Jan. 23, 2009
- Purchase Iowa Season Tickets and Iowa City NCAA First/Second Round Tickets
- Follow the Hawkeyes to the Big Ten Tournament
- Basketblog
- Iowa and the Big Ten Network
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
Complete Release in PDF Format
THE SETTING
The Iowa Hawkeyes (11-7, 4-3) remain home Monday, hosting the Michigan Wolverines (9-10, 2-6). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:06 p.m. (CDT) in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Monday is “Buck Night”. Adults will be admitted for only $1, while youths and UI students are free. Fans are encouraged to bring cash when paying for “Buck Night” on Momday. Iowa will have seven days to prepare for Michigan, as the Hawkeyes had their second mid-week bye.
ON THE TUBE
Monday’s game will be televised live to a national cable audience on the Big Ten Network (HD). Mark Neely and Mary Murphy will have the call.
ON THE RADIO
Brent Balbinot and Shelley Till will call Monday night’s game for the Hawkeye Radio Network. Hawkeye fans can listen to the game on WMT AM-600 in Cedar Rapids, KXIC AM-800 in Iowa City and WHO AM-1040 in Des Moines. Balbinot is in his fifth season as Iowa’s play-by-play voice, while Till is in her fourth providing analysis. Hawkeye fans can also follow the game via live stats (gametracker). The `GT’ link can be accessed under the `Calender’ tab on the front page of hawkeyesports.com or on the women’s basketball schedule page. IOWA MAKES HISTORY
Iowa won its 600th game in its 35 years as a varsity sport last Sunday vs. Northwestern. Also, the Hawkeyes garnered their 300th conference victory with the win over the Wildcats.
IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 988 games since beginning basketball in 1974. Overall, Iowa’s record is 600-388 (.607). That includes a 300-149 (.668) mark in Big Ten contests and 279-82 (.773) in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
ALEXANDER EARNS BIG TEN WEEKLY HONOR
Kachine Alexander has been named co-Big Ten Player of the Week with Minnesota’s Ashley Ellis-Milan. Alexander takes home her first career weekly honor after helping Iowa to a pair of victories over Illinois and Northwestern last week. Alexander nearly averaged a triple-double (8.0 points, 10.5 rebounds and 10.5 assists) in two games. In Sunday’s win over Northwestern, she became the eighth NCAA Division I student-athlete to post a triple-double this season. The 5-9 guard totaled 10 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists against the Wildcats. The 12 assists are a personal best and match the school single-game and Carver-Hawkeye Arena record. The last time a Big Ten player recorded a triple-double during a conference game came on Feb. 8, 2007 when Ohio State’s Jessica Davenport tallied 17 points, 10 rebounds and 11 blocks against Minnesota. The last triple-double involving points, rebounds and assists in league play was courtesy of Iowa’s Cara Consuegra (17 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) on Feb. 3, 2000. Alexander, a native of Minneapolis, MN, grabbed a team-high 10 rebounds, scored six points and had nine assists with only one turnover in Iowa’s 72-62 triumph at Illinois last Thursday. Iowa’s last Player of the Week recipient was Johanna Solverson, March 3, 2008.
SCOUTING MICHIGAN
Michigan has lost six of its last eight, including four straight. The Wolverines recently lost to Indiana, 60-50, Thursday night in Ann Arbor. The Hooisers outscored Michigan 20-4 in second-chance points. Indiana led by 17 points at the half (36-19). After Monday, the Wolverines will play four of five contests at home. The Wolverines average only 55.74points per game. Four of Michigan’s starters are seniors. Michigan averages 23 three-point field goal attempts, making 6.5 per game. Michigan’s top 3-point threats are seniors Carly Benson (40) and Jessica Minnfield (28). Minnfield averages a team-best 10.6 points, 3.4 assists, and rebounding (4.8). Benson rates second in team scoring (9.5) and rebounds (4.3). The Wolverines collected some quality non-conference victories, beating Kentucky, No. 12 Vanderbilt, NC State and No. 8 Notre Dame. Michigan is coached by Kevin Borseth. Borseth is in his 27th season (534-234, .695) as a head coach and his second on the Wolverine sidelines (28-24, .538).
ALL-TIME SERIES
Monday will be the 51st meeting between Iowa and Michigan, with the Hawkeyes boasting a 39-11 advantage in the series. Iowa owns a commanding 20-4 edge in games played in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes have won 10 of the last 11, including five-straight in Iowa City. The Wolverines’ last victory in Iowa City was a 91-80 triumph on Feb. 14, 2002. Iowa went 2-1 against Michigan last season, winning at home and in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals, but falling on the road in Ann Arbor, MI.
