Feb. 20, 2009
- Purchase Iowa Season Tickets and Iowa City NCAA First/Second Round Tickets
- Follow the Hawkeyes to the Big Ten Tournament
- Basketblog
- From the Desk of Lisa Bluder…
- 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 (17-9, 10-5) hit the road for a contest in Ann Arbor, MI, against the Michigan Wolverines (10-16, 3-12) Sunday. Tip-off is slated for 1:05 p.m. (CST) in Crisler Arena. Sunday is Michigan’s “Senior Day”. The Wolverines will say good-bye to five seniors. Iowa has won nine of its last 11 games, while Michigan has dropped 10 of its last 11.
ON THE INTERNET
Hawkeye fans can watch Sunday afternoon’s game for free online at bigtennetwork.com.
ON THE RADIO
Brent Balbinot and former Hawkeye Abby Emmert will call Sunday afternoon’s game for the Hawkeye Radio Network. Hawkeye fans can listen to the game on WMT AM-600 in Cedar Rapids and WHO AM-1040 in Des Moines. 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.
MARCH TOWARDS 1,000
Iowa has played 996 games, four shy of competing in its 1,000th contest, since beginning basketball in 1974. Overall, Iowa’s record is 606-390 (.608). That includes a 306-151 (.670) mark in Big Ten contests and 284-82 (.776) in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
NUMBER OF THE WEEK – – 46
Iowa’s senior trio of, Megan Skouby (1,381), Kristi Smith (1,380) and Wendy Ausdemore (1,257), have compiled a combined 4,018 points during their illustrious four-year careers. The trio is only 46 points from becoming the highest scoring trio, from one class, in Big Ten history. Purdue’s 1988 senior trio of Sharon Versyp (1.565), Christa LaCroix (1,289) and Lisa Jahner (1,209) accumulated a record 4,063 combined points.
SCOUTING MICHIGAN
Michigan will play its final home game of 2008-09 Sunday against Iowa. Michigan finishes at Purdue and at Indiana next week. The Wolverines have had some tough finishes this season, losing nine games by eight points or fewer, including five by four points or less. Michigan is 7-6 in home games this season, but have lost five of its last six. Michigan is coming off a difficult 52-27 loss at Michigan State Thursday night. The 27 points is a school-record for fewest points in a single-game and are the fewest of any Division I school this season. Veronica Hicks and Jessica Minnfield were Michigan’s leading scorers, each netting seven points. The Wolverines shot only 19.1 percent (9-47) from the field and almost had as many turnovers (23) as it did points (27). The Wolverines will recognize their five seniors before Sunday’s contest: Carly Benson, Ashley Jones, Jessica Minnfield, Melina Queen and Stephanie Skrba. The Maize and Blue are led by Minnfield and Benson. Minnfield averages a team-best 10.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 93 assists. Benson ranks second in scoring (9.0) and first in 3-pointers (53-167, .317). Forty-three percent of Michigan’s field goal attempts have come from beyond the 3-point arc. The Wolverines have sank 169 triples. Five players have made 18 or more treys. Michigan’s head coach is Kevin Borseth. Borseth is about to conclude his second season (29-30, .492) with the Wolverines. His overall records stands at 535-240 (.690) in 27 seasons as a head coach.
ALL-TIME SERIES
Sunday will be the 52nd meeting between Iowa and Michigan, with the Hawkeyes boasting a 40-11 advantage in the series. Iowa owns a 16-7 edge in games played in Ann Arbor. The Hawkeyes have won 11 of the last 12, including three of the last four contests played at Crisler Arena. The Wolverines beat Iowa 63-46 last season in Ann Arbor, Dec. 30, 2007. Iowa defeated Michigan, 77-69, on Jan. 26, 2009 earlier this season in Iowa City.
IOWA, MICHIGAN NOTES
? Sunday will be the first of three “Senior Nights” Iowa will be a part of. After Sunday, the Hawkeyes will recognize their own seniors Thursday night and then conclude the regular season in Northwestern’s final home game, next Sunday.
? 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.
? Iowa’s last three games of the season are vs. the last three teams in the Big Ten standings.
? Iowa boasts a perfect 10-0 record when allowing 59 points or less, are 15-2 when shooting a higher field goal percentage than its opponents and 14-1 when leading at halftime this season.
? Kachine Alexander, who stands 5-9, leads the team and ranks fifth in Big Ten rebounding, pulling down 8.7 per contest.
? Iowa’s senior trio of Megan Skouby (1,381), Kristi Smith (1,380) and Wendy Ausdemore (1,257) is the first-ever senior class of three players in Big Ten history to each have eclipsed 1,225 points.
? Iowa shoots 80 percent (56-70) from the foul line the last two minutes of games, including 88 percent (43-49) with under a minute to go.
