Iowa Men Back on the Road Wednesday at Minnesota

Feb. 5, 2007

Complete Release in PDF Format
Download Free Acrobat Reader

2007 Iowa Basketball Summer Camps (PDF file)

THE SETTING
Iowa (13-10, 5-4) travels to Minnesota (9-14, 3-6) Wednesday, Feb. 7 for the first of two road games in four days. Game time is 7:05 p.m. in Williams Arena (14,625). Iowa defeated Minnesota 60-49 Jan. 13 in Iowa City. Iowa has won its last two games and three of its last four. Iowa defeated 25th-ranked Indiana 81-75 Saturday in Iowa City. Minnesota lost at Illinois 59-49 Saturday.

ON THE AIR
Radio: Iowa games are broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network. Gary Dolphin handles the play-by-play, along with color commentator Bob Hansen. The Hawkeye Radio Network coverage includes a 60-minute pre-game show.
Television: ESPN Regional will carry the game to a network of stations that includes KGAN Cedar Rapids, KDSM Des Moines, KGCW Quad Cities, Metro Sports, Kansas City, MO and cable systems throughout the state of Iowa, including Council Bluffs-Omaha, Rochester-Mason City and Sioux City. The game can also be seen as part of ESPN’s Full Court package. Dick Bremer and Mac McCausland will call the action.

IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,400 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Overall Iowa’s record is 1,434-966 (.598). That includes an 899-308 (.745) record in home games, a 535-658 (.448) record in games away from Iowa City, a 680-662 (.507) mark in Big Ten games and a 305-82 (.788) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

HALUSKA IS NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Iowa senior Adam Haluska was named national Player of the Week by The Sporting News and Big Ten Conference Player of the Week for his efforts in Iowa’s wins over Michigan and Indiana. Haluska averaged 25 points and 7.5 rebounds. He recorded the third double-double of his career with 17 points and 10 rebounds in the 69-62 win at Michigan. Against Indiana he added 33 points and five rebounds in Iowa’s 81-75 win. The 33 points mark a career-high in Big Ten play. In the two games he shot 41.3% from the field, 42.1% from three-point range and 82.4% from the free throw line. Haluska also earned the league honor Dec. 26 and was recognized once during the 2005-06 season. Haluska leads the Big Ten in scoring at 20.5 points per game.

HAWKEYES SET ARENA RECORD
Iowa recently set a Carver-Hawkeye Arena (opened in 1983) record with 12 consecutive Big Ten Conference home wins. The streak was snapped Jan. 28 when second-ranked Wisconsin won in Iowa City. Prior to the Badger loss, Iowa had not lost a Big Ten home game since a 75-65 loss to top-ranked Illinois on Feb. 19, 2005. Iowa’s record for consecutive home wins in league play is 14 straight. That mark was set during the 1980-81 and 1981-82 seasons when home games were played at the Iowa Field House.

IOWA TOUGH AT HOME
Iowa has won 29 of its last 31 games in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa’s recent win streak included 21 straight overall wins and 12 straight Big Ten Conference wins. Iowa has won nine of its last 10 home games against ranked opponents. The Hawkeyes are 11-2 at home this season.

TOP HOME PERCENTAGE
With three games remaining on the 2007 home schedule, Iowa has posted a 41-5 record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena over the last three seasons. That mark ranks as Iowa’s best home court winning percentage over any three year period in which Iowa won at least 40 games.

DATE SET FOR IOWA AT PSU
Iowa’s game at Penn State has been set for Wednesday, February 28. The game will be televised on ESPNU with a 6:05 p.m. CT start time. ESPN selected the Michigan State at Michigan game for its telecast on Tuesday, Feb. 27. Other games on Wednesday include Indiana at Northwestern (ESPN2) and Minnesota at Purdue, (ESPN Plus).

COACH Steve Alford
Steve Alford (pronounced ALL-ford) is in his eighth season as head coach at the University of Iowa and his 16th season as a college head coach. Alford holds a career record of 304-179 (.629), including a 148-102 (.592) record at Iowa, a 78-29 (.729) record in four seasons (1992-95) at Div. III Manchester College and a four-year record (1996-99) of 78-48 (.619) at Southwest Missouri State. Alford ranks third among Iowa’s head basketball coaches in career wins. Alford’s 304 career victories are the most in the nation among all head coaches who are 42-years old or younger. Alford has posted a 13-5 record in the Big Ten Conference Tournament, leading the Hawkeyes to the tournament title in both 2001 and 2006. His total wins and winning percentage in the event rank tops among all Big Ten coaches. Alford is 57-64 (.471) in Big Ten games and led Iowa to a second place finish (11-5) in the 2006 regular season. Alford is 8-7 in the NCAA Tournament (3-4 in Div. I and 5-3 in Div. III) and 2-4 in the NIT. Alford is the only Iowa coach to lead his Hawkeye teams to six consecutive winning seasons. Iowa has advanced to post-season action in each of the past six years and the Hawkeyes have won 20 or more games in three of his seven seasons. Alford led Iowa into the second round of the 2001 NCAA Tournament in his second season and the Hawkeyes returned to the NCAA Tournament in 2005 and 2006. Iowa advanced to the NIT in 2002, 2003 and 2004. Alford led Southwest Missouri State to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 1999 and in 1995 Manchester advanced to the NCAA championship game before suffering its first defeat of the season. Alford is a 1987 graduate of Indiana, where he led the Hoosiers to the 1987 NCAA title. Alford was a member of the 1984 U. S. Olympic team that earned the Gold Medal and he was the 26th player selected in the NBA Draft following his senior season. Alford played four seasons in the NBA before beginning his coaching career. At Indiana, Alford started 120 of 125 games in four seasons. He served as team captain in 1987 when the Hoosiers were 30-4. Steve concluded his college career as Indiana’s all-time scoring leader with 2,438 points and he holds the Indiana record for career steals with 178. He was a consensus first team All-American and the Big Ten MVP as a senior. Alford is a member of the Manchester College M Association Hall of Fame and the Indiana University Athletics Hall of Fame. In 2001 he was named one of the “Top 50 Athletes” in the history of the state of Indiana and was selected as a member of the 15-man Indiana University all-Century team. In 2004 he was one of five players selected to ESPN’s Big Ten Conference Silver Anniversary team. Alford is 10-5 vs. Minnesota and 7-5 vs. Gopher Coach Jim Molinari.