IOWA, MICHIGAN NOTES
? Iowa’s Kamille Wahlin and Michigan’s Courtney Boylan were two prized recruits coming out of the state of Minnesota. Boylan was named Minnesota’s Miss Basketball, while Wahlin was a finalist.
? Eleven of Iowa’s 18 games have been decided by 17 points or more (7-4).
? Iowa boasts a perfect 9-0 record when allowing 59 points or less, are 11-1 when shooting a higher field goal percentage than its opponents and 11-0 when leading at halftime this season.
? Kristi Smith and Megan Skouby have had solid outings in games against Michigan during their careers. Smith has made 12-24 (.500) from 3-point range and averages 10.2 points in six games vs. the Maize and Blue. Skouby averages 9.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.4 blocks in five contests against Michigan.
? Megan Skouby cracked Iowa’s all-time scoring top ten list with her 21 points at Illinois (Jan. 15). The senior surpassed Necole Tunsil for 10th on Iowa’s career scoring chart. Skouby now has 1,299 points.
? Iowa is the only school with three players ranked in the top 15 in Big Ten assists: Kachine Alexander (sixth), Kristi Smith (10th) and Wendy Ausdemore (15th).
? Kristi Smith collected her 350th career assist at Indiana (Jan. 4). She dished out four assists vs. Minnesota to surpass Nadine Domond for sixth on Iowa’s all-time assists chart. The senior is only two from passing Steph Schuler and cracking the top five.
? Iowa players have corralled double-digit rebounds 15 times this season. Kachine Alexander has accomplished the feat a team-best seven times, JoAnn Hamlin six times and Wendy Ausdemore twice.
? Iowa has held nine of the 11 teams it has beat to 58 points or less.
? Kachine Alexander, who stands 5-9, leads the team and ranks ninth in Big Ten rebounding, pulling down 7.6 per contest.
? Last season, Megan Skouby blocked 23 shots in 32 games; she already has amassed 34 through 18 games this season. She currently sits third on Iowa’s career rejections list with 141. She is only five blocks from surpassing Toni Foster for second. Skouby has blocked at least one shot in eight of the last nine contests.
? Kristi Smith has reached double figures a team-best 12 times.
? Iowa has an RPI rating of 32nd in the country and strength of schedule that ranks eighth. The Hawkeyes’ strength of schedule ranks second in the Big Ten. Michigan is rated 59th in the RPI and ninth in strength of schedule. The numbers are based on the report published Jan. 20.
HOME SWEET HOME
Iowa has maintained a solid home court advantage the last couple years. Dating back to last season, Iowa has won 14 of its last 15 games in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Purdue snapped Iowa’s 12-game winning streak with a 69-60 win Dec. 28 in Iowa City.
DISTRIBUTING THE BALL
Kachine Alexander has been unselfish with the basketball the last three games, establishing career highs all three games. The sophomore dished out eight assists vs. Minnesota (Jan. 11) and followed up that performance with nine at Illinois (Jan. 15). In Iowa’s last outing vs. Northwestern (Jan. 18), Alexander collected a game and career-high 12 helpers. The 12 assists tied the school single-game and Carver-Hawkeye Arena record. Alexander’s 29 assists the last three games are believed to be the most ever by a Hawkeye in a three-game span. Iowa is 6-0 this season when Alexander has five assists or more, and only 2-5 with two assists or fewer.
HAMLIN PICKING UP HER PLAY
JoAnn Hamlin’s numbers have risen during Iowa’s three-game winning streak. The junior averaged 13.7 points and 6.0 rebounds in only 28.0 minutes of action. Hamlin has shot lights-out, sinking 81.8 percent (18-22) of her field goals during the streak. She ranks first in Big Ten field goal percentage (.563) and seventh in defensive rebounds (5.57).
SMITH DIALING LONG DISTANCE
Kristi Smith has been on fire from behind the 3-point arc the last three games. Smith made 13-17 (.765) triples and averaged 16.0 points during Iowa’s three-game winning streak. She missed only twice from long distance in Iowa’s two contests last week at Illinois and vs. Northwestern (8-10, .800).
MAKING THE FREEBIES
Senior Megan Skouby leads the conference and ranks 29th nationally in free throw accuracy, shooting .873 (69-79). Wendy Ausdemore has missed only three free throw attempts this season (29-32, .906). As a team, Iowa shoots .788 (264-335) from the charity stripe, ranking sixth in the nation. The Hawkeyes have made (264) nearly as many free throws as their opponents have attempted (278).
