pointer capped an Iowa 11-0 run to tie the contest at 23 with 3:59 left. Ausdemore netted 11 of her career-high 14 points in the first stanza.
Iowa silenced Illinois starter Janelle Hughes for the first 17 minutes, but the senior scored the Fighting Illini’s final nine points on four-straight possessions of the half to propel Illinois to a six-point (34-29) halftime advantage.
Crystal Smith sparked a 17-2 scoring run in the second half to help give the Hawkeyes a 55-45 advantage with 11:30 left in the game. Smith scored nine of the 17 points during the scoring run.
Illinois’ Erin Wigley and Hughes each scored 20 points to lead Illinois. Audrey Tabon pulled down seven rebounds to lead the Fighting Illini.
Last Time Out ? Iowa snapped a two-game losing skid with a 67-55 victory over Michigan Sunday in front of 5,061 fans at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
The Hawkeyes didn’t shoot the ball well (38.6%), but did out-rebound the Wolverines by eight (40-32). Hawkeye sophomore Krista VandeVenter controlled a game-high 11 rebounds, marking the fifth time in eight games the forward has grabbed double digit rebounds.
Iowa had four players net double figures, led by freshman Megan Skouby’s 14 points. Eight of Skouby’s 14 points came from the foul line. Freshman Kristi Smith tallied double figures for the fourth time in five games as the point guard scored 11. Seniors Tiffany Reedy and Crystal Smith each contributed 10 points. All of Crystal Smith’s 10 points came in the first period.
Kristi Smith posted career highs in rebounds (5) and steals (3). In addition to scoring 10 points, Crystal Smith collected four rebounds, five assists and three steals in only 27 minutes of action.
Michigan was led by freshman Jessica Minnfield, who recorded a game-high 20 points. Sophomore Janelle Cooper and freshman Stephanie Skrba each scored 10 points in the losing effort.
Iowa built a 10-point advantage (18-8) in the first 11 minutes and never looked back. The Wolverines closed the deficit to five points (23-18) with 4:40 remaining in the half, but the Hawkeyes closed the half on a 9-2 run to take a commanding 32-20 lead into the break. Iowa led by as many as 20 points in the second half en route to its seventh-straight victory over Michigan.
The Hawkeyes forced 19 turnovers and converted Michigan’s miscues into 14 points.
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 last Thursday. 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 last 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 25 games. The Hawkeyes rank first in Big Ten 3-point field goal defense (.278). 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 16.5 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 345 overall points ranks fifth in Iowa freshman single-season scoring.
Skouby Leads Big Ten Freshmen ? 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, 5.8 rebounds and 1.71 blocks in conference play. The 6-6 standout ranks 11th in overall scoring (13.8) in the Big Ten, fourth in blocks (1.68) and field goal percentage (.551). She ranks third in conference scoring (16.5), fourth in blocks (1.71) and 16th in rebounding (5.8).
Skouby has led Iowa in scoring eight of the last 15 contests, including five of the last nine. She has posted 20 points or more five times this year. The native of Mentor, OH, has netted double figures 12 consecutive games — a streak that ranks third-best in the Big Ten.
Skouby Quickly Climbed Freshman Chart ? Megan Skouby has rejected 42 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 7.4 points, 3.36 assists and 1.0 steals. Smith dished out a personal-best eight assists at Ohio State. She ranks 11th 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 91.5 percent (54-59) from the free throw line in conference games, which is tops in the Big Ten.
Big Ten Rankings ? Iowa ranks first in 3-point field goal percentage defense (.278) and free throw percentage (.758), second in scoring offense (73.2), field goal percentage (.457), assists (17.28), assist/turnover ratio (+1.02) and 3-point field goal percentage (.365).
Senior Crystal Smith ranks second in league steals (2.48), third in scoring (17.4), seventh in free throw percentage (.847) and ninth in 3-pointers made (1.76) and assists (3.44). Freshman Megan Skouby ranks fourth in blocks (1.68) and field goal percentage (.551). Sophomore Krista VandeVenter ranks second in rebounding (8.5) and defensive rebounds (6.12), sixth in steals (2.16) and 13th in blocks (0.72).
