Feb. 28, 2006
- The 2006 Big Ten Tournament
- Hawkeye Huddles in Indy
- Big Ten Talk
- Watch and Listen to Lisa, the Hawkeyes
Postseason Guide in PDF Format
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The Setting ? The fifth-seeded Iowa Hawkeyes (17-10, 10-6) open Big Ten Tournament play against fourth-seeded Michigan State (21-8, 11-5) in the quarterfinals Friday at approximately 1:10 p.m. (CST) in the Conseco Fieldhouse at Indianapolis, IN. The winner will advance to the semifinals on Sunday (12:05 p.m., CST). Iowa and Michigan State spilt the season series, with each team winning at home.
Iowa has reached the semifinals five times and won the conference tournament in 1997 and 2001. Michigan State is the defending tournament champion after bouncing Minnesota (55-45) last year. The Spartans have reached the semifinals four times, including capturing the tournament title once (2005). Michigan State is 4-4 in quarterfinal games, while Iowa is 5-4. The Hawkeyes and Spartans met in the 4-5 quarterfinal contest once before, in 2004. Fifth-seeded Michigan State overwhelmed fourth-seeded Iowa, 81-54, to advance to the semifinals.
Big Ten Tournament Presented by Xbox Live Ticket Information ? Fans can purchase tickets at the Conseco Fieldhouse box office. Single game tickets range from $10-$14. An all-session ticket (10 games) is $55. Fans interested in sitting in the Iowa section can call the UI Ticket Office at 1-800-IA-HAWKS.
On the Tube ? All tournament games up to the championship will be televised to a regional cable audience on Comcast SportsNet Chicago. The championship contest will air on ESPN2.
On the Radio ? Brent Balbinot and Shelley Till will call the action for the Hawkeye Radio Network. Hawkeye fans can listen to all Big Ten Tournament games on WHO 1040-AM in Des Moines, WMT 600-AM in Cedar Rapids and KXIC 800-AM in Iowa City.
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 906 games since beginning basketball in 1974. Overall, Iowa’s record is 554-352 (.611). That includes a 277-131 (.679) mark in Big Ten games and a 249-61 (.803) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Iowa Big Ten Tournament History ? The Hawkeyes won their second Big Ten Tournament title in dramatic fashion five years ago when they upset the defending tournament champion Purdue Boilermakers (75-70) in Grand Rapids, MI. Iowa holds an overall record of 12-10 in Big Ten Tournaments. Iowa has only faced Michigan State once before in the conference tournament (L, 81-54 in 2004).
This is the 12th modern day conference tournament and this year marks the first time Iowa has ever garnered a No. 5 seed. The No. 5 seed has posted an 8-10 overall record in tournament play. Furthermore, the No. 5 seed is 5-6 in games against a No. 4 seed. The No. 5 seed is only 2-4 in contests against the No. 1 seed.
Series Records at Big Ten Tournament ? The Hawkeyes are 3-0 against Illinois (1996, 1997 and 2001); 2-1 vs. Indiana (1997, 2001 and 2002); 2-0 against Minnesota (1995 and 2003) and Ohio State (1998); 1-0 vs. Michigan (2005); 2-2 vs. Northwestern (1997, 1999, 2000 and 2003); and 1-3 vs. Purdue (1996, 1998, 2001 and 2003); 0-1 against Michigan State (2004) and Wisconsin (1982); 0-2 vs. Penn State (1995, 2005).
Iowa Travel and Practice Schedule ? The Hawkeyes will depart for the Big Ten Tournament Thursday afternoon following an early afternoon practice in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa, along with Ohio State and the Big Ten staff, will be housed in the Westin Hotel in downtown Indianapolis. All shoot arounds are closed to the media. If Iowa advances to Sunday’s semifinals, a press opportunity with the four remaining coaches and selected players will take place at the Indianapolis Artsgarden from 2:30-4 p.m. (EST). “Talk of the Town” is open to both the media and public.
Big Ten Tournament History ? This year marks the 13th time that the Big Ten Conference will be hosting a conference tournament. This will be the sixth year that Conseco Fieldhouse will host the Big Ten Tournament. Five year’s ago, the tournament was held in Grand Rapids, MI, which was a first for the conference tournament. Prior to the 2001 tournament, the seven other tournaments were held in Indianapolis, IN. Only five teams have won the conference tournament. Purdue has won the most with five, followed by Iowa and Penn State with two. Michigan State and Indiana have each won one. The lowest seed to capture a tournament title was fifth-seeded Indiana in 2002 and the top seed has not won the tournament since 1999 (Purdue). The four most recent editions of the tournament have posted the highest attendance in the event’s history, surpassing the 30,000-patron mark each year. The 2004 tournament set records for total attendance (37,635), single-session (9,417) and session average (7,527).