HAWKEYES OVERWHELM NORTHWESTERN, 74-46
For the first time this season, five Hawkeyes scored in double figures en route to a 74-46 win over Northwestern last Sunday in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The win was Iowa’s 15th-straight over the Wildcats, dating back to 2000. Kachine Alexander posted a triple-double (10 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists) to pace the Black and Gold. Other Hawkeyes scoring double figures include: JoAnn Hamlin (16), Hannah Draxten (13), Kristi Smith (11) and Megan Skouby (10). The 13 points by Draxten were a season best. Hamlin shot the ball extremely well, only missing two field goals (8-10, .800). The Hawkeyes led by only five points (29-24) at the half, but outscored Northwestern 45-22 the final 20 minutes. Iowa assisted on 25 of its 29 field goals and outrebounded the Wildcats by eight (37-29).
LAST OUTING TIP-INS
? Iowa now leads the all-time series against Northwestern, 41-12.
? Iowa’s 25 assists are the most since collecting 29 vs. Quinnipiac (Nov. 17, 2007).
? Iowa’s bench outscored Northwestern 21-5.
? Iowa was a perfect 8-8 (1.000) from the foul line.
? Iowa outscored Northwestern 16-0 in fast break points.
? Kamille Wahlin pulled down a season-high six rebounds.
? Iowa shot 50.9 percent (29-57) from the field, while Northwestern shot 33.3 percent (18-54). Also, the Black and Gold shot 44.4 percent (8-18) from long distance, while the Wildcats shot 22.7 percent (5-22).
LIKING THE DISTANCE
Wendy Ausdemore has made more 3-pointers than two-point field goals this season. Ausdemore, who ranked third in the country in 3-point percentage a year ago, has made 31 triples and 27 two-pointers through 18 games. Last season, Ausdemore made 78 treys and 54 two-pointers in 32 contests.
DOUBLE-DOUBLES
Last season, Iowa had only three players record one double-double in 32 games (Wendy Ausdemore, Johanna Solverson and Megan Skouby). So far this season, Iowa has had three players post double-doubles a total of eight times through 18 games. JoAnn Hamlin has posted four double-doubles (Boston, Iowa State, Minnesota and Wisconsin) this year. The last Iowa player to record four or more double-doubles in a season was Jennie Lillis in 2002-03. Lillis had nine double-doubles that season. Kachine Alexander tallied her first double-double vs. Providence and added a triple-double vs. Northwestern. Ausdemore had back-to-back double-doubles vs. Texas Tech and South Florida in the Paradise Jam.
AUSDEMORE IN THE RECORD BOOKS
Wendy Ausdemore, a senior, has her name all over the Hawkeye record books for 3-point shooting. The native of Neola, IA, is 191-465 (.411) from long distance. Ausdemore’s career shooting accuracy from beyond the arc currently ties for first in the Big Ten and Hawkeye record books. Former Ohio State Buckeye Caity Matter (270-657, .411) is tied with Ausdemore for first, while former Hawkeye Lindsey Meder (261-644, .405) is third. Ausdemore’s 191 treys ranks second in Iowa annals behind Meder’s 261. Last season, Ausdemore was 78-171 (.456), with her percentage ranking third in the nation, and first among players with over 150 attempts. Also, Ausdemore made a school-best 62 triples as a sophomore and 78 as a junior.
HOME, AWAY COMPARISONS
Iowa averages 12.6 more points at home than on the road. The Black and Gold have a higher free throw percentage at home (.821) than on the road (.750). Iowa averages 3.6 more rebounds per game, 4.1 more assists and 2.5 fewer turnovers at home than on the road.
WINS, LOSSES COMPARISONS
There are big differences in the statistics in Iowa’s wins to Iowa’s losses. The Hawkeyes average 16.7 more points in their wins to losses. Also, Iowa averages 5.7 fewer turnovers in its victories. Finally, Iowa averages .413 from behind the 3-point arc in its wins, compared to only .291 in its defeats.
HAWKEYES RANK WELL IN BIG TEN STATISTICS
The Iowa Hawkeyes rank first in five statistical Big Ten games only categories: free throw percentage (.768), field goal percentage (.431), 3-pointers made (6.86), 3-point field goal percentage (.421) and assist/turnover ratio (1.07). Individually, Kachine Alexander ranks first in assist/turnover ratio (1.8) and second in assists (5.14). JoAnn Hamlin ranks first in field goal percentage (.563). Kristi Smith ranks first in 3-pointers made (2.86) and second in 3-point field goal percentage (.513). Megan Skouby ranks second in free throw percentage (.875) and fourth in blocked shots (2.14).