ALFORD THIRD IN CAREER WINS
Coach Steve Alford has 304 career wins and 148 victories as Iowa’s head coach. With Iowa’s win over Iowa State earlier this season, Alford moved past Rollie Williams (139) for third place on Iowa’s career win list behind Tom Davis (269) and Lute Olson (168). Iowa’s 62-60 win over 24th-ranked Michigan State was win No. 300 for the Hawkeye head coach. Davis coached the Hawkeyes from 1987-99, Olson was the Iowa coach from 1975-83 and Williams coached the Hawkeyes from 1930-42 and in 1950-51.

MINNESOTA COACH JIM MOLINARI
Jim Molinari took over as Minnesota’s head coach after the seventh game of the season and has guided the Gophers to a 7-9 record over their last 16 games. Molinari is in his third year on the Minnesota staff. In 14 years as a college head coach Molinari has posted a 225-176 overall record, including the 16 games this season. Molinari previously served as the head coach at Northern Illinois (1989-91) and Bradley (1991-02). He led the Braves to six post-season appearances in 11 seasons. He was the 1991 Mid-Continent Conference Coach of the Year and the 1996 Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year. He has also served as a scout in the NBA for Toronto (2002-03) and Miami (2003-04) and previously served as an assistant coach at DePaul (1978-89). He coached the 1997 USA Basketball men’s team to a gold medal at the World University Games. Molinari is 0-1 vs. Iowa and he is 5-7 vs. Hawkeye Coach Steve Alford

THE SERIES
Minnesota holds a 94-87 advantage over Iowa in the series that began with a 47-10 Gopher win in 1902. Iowa won the first meeting this year, 60-49 in Iowa City, and has won three of the last four. Iowa won in Iowa City last season in triple overtime (76-72) before the Golden Gophers won (74-61) in Minneapolis. The Hawkeyes took the third meeting, winning 67-57 in the quarter-finals of the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis on their way to the tournament title. The team split two games during the 2004-05 season after Iowa won both meetings in 2004. The Hawkeyes have won 10 of the last 14 meetings. The teams met just once in 2002 and 2003, with Minnesota winning both games. The Gophers hold a 57-32 advantage in games played at Minnesota. Iowa has won two of the last five and three of the last eight meetings in Williams Arena, but the Gophers have won the last two. The teams have met twice in the Big Ten Tournament. Along with the win a year ago in Indianapolis, Iowa defeated the Gophers 81-78 in the 2000 event at the United Center in Chicago.

IOWA, GOPHER NOTES

• Iowa Coach Steve Alford and Minnesota Coach Jim Molinari both were head coaches in the Missouri Valley Conference before moving to the Big Ten. Molinari was the head coach at Bradley and Alford was the head coach at Southwest Missouri State. Alford holds a 7-5 advantage over Molinari in their 12 meetings. Six of the 12 games have been decided by five points or less and one game was decided in overtime. The two teams met in the Missouri Valley post-season tournament in three of the four seasons Alford coached at Southwest Missouri State.
• Iowa assistant Craig Neal was an assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors in 2002-03 when current Minnesota Coach Jim Molinari served as a scout for the Raptors.
• Prior to the 2001-02 season, Iowa and Minnesota had played two basketball games each season since 1971. The teams met only in Iowa City in 2002 and only in Minneapolis in 2003.
• Iowa sophomore Cyrus Tate and Minnesota junior Limar Wilson were teammates last season at Northeast Nebraska Community College.
• The two teams played two common opponents in non-conference action. Minnesota defeated Arizona State 66-63 in Minneapolis, while Iowa lost at Arizona State, 67-64. Iowa defeated Iowa State 77-59 in Iowa City, while Iowa State defeated Minnesota 68-63 in Minneapolis.
• Minnesota assistant Vic Couch is a native of Davenport, IA and played junior college basketball at Clinton Community College.

IOWA WON FIRST MEETING
Iowa used a solid defensive effort to take a 60-49 home win over Minnesota. The Hawkeyes held Minnesota to 33.9% field goal shooting, matching the best defensive effort for the Hawkeyes this season. Minnesota also made just 4-17 (23.5%) three-point attempts. Iowa held Minnesota to just 16 points in the first half, taking a 22-16 halftime advantage. Minnesota led 11-7 after six minutes before Iowa scored nine straight points to build a 16-11 advantage. The Golden Gophers scored just five points in the last 14 minutes of the half. Iowa took the lead for good on a three-point basket by Adam Haluska with 13 minutes left in the first half. Minnesota closed to within two points just once in the second half, and the Hawkeyes responded by scoring five straight points. Iowa built the lead to 10 with just under 10 minutes to play, but couldn’t pull away. Two free throws by Seth Gorney with 1:02 remaining lifted Iowa to a 57-49 advantage and Haluska added three of four free throws down the stretch to seal the win. Iowa also struggled with its shooting, hitting just 34% from the field. Iowa did shoot 81.5% (22-27) from the foul line, including 19-22 in the second half. Iowa also matched a season-low with just seven turnovers. Haluska led the Iowa scoring with 22 points, Tyler Smith added 15 and Mike Henderson and Tony Freeman each scored seven. Freeman led Iowa with a career-high nine rebounds and Justin Johnson added eight, also a career-best. Minnesota was led by Dan Coleman with 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Lawrence McKenzie added 17 points.

SMITH AMONG FRESHMAN LEADERS
Iowa’s Tyler Smith ranks high among freshmen in the Big Ten in nearly all statistical categories. He is first in scoring (15.7), second in assists (3.7), fourth in rebounding (5.0) and steals (1.4), ninth in free throw percentage (.728), 14th in field goal percentage (.452) and 15th in three-point percentage (.271).