On This Date ? Iowa is 7-2 in games played on Feb. 23, including winning the last six. Thursday will be Iowa’s first meeting vs. Illinois on Feb. 23.
Dishing the Rock ? Iowa ranks second in Big Ten assists, dishing the ball 17.28 times per game. Three Hawkeyes average 2.92 assists or better: Crystal Smith (3.44), Kristi Smith (2.96) and Krista VandeVenter (2.92).
Smith Ranks Third in Big Ten in Scoring ? Senior Crystal Smith ranks third in Big Ten scoring (17.4) and 49th nationally; Ohio State’s Jessica Davenport (19.2) ranks first. Smith has led Iowa in scoring in 14 of Iowa’s 25 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 (58) as a Hawkeye, ranks third in Big Ten rebounding (8.5), sixth in steals (2.16) and 13th in blocks (0.72). She has led the Hawkeyes in rebounding 18 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.
Model of Consistency ? Sophomore Krista VandeVenter has recorded exactly 465 rebounds and 465 points through 58 career games. Coincidently, she also has the same number of assists (139) and turnovers (139).
Furthermore, VandeVenter has collected 54 steals this season and is only three from eclipsing Toni Foster’s Iowa sophomore record of 56 established during the 1990-91 season.
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 41.8 percent clip from behind the arc, which ranks second in the Big Ten.
Iowa ranks second 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% (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 (4.96).
Movin’ On Up ? Senior Crystal Smith (205) is tied with Jolette Law for fifth on Iowa’s career steals chart. Smith (1,129) is also tied with Lisa Anderson for 17th in career scoring at Iowa. Sophomore Krista VandeVenter (465) is 17 rebounds from matching all-American Michelle Edwards (482) for 17th in career rebounds.
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 58 games as a Hawkeye, including all 25 this season. The power forward ranks third in team scoring (8.9) and first in rebounding (8.5). She has pulled down 465 rebounds and is 17 rebounds from equaling all-American Michelle Edwards (482) for 17th on Iowa’s career rebounding chart.
Smith started the last 17 games at point guard for Iowa. The native of Thornton, CO, ranks fifth in team scoring (6.9) and second in assists (2.96).
Skouby will start her 15th contest Thursday. The 6-6 center ranks second in team scoring (13.8), first in blocks (1.68) and field goal percentage (.551), 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.
Home, Away Comparisons ? In 13 home games, Iowa has out-scored its opponents 968-817 (+11.6 margin), shooting 47.0 percent from the field and holding opponents to a 41.1 shooting percentage. Iowa also has posted 231 assists to its opponents’ 152 and attempted 113 more free throws (288-175). Iowa has converted 75.7 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 (31.6%). Here are the home and away comparisons:
FG% 3-PT% FT% REB AST TO PTSHome .470 .316 .757 37.3 17.8 17.6 74.5Away .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 8.3 percent better from the field, including 8.9 percent from 3-point range in their victories. Iowa averages 6.5 more rebounds in wins than losses. The Hawkeyes have made more free throws (247) than its opponents have attempted (184) in its 15 wins. Iowa holds opponents to only 26.0 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 .491 .409 .777 39.0 18.7 17.3 77.7Losses .408 .320 .735 32.5 15.2 16.4 66.3
High Octane ? Iowa, who ranks first in Big Ten scoring offense (73.1), has scored 80 points or more in seven of its 25 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 30.2 ppg through 25 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 Smith (6.9) ranks fifth and Ausdemore (6.6) sixth in scoring. Smith also ranks second in assists (2.96). 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.
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 26th (3,856) nationally in the women’s basketball attendance rankings released Feb. 20.
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 111-69 (.617) 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 returns home for its regular season finale vs. Indiana on Sunday. Tip-off is slated for 12:06 p.m. at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.