TRIFECTA
Iowa has three seniors who have reached the 1,000-point plateau. Wendy Ausdemore, Megan Skouby and Kristi Smith became the first senior trio at Iowa to eclipse 1,000 points. The 1998 senior duo of Tangela Smith and Tiffany Gooden reached the milestone, the 1990 tandem of Franthea Price and Jolette Law accomplished the feat, and the 1987 duo of Lisa Becker and Lisa Long both tallied 1,000 points. Skouby and Smith accomplished the feat last season as juniors, while Ausdemore topped 1,000 points early this season. Ausdemore netted a game-high 21 points in an overtime loss to South Florida (Nov. 28, 2008). The native of Neola, IA, reached 1,000 points in 97 games. Skouby scored six points at No. 20 Ohio State (Feb. 21, 2008) to become the 24th Hawkeye to amass 1,000 career points. Skouby, who is a native of Mentor, OH, accomplished the feat in only 82 games and she did so in front of family and friends. Smith netted 19 points vs. Purdue (March 8, 2008) to become the 25th Iowa player to tally 1,000 points. The Thornton, CO, native accomplished the feat in 90 contests.
IOWA FAST BREAKS
? Iowa is 132-17 when leading at the half in nine years under Coach Bluder, including a perfect 11-0 this season. The Hawkeyes are 111-24 when holding opponents to 69 points or less, including a 55-4 mark when opponents score 59 points or less.
? Iowa played seven non-conference games against teams from a major conference: Big East (Providence and South Florida), Pac-10 (California), ACC (Duke), Big 12 (Kansas, Texas Tech and Iowa State).
? Megan Skouby tied a Paradise Jam tournament game record with four blocked shots against Texas Tech (11/27/08). Additionally, she blocked a career-high six shots at Purdue (1/8/09).
? Iowa boasted a +21.3 scoring margin in its three wins over in-state competition. The Hawkeyes dropped Iowa State by 20, Northern Iowa by 26 and Drake by 18.
? Iowa’s loss to South Florida was its first overtime loss since falling 80-78 to Minnesota (Jan. 25, 2007) in Iowa City.
? Through 18 games, Iowa averages only 4.9 steals per game, which is the lowest average in school history. The Hawkeyes averaged 5.1 thefts during the 1984-85 and 1985-86 seasons.
? Iowa is 3-0 in bus trips this season (Drake, Wisconsin and Illinois). The Hawkeyes have one bus trip remaining on their schedule (at Northwestern on March 1).
SIMILARITIES
Coach Bluder sees similarities between this season’s senior and freshman classes. This year’s senior class was asked, in 2005-06, to step-up and make an immediate impact when they were freshmen. Iowa’s freshman class this year will, again, be asked to provide depth and will likely play a pivotal role in the team’s success.
PRE-SEASON RANKINGS
Iowa has been picked to finish fourth in the Big Ten by the league coaches and fifth by a selected media panel. The coaches picked Purdue to win the conference, while the media selected Ohio State. The Buckeyes have won outright, or shared, the last four regular season conference titles. Ohio State sophomore Jantel Lavender was selected as the pre-season Player of the Year by both voting groups.
GET TO KNOW HER CAMPAIGN
The Big Ten Conference announced its latest public service effort for women’s basketball. The Get to Know Her campaign is a fully integrated effort that will allow fans to see the non-basketball sides of their favorite student-athletes via multimedia tools and on-campus promotions. Elements of the Get to Know Her campaign include a fan club, theme nights, a weekly newsletter, Big Ten Network-produced PSAs, video and print feature stories, a Facebook page and fan rewards. Fans can sign up to be members of the Get to Know Her Club at all Big Ten women’s basketball home games. Fans will receive special rewards for joining the club, while membership privileges include special access, giveaways and insider information on Big Ten women’s basketball. Fans will also enjoy increased chances to learn about their favorite women’s basketball players through multimedia outlets. Written feature stories will appear on the Big Ten website throughout the conference season, while the Big Ten Network will air features and Get to Know Her PSAs through the duration of the 2008-09 campaign.
HOME GROWN HAWKEYES
Iowa’s 2008-09 roster features four players from the state of Iowa (Wendy Ausdemore, Kelsey Cermak, Kelly Krei and Nicole VanderPol). The Hawkeyes also have three players from Minnesota (Kachine Alexander, Hannah Draxten and Kamille Wahlin). Iowa’s 13-person roster also features players from Ohio (Shante Jones and Megan Skouby), Colorado (Kristi Smith), Kansas (JoAnn Hamlin) and Michigan (Lindsey Nyenhuis).