SMITH LEADING THE TEAM
Freshman Tyler Smith has taken over the team lead in rebounds (5.0), assists (3.7) and steals (1.4). Since Iowa began keeping season leaders in assists in 1975, no Hawkeye player has ever led the team in both rebounds and assists. Smith is also second on the team in scoring at 15.7 points per game.

HALUSKA A TOP SENIOR
Iowa senior guard Adam Haluska is one of 30 candidates for the 2007 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award. The award is presented annually to an NCAA Division I male and female basketball player who excel both on and off the court. A list of 10 finalists will be announced in February. Fans, coaches and media will have the opportunity to vote in the process, with the winners being announced during the men’s and women’s respective Final Four weekends. The CLASS Award is an acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School. Conceived by sportscaster Dick Enberg, the award is based on areas of excellence in classroom, character and community, as well as performance on the court.

IOWA NOTES

• As a team, Iowa leads the Big Ten Conference and ranks 13th in the nation in free throw percentage, making 76.3% (331-434) of its attempts.
• In individual statistics, Adam Haluska ranks 20th in free throw percentage (88.1%, 119-135) and 22nd in scoring (20.5). He has 135 free throw attempts through 23 games after having 135 attempts in 34 games a year ago.
• Iowa completed a five-game road swing in November that saw the Hawkeyes travel nearly 8,000 miles while competing in the Paradise Jam in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, along with playing single games at Arizona State and Virginia Tech. Iowa has played in four different time zones (Atlantic, Eastern, Central, Mountain). This marks the first time since early in the 2000-01 season that Iowa has played five straight games away from home. Like this season, that five-game stretch in 2000-01 also included three games at a neutral site (Rainbow Classic). Iowa’s longest consecutive road game streak under Steve Alford occurred in 1999-00 when the Hawkeyes played at Northern Iowa, Iowa State, Missouri and Drake, winning two of the four.
• Iowa shot a season-best 89.2% (33-37) from the free throw line in a win over Texas Southern. The made free throws and the free throw attempts are the most for Iowa since the Hawkeyes converted 32-42 in a home loss to Michigan State on 2/5/05. Iowa added 32-37 (86.5%) free throws in a home win over 25th-ranked Indiana.
• Iowa, in non-conference action, played seven opponents from six of the stronger leagues in the nation, including the Atlantic Coast (Virginia Tech), Big East (Villanova), Big 12 (Iowa State), Missouri Valley (Drake & Northern Iowa), Pac-10 (Arizona State) and Southeastern (Alabama).
• Senior guard Adam Haluska has started all 121 games in his career, a streak that ranks as the longest in the nation among current players.
• With 18 points in Iowa’s loss to Villanova, Adam Haluska became the 39th Hawkeye player to surpass 1,000 career points. Haluska is in his third season at Iowa and has 1,412 points to rank 12th on Iowa’s career list. Haluska ranks immediately behind former teammates Greg Brunner (10th, 1,516) and Jeff Horner (11th, 1,502) on the Iowa scoring list. His career total, including one season at Iowa State, stands at 1,696.
• Freshman Tyler Smith was named to the all-tournament team at the Paradise Jam. Smith scored in double figures in all three games. He led Iowa to its win over Toledo on the first round, collecting 28 points, six rebounds and five assists. Smith added 19 points in the loss to 10th-ranked Alabama and 13 points in the loss to Villanova.

IT’S BEEN AWHILE
Iowa’s 69-62 win at Michigan last Wednesday marks the first time the Hawkeyes have won consecutive games in Ann Arbor since posting wins there in 1967 and 1968. Iowa, which won at Michigan in overtime in 2005, has never won three straight in Ann Arbor. The Hawkeyes did not play at Michigan a year ago. In the win over the Wolverines, Iowa trailed by as many as 14 points in the first half and by 11 points at halftime. The rally marks the first time since a win at Ohio State on Feb. 25, 2003 that Iowa has won after trailing by 10 or more points at halftime. In that game, Iowa trailed 27-17 in Columbus before outscoring the Buckeyes 54-37 over the final 20 minutes.

HALUSKA GETS DOUBLE-DOUBLE
Senior guard Adam Haluska recorded his first double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds in the win at Michigan. Haluska recorded his first double-double at Iowa a year ago, collecting 20 points and 10 rebounds in a home win over Indiana. Haluska has three career double-doubles, as he had 10 points and 11 rebounds in a win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Iowa State as a freshman.

HAWKEYE TIDBITS

• Six Hawkeye opponents (Alabama, Villanova, Arizona State, Drake, Illinois, Ohio State) have shot better than 50% from the field. In 34 games a year ago, Iowa allowed just three opponents to shoot as well as 50% from the field. Those were road games at Michigan State, Purdue and Minnesota, with Iowa losing two of the three. Iowa is 4-14 over the past four seasons when its opponent shoots 50% or better from the field.
• Iowa has held nine opponents to less than 40% shooting from the field, including a season low 33.9% by The Citadel and Minnesota. Iowa has won eight of the nine games, with the only loss a two-point decision to Northern Iowa.
• Iowa’s field goal percentage (28.1%, 16-57) in a Jan. 28 loss to Wisconsin matches the lowest field goal percentage for a Steve Alford-coached Iowa team. Iowa was also 16-57 from the field in a 75-53 home loss to Michigan State on Jan. 8, 2000.
• Under Steve Alford, Iowa is 42-6 when shooting at least 50% from the field, including 9-0 over the past two seasons.
• Iowa is 30-37 vs. ranked teams under Coach Steve Alford. That includes a 15-10 home record, an 11-12 record at neutral sites and 4-15 mark in road games. Iowa is 2-3 vs. ranked opponents in 2006-07, with all three losses to teams ranked in the top 10.
• Iowa is 4-0 when scoring 80 points or more, 4-1 when scoring between 70-80 points, 5-6 when scoring between 60-70 points and 0-3 when scoring less than 60 points.
• Iowa is 6-2 when holding its opponent to less than 60 points, 6-3 when holding its opponent between 60-70 points and 1-6 when the opponent scores over 70 points.
• Iowa is 8-2 when collecting more assists than the opponent, 4-8 when the opponent has more assists and 1-0 when assists are even.
• Iowa is 10-5 when having fewer turnovers than its opponent and 3-5 when the opponent has fewer turnovers.
• Iowa is 7-5 when collecting more steals than its opponent, 3-5 when the opponent has more steals and 3-0 when steals are equal.
• Iowa has had four players score in double figures in one game (Toledo) and three players score in double figures in 14 games. Iowa is 1-0 when four reach double figures, 8-6 when three score in double figures and 3-4 with two players in double figures.
• Iowa is 11-3 when leading at halftime, 1-7 when trailing at intermission and 1-0 when tied at halftime.
• Iowa is 7-4 when controlling the opening tip and 6-6 when not controlling the tip.
• Iowa is 3-5 in games decided by 10 points, including a 1-4 record in games decided by five points or less.

IOWA HOLDS OFF INDIANA
Iowa overcame a fast start by Indiana in taking an 81-75 win over the Hoosiers in Iowa City, earning a season split. Indiana hit six of its first eight three-point attempts in building an eight point advantage midway through the first half. Iowa rallied after trailing 24-16, finally pulling even at 28-28 with 4:19 left in the half. Iowa led by five in the late stages of the period before the Hoosiers tied the score at 37-37 at intermission. Indiana made it a 9-0 run by scoring the first four points of the second half before Iowa took the lead on a three-point basket by Adam Haluska. Iowa held a slim advantage throughout most of the half, building the margin to seven, 61-54, with just under six minutes to play. From there the Hawkeyes made just enough free throws down the stretch to hold off the Hoosiers. Iowa made its final 12 free throw attempts in the last 1:23 as Indiana was never able to gain possession with a chance to tie. Tyler Smith hit two free shots with 18 seconds left to give Iowa a 79-75 advantage, ending Indiana’s final chance. The Hawkeyes made 32-37 free throws in the game, including 20-22 (90%) in the second half. Iowa also held a 42-25 rebounding advantage. Indiana shot 48.1% from the field, but connected on just two of its last 12 three-point shots. Haluska led Iowa’s scoring with 33 points, a career-high in Big Ten play. Smith added 18 points, nine rebounds and seven assists and Kurt Looby and Seth Gorney each grabbed six rebounds.

MINNESOTA FALLS AT ILLINOIS
Illinois used a strong defensive effort to take a 59-49 win over Minnesota Saturday night in Champaign, stopping Minnesota’s two-game win streak. innesota shot just 31.5% from the field in the game, including 16.7% (3-18) from three-point range. The Gophers held their own on the boards (38-38) but could not overcome the cold shooting. Dan Coleman led Minnesota with 13 points, while Jonathan Williams added 10 points and eight rebounds and Kevin Payton had eight points and six rebounds.

HOME, AWAY COMPARISONS
In its 13 home games, Iowa has outscored its opponents by a 72.0-58.3 margin, shooting 43.7% from the field while holding its opponent to 38.9% shooting. Iowa’s opponents hold a 35.8-35.4 rebounding advantage. In 10 games away from Carver-Hawkeye Arena (three neutral site games), Iowa has been outscored 72.6-65.2. The Hawkeyes are shooting 43.1% from the field while opponents are shooting 48%. The opponents hold a 32.6-32.1 rebounding margin.

HALUSKA NAMED CAPTAIN
Senior Adam Haluska is Iowa’s 2006-07 team captain. Haluska is a native of Carroll, IA who has started every game for the Hawkeyes over the past three seasons. A year ago he earned third team all-Big Ten recognition. He has scored 1,696 career points, including 1,412 with the Hawkeyes to rank 12th in career scoring. Haluska ranks third among players who played just three seasons at Iowa, trailing Andre Woolridge (1,525) and Don Nelson (1,522). He was named the tournament MVP in Iowa’s Hawkeye Challenge after scoring 31 points and collecting nine rebounds and nine assists in the title game. His 36 points in a win over Georgia State match the most ever scored by an Iowa player in Carver-Hawkeye Arena and he was named Big Ten Player of the Week after leading Iowa to wins over Georgia State and Texas Southern. Haluska ranks among Big Ten leaders in four statistical categories, including scoring (1st), three-point field goals per game (1st), free throw percentage (2nd), and steals (11th).

HALUSKA EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Senior guard Adam Haluska has earned national recognition for his actions on and off the floor. Following are Haluska’s honors:

• Named national Player of the Week by The Sporting News and Big Ten Player of the Week after leading Iowa to wins over Michigan and Indiana. After scoring 16 points in a loss to Wisconsin to start the week, Haluska had 17 points and 10 rebounds for his third career double-double in the win at Michigan. Haluska led Iowa in a win over 25th-Indiana, collecting 33 points, five rebounds and two steals. In three games, Haluska averaged 22 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, shooting 36.2% from the field, 34.6% from three-point range and 85.2% from the free throw line. The 33 points mark a career-high in Big Ten play.
• Named the recipient of the 2006-07 Anson Mount Scholar/Athlete Award. The award is presented by Playboy Magazine and recognizes a student-athlete who excels in the classroom and on the court. The magazine will donate $5,000 to the University of Iowa general scholarship fund.
• Named to pre-season all-Big Ten team, as selected by vote of media representatives attending Big Ten Conference Basketball Media Day.
• One of 50 players named to the pre-season Watch List for the John R. Wooden all-America team.
• One of 50 players named to the pre-season Watch List for the Naismith Award, which goes each year to the national Player of the Year.
• One of 30 candidates for the Lowe’s Senior Class Award.
• Named Most Valuable Player in Iowa’s Hawkeye Challenge, collecting 31 points, nine rebounds and nine assists in the title game. He had eight points, five rebounds, four rebounds and three steals in an opening round win over Texas-Pan American.
• Named Big Ten Player of the Week after averaging 28.5 points per game in two Iowa wins. He shot 57.1% from the field, 50% from three-point range and 90% from the free throw line in wins over Georgia State and Texas Southern.
• Named Iowa’s Chevrolet Player of the Game (16 points, seven rebounds, four assists) during CBS telecast of Wisconsin game in Iowa City.

Haluska earned academic all-America honors last season and is a two-time academic all-Big Ten honoree. He earned third team all-Big Ten honors as a junior after averaging 13.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. He ranks among Iowa’s season and career leaders in three-point field goals and three point attempts.

IOWA VS. RANKED FOES
Steve Alford has posted a 30-37 record against ranked opponents as Iowa’s head coach, including a 2-3 record this season and a 10-4 mark in 2005-06. Iowa, this season, defeated 24th-ranked Michigan State (62-60) and 25th-ranked Indiana 81-75, both in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes have lost to 10th-ranked Alabama (72-60) on a neutral court, seventh-ranked Ohio State (82-63) in Columbus and second-ranked Wisconsin (57-46) in Iowa City. Alford’s Hawkeye teams are 9-17 when playing teams ranked in the top 10, including wins over top-ranked Connecticut (70-68 in 1999-00), second-ranked Missouri (83-65 in 2001-02), fifth-ranked Ohio State (67-64 in 1999-00), sixth-ranked Illinois (63-48 in 2006), seventh-ranked Ohio State (67-60 in 2005-06), seventh-ranked Kentucky (67-63 in 2005-06), seventh-ranked Illinois (78-62 in 2000-01), eighth-ranked Illinois (68-61 in 2002-03) and 10th-ranked Michigan State (71-69 in 2005). The 17 losses to top 10 teams have been three times to No. 1 (Duke, 2001-02 and Illinois twice in 2004-05), twice to second-ranked (Texas, 2005-06 and Wisconsin, 2006-07), once to third-ranked (Illinois, 2000-01), twice to fourth-ranked (Michigan State, 1999-00 and 2000-01), twice to fifth-ranked (Tennessee, 2000-01 and Missouri, 2001-02), once to seventh-ranked (Ohio State, 2006-07), once to eighth-ranked (Illinois, 2005-06), once to ninth-ranked (Kentucky, 2000-01) and four times to 10th-ranked (Michigan State, 2000, Illinois, 2002, Michigan State, 2005 and Alabama, 2006-07). In the 67 games against ranked teams, Alford and his Iowa team are 15-10 in home games, 11-12 at neutral sites and 4-15 when playing ranked teams in their home arena.

HALUSKA OVER 1,600 POINTS
Senior guard Adam Haluska ranks as Iowa’s most honored player, both on the court and off. Along with earning third team all-Big Ten honors a year ago, Haluska is a two-time academic all-Big Ten honoree and a year ago he was recognized as an academic all-American. Haluska has scored 20 or more points in 13 games this season, including five of nine Big Ten games and nine of the last 12 overall. He scored a career-high 36 points vs. Georgia State and 31 vs. Coppin State. He added 21 points in a win over Texas Southern to earn Big Ten Player of the Week recognition. He added 29 points against Cornell with the best shooting performance of his career. He connected on 10-13 field goal attempts, including 6-9 three-pointers. He made all seven of his field goal attempts in the second half and ended the game hitting nine straight overall, including his last five three-pointers. He also collected four steals and three rebounds. Haluska made his first attempt vs. Michigan State, extending his consecutive streak to 10 straight field goals (six three-pointers) before missing. Haluska had a solid all around game against the Spartans, collecting 14 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals, with no turnovers in 37 minutes. He added 25 points against Illinois, including a career-best 12 free throws. Haluska had connected on 12 straight free throw attempts vs. Illinois (18 straight over two games) before missing his final attempt. He made 21 straight attempts earlier this season and is shooting 88.1% (119-135) to rank 20th in the nation in free throw percentage. He contributed 22 points (8-10 FTs) and four rebounds in a win over Minnesota, 21 points and four rebounds at Indiana and 15 points and four rebounds vs. Ohio State. Haluska led Iowa with 24 points against Penn State and he added three rebounds and two assists. He added 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists in a loss to Wisconsin. He collected his third career double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds in the win at Michigan, along with two assists. Haluska led Iowa with 33 points in a home win over Indiana, scoring a career-high in Big Ten play. He added five rebounds and two steals. Haluska has raised his career scoring total to 1,696, including 1,412 in three seasons at Iowa. He ranks 12th in career scoring and is third in career scoring among players who played just three seasons at Iowa. Haluska made 185 three-point field goals in 34 games a year ago and he has 185 in 23 games this year. That total ranks sixth best in school history for a single season. He ranks fourth in career three-point attempts (519) and fifth in career three-point field goals (192). Haluska began the season with 29 points in the win over The Citadel. He also added five rebounds and six assists. Haluska scored 24 points in close road losses at Arizona State and Virginia Tech and had 21 points and seven rebounds at Drake. Haluska has started all 121 games he has played in his career. His consecutive starts streak ranks as the longest in the nation among all Division I players, according to STATS — Chicago. Haluska currently leads the Big Ten in scoring (20.5 ppg) and three-point field goals per game (3.0). He is second in free throw percentage (.881) and 11th in steals (1.2).

HENDERSON NUMBERS IMPROVED
Guard Mike Henderson played a key role in Iowa’s 2006 success, improving his numbers in several categories from his sophomore season while earning the team “Most Improved Award”. Henderson missed the first seven games of this season with a hand injury before returning to see limited action in Iowa’s last 16 games. He scored eight points in 15 minutes in the win over Iowa State and played 26 minutes at Drake. Henderson returned to the starting line-up in a win over Georgia State and Iowa has won seven of 11 games with Henderson in the starting line-up. He scored eight points while collecting a career-best nine assists in a season-best 30 minutes of action vs. Georgia State. He added nine points, nine assists and three steals in a win over Texas Southern and six points, four assists and two steals in a win over Cornell. Henderson played a solid defensive game in Iowa’s win over Michigan State and came up big at the end, connecting on 5-6 free throws in the final 40 seconds to secure Iowa’s victory. He hit 3-4 field goals in scoring seven points in a home win over Minnesota and added five points and four rebounds at Indiana. Henderson hit all four of his field goal attempts in scoring eight points and grabbing four rebounds at Ohio State. He scored a season-high 12 points in a win over Penn State and added three assists, two steals and just one turnover in 32 minutes. Henderson connected on 3-4 free throws in the final two minutes of a win over Indiana and collected five assists.

SMITH STEPS FORWARD IN PARADISE
Freshman Tyler Smith, who had just two points in his first college game, led Iowa with 28 points in a win over Toledo in the first round of the Paradise Jam. He had another solid outing in a semi-final loss to Alabama, collecting 19 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals in 37 minutes. Against Villanova, he added 12 points and three rebounds and he added 12 points, five assists, four rebounds and two steals at Arizona State. Smith had 12 points, five rebounds, four steals and three assists vs. Texas-Pan American and 16 points and seven rebounds vs. Coppin State. Smith led Iowa with 20 points (9-15 FGs) and added six rebounds vs. Northern Iowa and he added 16 points and a career-best six assists in the win over Iowa State. He added 16 points and five rebounds in a loss at Drake and 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals in a win over Georgia State. He scored 25 points (4-5 treys, 5-5 FTs) and had five assists in a win over Texas Southern and added 18 points, six rebounds and four assists in a win over Cornell. In his first Big Ten Conference game, Smith contributed 10 points, four rebounds and four assists in the win over Michigan State. He added 12 points, seven rebounds and four assists in the loss at Illinois. Smith had 15 points (7-7 FTs), three rebounds and three assists in a win over Minnesota. At Indiana he contributed 17 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals. Smith started slow vs. Ohio State, scoring all 21 of his points in the second half. He also had four rebounds and five assists against the Buckeyes. Smith had just four points in the first half of the win over Penn State before ending the game with 19 points, five rebounds and two assists. Smith added eight points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals vs. Wisconsin. He led Iowa’s scoring with 22 points in the win at Michigan, while adding eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Smith played a key role in Iowa’s win over Indiana. Along with 18 points, he recorded career-best in rebounds (nine) and assists (seven), while also grabbing two steals. Smith hit 10-10 free throws, including 6-6 in the final four minutes. Smith was named to the Paradise Jam all-tournament team and the Hawkeye Challenge all-tournament team. He is averaging 15.7 points, five rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Smith has led Iowa in scoring in six games, in rebounding seven times, in assists 10 times and steals in 14 games. His 360 points ranks fifth on Iowa’s Freshman Single Season list and he ranks among Iowa’s freshmen leaders in rebounds, assists and steals.

PERFECT FROM THE LINE
Freshman Tyler Smith made all 10 of his free throw attempts in the home win over Indiana, scoring 18 points. Six of his attempts came in the final four minutes of the 81-75 victory. With a minimum of 10 attempts, Smith is the first Hawkeye player to make all of his free throw attempts in a game since Luke Recker connected on all 11 attempts vs. Minnesota in February, 2002.

FREEMAN SOLID IN GUARD COURT
Guard Tony Freeman had a solid first season with the Hawkeyes a year ago and had a career high 11 assists and six rebounds in the opening game this season. He added eight rebounds in a win over Toledo and added 16 points, four rebounds and three assists against Alabama. He led Iowa with five assists vs. Villanova and added 11 points (4-5 FGs, 2-2 FTs) against Virginia Tech. Freeman collected 10 points and five assists in the win over Texas-Pan American and six points and five assists vs. Coppin State. He scored 11 points and added four rebounds and four assists vs. Northern Iowa. Freeman led Iowa with three steals in the win over Iowa State and he added 11 points and five assists. He scored 12 points (3-4 treys) in a win over Georgia State and added six points and seven assists in a win over Cornell. Freeman had a solid floor game against Michigan State to start Big Ten action, contributing five assists and three steals, with just a single turnover. Freeman added a career-high nine rebounds and seven points in a home win over Minnesota. Freeman returned to the starting line-up at Ohio State and responded with six points and five assists. He played a solid all-around game in Iowa’s win at Michigan, collecting 14 points and seven rebounds, including a key three-point play in the final minute to secure the win. Freeman contributed four points and four rebounds in a win over Indiana, including two key free throws in the final minutes. He is averaging 6.8 points and 3.6 assists per game.

JOHNSON LEADS FROM LONG RANGE
Junior guard Justin Johnson is making his mark in his first season with the Hawkeye program, as he currently leads the Big Ten in three-point field goal percentage. Johnson has started seven games, averaging six points and 2.5 rebounds per game while shooting 47.5% (38-80) from three-point range. He made 4-5 three-point shots in a loss at Drake, including three straight in a one-minute span in the second half. Johnson added eight points, six rebounds and four assists in the win over Georgia State and nine points and two steals vs. Texas Southern. Johnson, who did not attempt a free throw in Iowa’s first 11 games, has made 14-17 (82.4%) of his attempts this season. He added six rebounds and three blocked shots in Iowa’s win over Cornell and scored 11 points (3-3 three-pointers) at Illinois. Johnson had a career-best eight rebounds in a home win over Minnesota, he added nine points (3-5 treys) in a win over Penn State and eight points in a home win over Indiana. Johnson contributed nine points and six rebounds at Virginia Tech and he led the team with 14 points and five rebounds in a win over Texas-Pan American. He added 13 points, five rebounds and four assists in Iowa’s win over Coppin State and was named to the Hawkeye Challenge all-tournament team.

LOOBY HITS THE BOARDS
After sitting out last season as a redshirt, junior Kurt Looby began to prove that his hard work from a year ago will pay dividends. Looby led Iowa with 14 rebounds in the win over The Citadel and added three blocked shots as well. After playing just two minutes in the first half against Toledo, he ended the game with 13 points and nine rebounds, all in the second half. Looby added 13 points, seven rebounds and three blocked shots vs. Villanova and he added six points, four rebounds and three blocked shots vs. Virginia Tech. Looby had 12 rebounds to go with six points, four blocked shots and two steals in the win over Georgia State and he led the team with six rebounds and two blocks in a win over Texas Southern. He led the team with six rebounds in a win over Iowa State and added five points and two steals. Looby is averaging 4.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocked shots and is scoring four points per game. He had a career-best five blocked shots and five rebounds in a win over Cornell and had seven points and three rebounds vs. Michigan State. He added six points, six rebounds and three blocked shots in the win over Penn State and six points and six rebounds vs. Wisconsin. He is a native of St. John’s Antigua. His mother, Olivet, was able to visit the Virgin Islands to attend the Paradise Jam, seeing her son play college basketball for the first time.

GORNEY ADDS TO THE MIDDLE
Junior center Seth Gorney started for the first time in his career against The Citadel and responded with 10 points, two rebounds and three steals. Gorney hit 4-7 field goals and 2-2 free throws in 25 minutes. Gorney added 10 points (4-6 FGs) and five rebounds vs. Toledo and he had 10 points and three assists in the loss to Alabama. He added eight points and four rebounds in a win over Texas-Pan American and added eight points and a team-high nine rebounds vs. Northern Iowa. Gorney added six points and four rebounds in the win over Iowa State, he had five rebounds vs. Drake and eight points and five rebounds in a win over Georgia State. Gorney made his first four field goal attempts in the win over Texas Southern, improving his streak to eight straight made attempts over three games before missing a shot in the second half. He ended the contest with 10 points, three rebounds and two steals. He contributed six points at Illinois and had six points and four rebounds in a win over Minnesota. Gorney contributed a timely field goal and two key free throws in the final minutes of the win over the Gophers. At Indiana, Gorney scored a career-high 12 points (5-7 FGs) and grabbed five rebounds. He had four points and four rebounds in 14 minutes at Ohio State before leaving the game with an injury. He was back in the starting line-up in the win over Penn State, collecting six rebounds. He added six points, seven rebounds and two blocked shots in the win at Michigan and six points and six rebounds in the home win over Indiana. He is averaging 5.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game while shooting 55.7% from the field and 83.3% from the free throw line.

TATE ON TARGET IN FIRST SEASON
Sophomore forward Cyrus Tate connected on 6-7 field goal attempts to score 13 points vs. The Citadel in his first action as a Hawkeye. It was more of the same in Iowa’s win over Toledo as Tate hit 3-5 field goals and 3-4 free throws, collecting nine points, seven rebounds and two steals in 18 minutes. Tate collected four points, seven rebounds and two assists at Virginia Tech and he had six points and season-best nine rebounds vs. Coppin State. Tate came up big in the first Big Ten game of his career in Iowa’s win over Michigan State. He scored a season-best 14 points (6-7 field goals) and matched his season-high with nine rebounds. Tate added a career-high 10 rebounds against Wisconsin and also had six points and two assists. He had six points and four rebounds in the win over Indiana. Tate is averaging 4.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, shooting 44.7% from the field and 70% from the free throw line. Tate attended junior college one season before joining the Iowa program.

IOWA SEEKS SEVENTH STRAIGHT
Iowa, in 2007, is seeking its seventh consecutive winning season. The current streak of six straight ranks as the second longest in the history of Iowa basketball. Iowa’s record for consecutive winning seasons is seven, from 1950 through 1956. Pops Harrison, Bucky O’Connor and Rollie Williams all coached the Hawkeyes during those years. Only a 10-10 record in 1949 kept Iowa from 13 consecutive winning seasons (1944-56). Harrison coached Iowa to five straight winning seasons from 1944-48, Lute Olson coached Iowa to winning seasons from 1979-83, George Raveling and Tom Davis combined to coach Iowa to winning seasons from 1985-89 and Davis coached Iowa to winning seasons from 1995-99. Iowa had five consecutive winning seasons on three occasions, 1979-83, 1985-89 and 1995-99. Iowa is one of four Big Ten teams to post a winning record in each of the last six seasons, joining Illinois, Michigan State and Wisconsin. Iowa, in 2006, advanced to post-season play for the sixth straight season and returned to the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season.

IOWA PROGRAM REACHES 1,400 WINS
The Iowa basketball program reached 1,400 wins (now at 1,434) with a 79-46 victory over Texas-San Antonio on Nov. 26, 2005. Iowa is one of 37 NCAA Division I programs with as many as 1,400 wins. Iowa’s basketball history includes 72 winning seasons and 24 years in which the Hawkeyes have won 20 or more games. Iowa (with 22) is one of 31 programs to earn more than 20 invitations into the NCAA Tournament.

IOWA HAS STRONG FINISH
Following is a list of Iowa’s accomplishments in 2006:

• Posted 25 wins, which ranks as the second highest total in school history. The Hawkeyes won 30 games in 1987 and 24 games in 1988. The 22 regular season wins tie as the second most in school history. The Hawkeyes won 27 regular season games in 1987 and 22 in both 1988 and 1989.
• Posted 10 wins in 14 games against top 25 teams. Iowa was 3-2 against top 10 teams.
• Prior to tournament play, Iowa was the only Division I team in the nation to record 10 wins against teams that were ranked in the top 25 at the time of the game.
• Posted 11 Big Ten wins, the most for an Iowa team since the 1996-97 team won 12 conference games. The 11 Big Ten wins are the most for Iowa since the Big Ten went to a 16-game league schedule in 1998.
• Won the Big Ten Conference Tournament with three straight wins. Iowa also won the event in 2001 and was second in 2002. Iowa is one of three teams with two tournament titles and Coach Steve Alford is the only Big Ten coach to take three teams to the championship game.
• Earned a tie for second place in the regular season standings. Iowa had not placed as high as second in the regular season since earning a tie for second with a 12-6 record in 1997.
• Earned a third seed in the NCAA Tournament. The three seed is the highest since the Hawkeyes were seeded second in the 1987 event. Iowa was also a three seed in 1981.
• Earned the No. two seed in the Big Ten Tournament. Iowa’s previous best seed in the event was fourth in 2004.
• Advanced to the title game of the Big Ten Conference Tournament for the third time since 2001.
• Defeated seven top 25 opponents in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa set school records for home wins and total wins over ranked opponents last season.
• Completed its first-ever undefeated home season in Carver-Hawkeye Arena, which opened in 1983, and its first undefeated home season since 1966.
• Completed the seventh season in Iowa history with an undefeated home record. Iowa was also undefeated at home in 1902 (3-0), 1926 (9-0), 1945 (11-0), 1948 (12-0), 1950 (6-0) and 1966 (12-0).
• Established a school record 17 home wins in one season. The previous record of 16 was established in 1985.
• Improved its overall home winning streak to 18 games, a streak that ranks longest in the Big Ten and fourth best in the nation.

IOWA IN TOURNAMENT PLAY
Iowa has faired well while taking part in regular-season tournaments over the past 24 years. In that time Iowa has won the Great Alaska Shootout (1986-87), the Cal-Irvine Anteater Classic (1986-87), the Maui Classic (1987-88), the San Juan Thanksgiving Shootout (1992-93), the San Juan Christmas Shootout (1997-98), the Big Ten Conference Tournament in 2001 and 2006 and its own invitational 24 times. In addition, Iowa was runner-up in the 1985-86 Far West Classic, the 1987-88 All-College Tournament, the 1988-89 Chaminade Classic, the 1991-92 Tampa Tribune Holiday Invitational, the 1994-95 Rainbow Classic, the 1995-96 Great Alaska Shootout, the 1999-00 Coaches vs. Cancer Classic, the 2001-02 Guardians Classic, the 2005-06 Guardians Classic, the 2002 Big Ten Conference Tournament and the 2004 Maui Invitational.

IOWA IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT
Iowa made its 22nd appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2006, falling to Northwestern State in the opening round at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Iowa earned the Big Ten Conference’s automatic bid by virtue of claiming the league’s tournament title. The Hawkeyes hold an overall record of 27-24 in the tournament, advancing to the Final Four in 1955 (fourth), 1956 (second) and 1980 (fourth). Iowa reached the regional championship in 1987 and lost in the regional semi-final in 1988 and 1999.

BASKETBALL TICKETS AVAILABLE
Single game tickets remain for Iowa’s three remaining home games, although there is a very limited supply remaining for the Illinois game Saturday, March 3. Tickets are available for $20 and $25, depending on the game. UI students can purchase single game tickets for $15 on the day of the game, when available. The following options are also available:

• “Youth Basketball Nights” have been set for games vs. Northwestern and Purdue. Tickets for students high school age or younger are $10 for these games.
• Discounted tickets to select home games, earmarked for purchase by groups of 20 or more, are also available for purchase. For information about group ticket packages, fans should call the UI Sports Marketing Office at (319) 335-9431.

Fans interested in obtaining men’s basketball tickets can do so at the UI Athletic Ticket Office, located in Carver-Hawkeye Arena, by calling the ticket office at 1-800-IA-HAWKS or by visiting the UI website at hawkeyesports.com.

IOWA INTRODUCES SOLDIERS FIRST PROGRAM
Coach Steve Alford and the Iowa Hawkeyes have introduced a new program that thanks active members of the U.S. Military for their service to the country by providing them the opportunity to enjoy a home game of the Iowa Hawkeyes with their family and/or friends. The “Soldiers First” program offers five men or women who are on “active duty” with any branch of the U.S. Military the opportunity to cheer Alford’s 2006-07 Iowa squad with three guests. Ticket requests will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible servicemen and servicewomen can call the UI Sports Marketing Office at (319) 335-9431 to learn more about the “Soldier’s First” program. Information and a registration form are also on the home page for men’s basketball at hawkeyesports.com, the official world wide web site of the Iowa Hawkeyes.

HAWKEYES LOOKING FOR HEROES
Is there a hero among you, your friends, your family? Coach Steve Alford and the Iowa Hawkeyes are looking for heroes, people who have gone above and beyond to help others. “There are wonderful things being done each day in every community across the state of Iowa by outstanding people,” said Hawkeye Coach Steve Alford. “Our basketball staff feels the “Heroes Among Us” program is an easy way to salute the friends and neighbors of ours who are making a different in the lives of their friends and neighbors.” Nomination forms for the “Heroes Among Us” program are available online at hawkeyesports.com, the official web site of the Iowa Hawkeyes. Fans can print their nomination form by visiting the men’s basketball home page and clicking on the “Heroes Among Us” line under the “Features” heading. The UI will select one here to be saluted at each Hawkeye home game throughout the remainder of the season. The hero, and the individual who nominated them, will be provided pairs of tickets to the game and a $10 gift certificate to the Official Iowa Hawk Shop. The hero will also be recognized when they are in attendance. This marks the second year of the “Heroes Among Us” program, as 15 Iowans were recognized at home games a year ago.

HIGHLIGHTS AND SOUND BITES ON SATELLITE
Sound bites with coaches and athletes from Iowa’s winter sports teams are available each Wednesday throughout the winter. The video sound bites are available from 3:30-3:45 p.m. CT and include all winter sports, including men’s and women’s basketball and wrestling. The coordinates are satellite INTELSAT A-5 (C), transponder 15.

HALK TALK WITH Steve Alford
Fans of the University of Iowa basketball program may join Iowa Coach Steve Alford and radio announcer Gary Dolphin each week during the season for the “Hawk Talk with Steve Alford” radio call-in show. The show takes place each week at Carlos O’Kelly’s Mexican Café in Iowa City from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The show will take place on the following dates: February 5, 12, 19 and 28; March 5 and 12.

COMING UP NEXT
Iowa plays at Wisconsin Saturday, Feb. 10 (1:05 p.m., ESPN). The Hawkeyes return home to host Northwestern Wednesday, Feb. 14 (7:05 p.m., ESPN Plus) before playing at Michigan State Saturday, Feb. 17 (1:32 p.m. CT, ESPN Regional).