Fifth Seed Notes ? This year marks the first time in the tournament’s history that Iowa will be a No. 5 seed. A fifth seed has captured the tournament title once before, in 2004 when Indiana ran the table after topping No. 4 Iowa (78-76) in overtime in the quarterfinals. A No. 5 seed has advanced to the semifinals five times (Indiana in 1995 and 2002; Ohio State in 1999; Michigan in 2001; Michigan State in 2004).
All-Time Series Record ? Friday will be the 48th meeting between Iowa and Michigan State, with the Hawkeyes leading the series 29-18. Michigan State holds a 2-1 edge in games played on a neutral floor.
Michigan State has won four of the last five in the series. Iowa snapped a three-game losing skid to the Spartans with a 75-64 victory in Iowa City on Jan. 9, 2006. Michigan State held on for a, 73-71, win at East Lansing in the last meeting on Feb. 16. Iowa freshman Wendy Ausdemore’s 3-point attempt from the baseline as time expired fell short in the Hawkeyes’ bid to upset the Spartans at the Breslin Center.
RPI Ratings ? Iowa ranks 55th, while Michigan State ranks 20th in the RPI ratings published on www.collegerpi.com. All ten Iowa losses came to opponents with an RPI of 99 or better, including four in the top 10.
Scouting Michigan State ? Nationally-ranked Michigan State finished in a tie for third place with Minnesota with identical 11-5 league records. The Spartans lost the tiebreaker due to their two defeats to first-place Ohio State. The Golden Gophers lost once to the Buckeyes in only one regular season meeting.
The Spartans had a bye on Sunday and will play for the first time in eight days as Michigan State’s last game was a 68-42 rout at Michigan on Thursday, Feb. 23. Michigan State finished the regular season winning seven of its last eight contests, with the lone setback coming at Ohio State (69-38).
Michigan State ranks first in Big Ten rebounding margin (+5.8) and second in steals (10.62), free throw percentage (.755) and rebounding (39.9). Senior Liz Shimek ranks first in Big Ten rebounding (8.4) and fourth in scoring (17.2), while Lindsay Bowen ranks third in 3-pointers made (2.00), third in free throw percentage (.915) and fourth in assists (3.93).
Bowen and Shimek rank 1-2, respectively in career scoring at Michigan State. Bowen has netted 1,685 points, while Shimek is only three points behind with 1,682.
Shimek ranks second in double-doubles in the Big Ten with eight this season. She has recorded 31 double-doubles in her career, a Big Ten best among active players.
The Spartans rank fourth in Big Ten scoring defense (61.1), while the Hawkeyes rank first in scoring offense (73.2). The 75 points Michigan State allowed Iowa on Jan. 9, are the most the Spartans have yielded in Big Ten play this year.
Michigan State is coached by Joanne P. McCallie, who is in her 14th year (289-137, .678) as a head coach and his sixth season (122-64, .656) with the Spartans. McCallie is 5-6 against the Hawkeyes.
Iowa and Michigan State Fast Breaks ? This season marked the first time Iowa has ever placed fifth in the Big Ten standings.
? Iowa is riding a three-game winning streak. The Hawkeyes have won three-straight contests four times this year and have yet to win four consecutive.
? Iowa is 6-4 in Big Ten Tournament contests under sixth-year Head Coach Lisa Bluder. The Hawkeyes are 3-4 in tournament games played at Conseco Fieldhouse the last four years.
? Seven of Iowa’s ten losses this season have come to ranked opponents. The three losses to unranked foes came on the road at Iowa State, Indiana and Penn State. Iowa was 11-3 in home games this season, with its three defeats coming to No. 6 Rutgers, No. 8 Ohio State and No. 12 Minnesota.
? Iowa’s Krista VandeVenter collected two steals vs. Indiana to raise her season total to 59. The 59 thefts is a new Iowa single-season record for a sophomore, besting Toni Foster’s 56 established in 1990-91.
? Iowa’s Kristi Smith dished out four assists vs. Indiana to riase her season total to 78. The 78 dimes equals Necole Tunsil for first in Iowa single-season freshman assists. Smith also ranks fourth in 3-pointers made (20).
? Iowa was out-rebounded in its ten losses. The Hawkeyes boast a 14-2 record when holding opponents to 69 points or less and are 15-1 when having a higher field goal percentage than their foes.
? Iowa is 1-3 in games decided by six points or less.
? Iowa shot at a blistering 85.2 percent clip at the foul line in the final five minutes in conference play. The Hawkeyes converted 75-88 free throw attempts down the stretch.
? Hawkeye senior Tiffany Reedy has a higher shooting percentage from 3-point range than inside the arc. Reedy is shooting 41.9 percent (36-86) from behind the arc and 38.2 percent (34-89) from two-point range.
? Iowa freshman Megan Skouby ranked third in conference scoring, averaging 16.8 points. She is the highest ranking freshman in scoring, since Penn State’s Kelly Mazzante ranked first in 2000-01, averaging 19.7 points.
? Skouby’s 382 points through 27 games, ranks second in Iowa single-season freshman scoring, only 34 points from matching Lisa Becker’s school freshman record of 416. She also ranks second in blocks (45).
? Two of the Big Ten’s prolific scorers will be featured Friday in Iowa’s Crystal Smith and Michigan State’s Liz Shimek. Smith averages 17.5 points, while Shimek averages 17.2. Additionally, Smith (.910) ranks behind Michigan State’s Lindsay Bowen (.939) in conference games free throw percentage.
? Iowa defeated Michigan State on Jan. 9, despite being out-rebounded by eight (40-32). The Hawkeyes are 10-0 when out-rebounding their opponents.
? Megan Skouby had her best game statistically against Michigan State on Jan. 9. The native of Mentor, OH, tallied personal bests in points (27), field goals made (12) and attempted (20) and assists (3). She also pulled down eight rebounds.
? Both Iowa and Michigan State played against former Iowa Head Coach C. Vivian Stringer’s Rutgers squad this season. The Hawkeyes fell 57-51, while the Spartans held on for a 73-71 triumph.
? Freshman Lindsey Nyenhuis is the only Iowa player that hails from Michigan (Grand Rapids).
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.
Iowa vs. Ranked Teams ? Iowa has recorded at least one victory over a ranked opponent in each of the six years under Coach Bluder. Iowa is 2-6 against ranked foes this season. 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
Hawkeyes Crack History Books ? Iowa’s 2005-06 team ranks second in school annals in single-season free throw percentage (.763), fifth in 3-point field goal percentage (.369) and assists (17.1) and eighth in scoring (73.2).
DE-FENSE! ? Iowa’s perimeter defense has been stellar through 27 games. The Hawkeyes rank first in Big Ten 3-point field goal defense (.283). Last season Iowa ranked 10th in the league in 3-point field goal defense (.361).
Last Meeting ? Iowa dropped its second-straight road contest to a nationally-ranked opponent 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. 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 left.
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 foul 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 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.
On This Date ? Iowa is 5-3 in games played on March 3, including winning its last three. The Hawkeyes are 0-1 in games played against Michigan State on March 3. Furthermore, Iowa is 1-1 in games played on Friday this season.
Last Time Out ? All five Iowa starters scored in double figures to lead the Hawkeyes to a crucial 78-70 triumph over Indiana at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
The victory secured the Hawkeyes fifth place in the Big Ten standings and gives Iowa a first round bye at the Big Ten Tournament.
A pair of freshmen sparked the Hawkeyes on “Senior Night.” Megan Skouby and Kristi Smith tallied 19 and 18 points, respectively. Skouby recorded 11 of her team-best 19 at the foul line, while Smith scored eight of her career-high 18 at the charity stripe. The duo combined for 19-21 (.905) from the foul line.
Skouby also pulled down five rebounds, while Smith dished out a team-best four assists. Smith scored in double figures for the fifth time in seven games, while Skouby posted double figures for the 14th-straight contest.
After only going to the free throw line five times in the earlier loss at Indiana on Dec. 29, the Hawkeyes marched to the charity strip 36 times, converting a season-high 29. Iowa out-scored Indiana 29-14 at the free throw line.
Trailing 8-4 early in the contest, Iowa went on an 18-0 run to grab a commanding 22-8 advantage at the 12:00 mark of the first period. Indiana kept chipping away at the Hawkeye led and closed within two points (32-20) with 37 second left in the half. A Reedy triple with 10 seconds remaining gave the Hawkeyes a five-point edge (35-30) and momentum going into the half.
Iowa’s lead again swelled to double digits after five minutes of play in the second half, but again Indiana kept fighting and closed the Hawkeye advantage back to two (49-47) with 11:33 left. Iowa responded by scoring the next six points. Iowa maintained its lead the rest of the way, sinking 12 of its last 13 fouls shots the final six minutes.
Indiana was led by seniors Cyndi Valentin and Jenny DeMuth. Valentin poured in a game-high 30 points, while DeMith recorded a double-double (19 points, 11 rebounds).
Iowa finished its season 11-3 at home, with the three losses coming to ranked opponents (No. 6 Rutgers, No. 8 Ohio State and No. 12 Minnesota).
The Hawkeyes finished the regular season as the Big Ten’s highest scoring team, averaging 73.2 points in their 27 games.
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 14th in Hawkeye career scoring (1,166), 1,028 of which came the last 60 games (17.1 ppg). She also ranks fifth in career triples (114) and steals (209).
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 averages 17.5 ppg through 27 games in her senior campaign. Smith’s scoring average ranks third in the Big Ten. She has led Iowa in scoring 15 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, IA, ranks fourth in team scoring (7.5) and steals (22) and third in rebounding (4.0). She ranks third in Big Ten 3-point field goal percentage (.419).
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.
In the Rankings ? Iowa ranks fourth in the nation in free throw percentage, 13th in assists, 17th in field goal percentage, 18th in fewest fouls and 21st in scoring through games played Feb. 27. Individually, Megan Skouby ranks 30th in field goal percentage and Crystal Smith ranks 48th in scoring.
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 Joins Elite List ? Megan Skouby was Iowa’s scoring leader in conference games only, averaging 16.8 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 382 overall points ranks second in Iowa freshman single-season scoring, just 34 points from Lisa Becker’s 416 established in 1983-84 for third.
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 16.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.69 blocks in conference play. The 6-6 standout ranks 11th in overall scoring (14.1) in the Big Ten, fourth in blocks (1.67) and field goal percentage (.553). She ranked fourth in conference scoring (16.8) and blocks (1.69) and 16th in rebounding (5.8).
Skouby has led Iowa in scoring nine of the last 17 contests, including six of the last 11. She has posted 20 points or more five times this year. The native of Mentor, OH, has netted double figures 14 consecutive games — a streak that ranks third-best in the Big Ten.
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 averaged 7.9 points, 3.19 assists and 1.06 steals. Smith dished out a personal-best eight assists at No. 7 Ohio State. She ranked 13th in Big Ten assists.
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 34-36 (.944) 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 shot a blistering 91.0 percent (61-67) from the free throw line in conference games, which ranked second in the league.
Big Ten Rankings ? Iowa ranks first in 3-point field goal percentage defense (.283), free throw percentage (.763) and scoring offense (73.2), second in field goal percentage (.459), assists (17.07), assist/turnover ratio (+1.03), 3-pointers made (5.04) and 3-point field goal percentage (.369) and third in scoring margin (+7.8) and defensive rebounds (24.63).
Senior Crystal Smith ranks second in league steals (2.44), third in scoring (17.5), fifth in assist/turnover ratio (1.42), seventh in free throw percentage (.849), eighth in 3-pointers made (1.78) and 11th in assists (3.37). Freshman Megan Skouby ranks fourth in blocks (1.69) and field goal percentage (.553) and 11th in scoring (14.1). Sophomore Krista VandeVenter ranks third in rebounding (8.4) and second in defensive rebounds (6.04), fifth in steals (2.19) and 10th in assist/turnover ratio (1.17).
Injured Hawkeye Returns ? Freshman power forward Nicole VanderPol returned to game action in Sunday’s home win over Indiana after missing nine games due to a partial MCL tear to her left knee on Jan. 15. The native of Grundy Center, IA, saw limited action and sank both her free throw attempts.
Dishing the Rock ? Iowa ranks second in Big Ten assists, dishing the ball 17.07 times per game. Three Hawkeyes average 2.89 assists or better: Crystal Smith (3.37), Krista VandeVenter (3.0) and Kristi Smith (2.89).
Smith Ranks Third in Big Ten in Scoring ? Senior Crystal Smith ranks third in Big Ten scoring (17.5); Ohio State’s Jessica Davenport (19.2) ranks first, followed by Indiana’s Cyndi Valentin (18.1). Smith has led Iowa in scoring in 15 of Iowa’s 27 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 (60) as a Hawkeye, ranks third in Big Ten rebounding (8.4), fifth in steals (2.19) and 10th in assist/turnover ratio (1.17). She has led the Hawkeyes in rebounding 20 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.
Movin’ On Up ? Senior Crystal Smith (209) ranks fifth on Iowa’s career steals chart, 13 thefts from tying Steph Schueler (222) for fourth. Smith also (1,166) ranks 14th in career scoring at Iowa, 64 points from Lisa Long (1,230) for 13th. Sophomore Krista VandeVenter (478) is only four rebounds from matching all-American Michelle Edwards (482) for 17th in career rebounds.
Attendance Rankings ? Iowa ranks 24th (3,920) nationally in the women’s basketball attendance rankings released Feb. 20.
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 third in the Big Ten.
Iowa ranks second in Big Ten 3-point field goal percentage (.369) 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 second in Big Ten 3-pointers made (5.04).
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 60 games as a Hawkeye, including all 27 this season. The power forward ranks third in team scoring (8.9) and first in rebounding (8.4). She has pulled down 478 rebounds and is only four rebounds from equaling all-American Michelle Edwards (482) for 17th on Iowa’s career rebounding chart.
Smith started the last 19 games at point guard for Iowa. The native of Thornton, CO, ranks fifth in team scoring (7.2) and third in assists (2.89).
Skouby will start her 17th contest Friday. The 6-6 center ranks second in team scoring (14.1), first in blocks (1.69) and field goal percentage (.553) 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 14 home games, Iowa out-scored its opponents 1,046-887 (+11.4 margin), shooting 47.1 percent from the field and holding opponents to a 41.2 shooting percentage. Iowa also collected 245 assists to its opponents’ 165 and attempted 130 more free throws (324-194). Iowa converted 76.2 percent of its free throw attempts at home in 2005-06.
In 13 games away from Iowa City, Iowa has out-scored its opponents 931-880 (+3.9 margin). Iowa has a better 3-point shooting percentage on the road (40.3%) than at Carver-Hawkeye Arena (32.7%). Here are the home and away comparisons:
FG% 3-PT% FT% REB AST TO PTSHome .471 .327 .762 36.6 17.5 17.3 74.7Away .446 .403 .764 35.3 16.6 15.8 71.6
Wins, Losses Comparisons ? There are big differentials in the stats between Iowa’s wins and losses. The Hawkeyes shoot 8.1 percent better from the field, including 9.0 percent from 3-point range in their victories. Iowa averages 5.6 more rebounds in wins than losses. The Hawkeyes have made more free throws (286) than its opponents have attempted (212) in its 17 wins. Iowa holds opponents to only 26.8 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 .489 .410 .781 38.1 18.2 16.6 77.3Losses .408 .320 .735 32.5 15.2 16.4 66.3
High Octane ? Iowa, who ranks first in Big Ten scoring offense (73.2), has scored 80 points or more seven times. The Hawkeyes are 14-3 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).
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.
Freshmen Step Up ? Iowa’s freshmen class (Megan Skouby, Wendy Ausdemore, Kristi Smith, Nicole VanderPol and Lindsey Nyenhuis) average 30.8 points, including a 36.9 average the last eight contests. 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 (14.1) and second in rebounding (4.9), while Smith (7.2) ranks fifth and Ausdemore (6.6) sixth in scoring. Smith also ranks third in assists (2.89).
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.
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.
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.
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).
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, when she collected her 100th victory as Iowa Head Coach in the 79-57 triumph over Vermont on Dec. 3. Bluder, who is the second all-time winningest Iowa coach, boasts a 113-69 (.621) record in six years mentoring the Hawkeyes.
Home Grown Hawkeyes ? Iowa’s roster features six players from the state of Iowa (Wendy Ausdemore, Abby Emmert, Ebone Pope, Tiffany Reedy, Stacy Schlapkohl and Nicole VanderPol). The Hawkeyes also have four players from Illinois (Jenee Graham, Morgan Kasperek, Lindsay Richards, Johanna Solverson). Iowa’s 15-person roster also features players from Colorado (Kristi Smith), Louisiana (Crystal Smith), Michigan (Lindsey Nyenhuis), Minnesota (Krista VandeVenter) and Ohio (Megan Skouby).
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).
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 Big Ten Tournament games 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.