FITZGERALD EARNS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
Former Drake athlete Jenni Fitzgerald received the Drake Double D Award in Des Moines, IA, on Jan. 17. The award is presented annually to Drake letterwinners for achievements in their chosen fields of endeavor and/or community service since leaving Drake. The Double D Award is the highest honor Drake bestows on its student-athletes. Since its inception in 1968, the Double D honor has been presented to 234 former Drake letterwinners. Fitzgerald was the starting point guard for the Drake women’s basketball team from 1986-91. She was named team MVP as a junior and was named captain as a senior while earning All-Gateway Conference honors. She was a four-year starter for the Bulldogs and only the second player in Drake history to start every game of her collegiate career. Fitzgerald graduated from Drake, ranking second on the school career steals list (250) third on the school career free throw percentage chart (.802) and third on the school career assist list (516). In February 2007, Jan Jensen, who also played women’s basketball at Drake, earned the Double D Award.
BLOGGING
Iowa Hawkeye fans will be treated once again to behind-the-scenes information this season as senior Wendy Ausdemore, and sophomore Kelsey Cermak and freshman Hannah Draxten will have their own blogs, which will be posted on hawkeyesports.com. The trio will share their thoughts on practices, games, road trips, and everything else surrounding the program. Additionally, fans will be able to watch behind-the-scenes clips of the team with Lindsey Nyenhuis’ video blog.
IOWA INFORMATION ON THE WEB
Statistics and play-by-play accounts of all Iowa Hawkeye 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 hawkeyesports.com and then clicking on the `GT’ link.
BIG TEN TOURNAMENT ALL-SESSION TICKETS ON SALE
Make sure you have the best seats to cheer on the Hawkeyes at the 2009 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament in Indianapolis at Conseco Fieldhouse March 5-8. Secure the best seats available by contacting the UI Athletic Ticket Office at (800) IA-HAWKS. All-session tickets are on sale for $65. The Big Ten Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments will call Indianapolis and Conseco Fieldhouse home through 2012. Indianapolis has staged 13 of the 14 previous women’s tournaments. The 2009 tournament features all 11 Big Ten teams in action, competing in 10 games over four days to crown the 2009 champion and earn the conference’s automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament. Six different conference representatives have won the tournament championship. Reigning Big Ten Tournament Champion Purdue leads all teams with seven titles, followed by two championships for both Iowa and Penn State and one title each for Indiana, Michigan State and Ohio State. The 2009 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament bracket, along with information on tickets, travel, lodging, tournament history and more, can be found at bigten.org and indianasportscorp.com.
“HAWK TALK WITH Lisa Bluder”
Catch “Hawk Talk with Lisa Bluder”, the radio call-in program Monday night featuring Iowa Hawkeye Women’s Head Coach Lisa Bluder, on KXIC-AM 800 in Iowa City, WHO-AM 1040 in Des Moines and WMT-AM 600 in Cedar Rapids from 7:30-8:30 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 east side of Iowa City.
UI TO HOST NCAA TOURNAMENT GAMES IN 2009
The University of Iowa and Carver-Hawkeye Arena will serve as one of 16 first and second round hosts for the 2009 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship. Games will take place Sunday, March 22 (6 p.m./8:30 p.m.) and Tuesday, March 24, 2009 (8:30 p.m.). Adult tickets prices are $28 for the three tournament games and $18 for students and senior citizens if they purchase their tickets over the phone or at the UI Ticket Office. The two ticket prices are $31 and $21, respectively, if purchased on the Internet. The UI Department of Athletics first hosted an NCAA Championship site in 1986 when it served as one of four regional final sites. Carver-Hawkeye Arena has hosted NCAA Women’s Championship games 11 years (1986-90, 92-94, 96-98). The UI and Carver-Hawkeye Arena have entertained the regional finals four times and first and/or second rounds nine times. The NCAA Tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1994. The last time Iowa City hosted a first and second round site was in 1998. Iowa defeated Massachusetts in the first round, but lost to Kansas in the second round. The Hawkeyes boast a 9-4 record in NCAA Championship games at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
ON THE HORIZON
Iowa will play its only regular-season game against Michigan State Thursday, Jan. 29, at East Lansing, MI. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. (CDT) in the Breslin Center. The Hawkeyes will return home to host Penn State Sunday, Feb. 1 inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena.