Nov. 9, 2007
IOWA CITY — It was a night of firsts for two University of Iowa newcomers Friday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. A 58-43 victory over Idaho State was the first as a Hawkeye for Head Coach Todd Lickliter. That milestone corresponded — not so coincidentally — with the first collegiate start by freshman point guard Jeff Peterson.
Peterson played a game-high 38 minutes and handed out nine assists with no turnovers. He also led all scorers with 12 points in the first half, grabbed four rebounds and had two steals.
“Nine assists and zero turnovers — that’s super,” Lickliter said. “He did that by having an understanding of the game and playing within himself.”
The beneficiary of many of the second-half assists from Peterson was Hawkeye senior Justin Johnson who scored a game-high 21 points. Johnson made 7 of 12 three-point field goals — tying him for third in Iowa history for most treys in a game.
“Jeff found me,” Johnson said. “As a freshman he does a good job controlling the game.”
Idaho State Coach Joe O’Brien was also impressed with the play of Peterson.
“Peterson played with confidence,” O’Brien said.
Ball distribution wasn’t limited to just Peterson. Sophomore Dan Bothall had six assists in 32 minutes.
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