? Kristi Smith and Wendy Ausdemore shared game-high scoring honors, both scoring 21, in the first meeting against Michigan earlier this season. Also, Kachine Alexander posted a double-double (10 points and 14 rebounds). For the Wolverines, Krista Phillips registered 16 points and nine rebounds and Veronica Hicks added 15 points. Iowa’s JoAnn Hamlin missed her first game of the season after sustaining an ankle injury in practice the week before.
? Kristi Smith, Megan Skouby and Wendy Ausdemore have had good games against Michigan in their careers. Smith averages 11.7 points, including 11-11 from the foul line, and 2.7 assists in seven starts vs. the Wolverines. Ausdemore averages 9.4 points, while Skouby averages 9.0 points and 5.3 rebounds.
? Kamille Wahlin ranks second in assists (3.07), third in scoring (8.1), fourth in rebounding (3.6) and 3-point field goal percentage (.405), and sixth in field goal percebtage (.436) amongst Big Ten freshmen, in conference games only rankings. Additionally, she ranks first in Big Ten assist/turnover ratio (2.0), fifth in 3-point percentage (.405), 10th in assists (3.07) and 12th in field goal percentage (.442), in conference games only rankings.
? Last year, Megan Skouby blocked 23 shots in 32 games; she already has amassed 42 this year. Her single-season best is 47 rejections, which she accomplished her freshman campaign. Her 42 blocks this year rank fourth-best in a single-season for an Iowa senior.
? Kristi Smith has reached double figures a team-best 20 times this year, including the last 12 contests.
? Kristi Smith, who is tied with Johanna Solverson for third in Iowa all-time assists (391), is nine from reaching 400. Megan Skouby, who ranks 19th in career rebounding (491), is nine from reaching 500.
? Iowa players have corralled double-digit rebounds 20 times this season. Kachine Alexander has accomplished the feat a team-best 11 times, JoAnn Hamlin six times, Wendy Ausdemore three times and Megan Skouby once. The last time an Iowa player controlled double-digit rebounds 11 times or more in a season was Jenee Graham (11), during the 2006-07 season.
? Iowa has one Michigan native on its roster: Lindsey Nyenhuis. Nyenhuis is a native of Grand Rapids. Also, Iowa SID Matt Weitzel returns to his roots; he was born in Ann Arbor.
? Iowa has an RPI rating of 33rd in the country and strength of schedule that ranks 25th. Iowa has five wins over teams ranked in the RPI top-50, including two ranked in the top 25. Michigan is rated 115th in the RPI and 36th in strength of schedule. The numbers are based on the report published Feb. 20.
SMITH AND SKOUBY BATTLE FOR EIGHTH PLACE
Only one point seperates Megan Skouby and Kristi Smith for eighth place on Iowa’s all-time scoring list. Skouby has totaled 1,381 points, followed by 1,380 for Smith. Skouby (113) has played four fewer games than Smith (117). Smith has been on fire the last few games. In Iowa’s last three wins, she averaged 18 points, made all 16 free throw attempts and averaged 2.3 assists. Additionally, Smith has netted 20 points or more in three of Iowa’s last six contests. Her 55 triples this season are a single-season best and rank third-best in school history by an Iowa senior.
SPECIAL GUEST IN IOWA CITY ON “SENIOR NIGHT”
Gina Glocksen, who was the ninth-place finisher in the 2007 American Idol competition will be in Iowa City for Iowa’s regular season finale vs. Illinois next Thursday. The Tinley Park, IL, native, will sing the national anthem. Glocksen is friends with Hawkeye senior Lindsey Nyenhuis.
HOME SWEET HOME
Iowa has maintained a solid home court advantage the last couple years. Dating back to last season, Iowa has won 19 of its last 20 home games. Iowa boasts a 12-1 home record this season.
FINAL STRETCH
There are three conference dates left in the Big Ten regular season and the league race is heating up. The top six teams can finish no worse than sixth place after the results from last weekend. Listed below is each team’s remaining schedule.
Michigan State (12-3): at Wisconsin, Minnesota, Purdue
Ohio State (12-3): at Indiana, Wisconsin, Penn State
Purdue (12-4): Michigan, at Michigan State
Iowa (10-5): at Michigan, Illinois, at Northwestern
Minnesota (10-5): at Northwestern, at Michigan State, Illinois
Indiana (10-6): Ohio State, Michigan
KASHIN’ IN
Sophomore Kachine Alexander has made a name for herself in the Big Ten with her improved play. Last year, she played only 18 games, averaging 2.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 0.7 assists. Through 26 games this season, she is averaging 9.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists. Alexander, who stands 5-9, ranks second in assists (4.67), rebounding (9.8) and defensive rebounding (7.4), third in assist/turnover ratio (1.52), and 12th in free throw percentage (.768), in Big Ten Conference games only. Additionally, she became the first Big Ten player to ever post two triple-doubles in the same season when she accomplished the feat twice in four games. The Minneapolis, MN, native had 10 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists vs. Northwestern (Jan. 18) and 26 points, 21 rebounds and 10 assists vs. Penn State (Feb. 1). Both games were Iowa wins.
HAWKEYES BEAT WISCONSIN THURSDAY NIGHT
Iowa used an 11-0 run to start the second half, gaining control of the game and cruising to a 72-65 win over Wisconsin Thursday night in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. For only the second time this season, five Hawkeyes scored in double figures. Kachine Alexander, Wendy Ausdemore and Megan Skouby shared game-high scoring honors with 15 points apiece. Alexander also secured a team-high 12 rebounds for her team-best sixth double-double of the season. After attempting and making only two free throws in the first half, the Hawkeyes attacked the basket the final 20 minutes and finished the game 20-24 (.833) from the foul line. Conversely, Wisconsin was only 5-9 (.556) from the charity stripe for the game.
LAST OUTING TIP-INS
? The Hawkeyes have won 11 of the last 13 meetings against Wisconsin, including six straight. Iowa improves to 35-20 vs. Wisconsin, including a commanding 21-8 advantage in contests played in Iowa City. Wisconsin has now lost seven of its last eight games.
? Iowa shot a season-best 57.1 percent (24-42) from the field.
? Iowa trailed 32-30 at halftime and then opened the second half on an 11-0 run. Wisconsin did not score its first points of the second half until the 14:43 mark on a Teah Gant free throw. Thursday marked only Iowa’s third victory (3-8) when behind at intermission.
? Both Iowa and Wisconsin had all five starters score in double figures.
? Kachine Alexander also dished out five assists. Iowa improves its mark to 8-0 when she collects five assists or more.
? Wisconsin’s Tara Steinbauer also had a double-double collecting 13 points and game-high 15 rebounds. Steinbauer grabbed 15 of Wisconsin’s 22 boards. Iowa out-rebounded the Badgers 35-22.
? Hawkeye freshman Kamille Wahlin totaled 10 points, four assists and a personal-best eight rebounds, in her eighth straight start.
? Kristi Smith finished with 13 points and two assists. Her two assists raise her career total to 391, which ties Johanna Solverson for third on Iowa’s all-time assists chart.
? Wendy Ausdemore’s 15 points moved her past Kristi Faulkner and alone in 14th place in Iowa career scoring (1,257).
MAKING THE FREEBIES
Iowa has done an outstanding job four of the last five games getting to the free throw line and taking advantage of the free shots. The Hawkeyes attempted an average of 20.2 free throws the last five games, including making 16.6 of those attempts. Iowa was 21-26 (.808) vs. Indiana, 26-32 (.813) vs. No. 13 Ohio State, 20-24 (.833) vs. Wisconsin, 11-14 (.786) at Penn State and 5-5 (1.000) at Minnesota. Senior Megan Skouby ranks first in the conference and ranks 36th nationally in free throw accuracy, shooting .846 (77-91). Wendy Ausdemore has missed only five free throw attempts this season (45-50, .900). As a team, Iowa shoots .793 (382-482) from the charity stripe, ranking fourth in the nation. The Hawkeyes have made (382) more free throws as their opponents have attempted (380).
SENIOR DUO IN THE RECORD BOOKS
Seniors Kristi Smith and Wendy Ausdemore have their names all over the Hawkeye record books for 3-point shooting. Smith is shooting at a 40.9 percent (175-428) clip from 3-point territory, while Ausdemore is shooting 40.8 percent (210-515). Smith’s career shooting accuracy from distance currently ranks second in the Big Ten and first in Hawkeye record books. Former Ohio State Buckeye Caity Matter (270-657, .411) ranks first. Ausdemore is currently slotted third, followed by former Hawkeye Lindsey Meder (261-644, .405) in fourth. Ausdemore’s 210 treys ranks second in Iowa annals behind Meder’s 261. Smith’s 175 triples rate third best. 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.
DOUBLE-DOUBLES
Last season, Iowa had only three players record a double-double in 32 games (Wendy Ausdemore, Johanna Solverson and Megan Skouby). So far this season, Iowa has had five different players post double-doubles a total of 15 times through 26 games. The last time Iowa had at least 15 double-doubles in a season was during 2000-01 campaign. That team, which was Lisa Bluder’s first Hawkeye team, collected a total of 16 double-doubles that season. Kachine Alexander has posted a team-best six double-doubles this season, which includes two triple-doubles. The sophomore registered double-doubles vs. Providence, Michigan, No. 13 Ohio State and Wisconsin, and also added triple-doubles vs. Northwestern and Penn State. The last Iowa player to record six or more double-doubles in a season was Jennie Lillis in 2002-03. Lillis had nine double-doubles that season. JoAnn Hamlin has four double-doubles (Boston, Iowa State, Minnesota and Wisconsin) this year. Wendy Ausdemore collected double-doubles vs. Texas Tech and South Florida in the Paradise Jam and also at Penn State. Kamille Wahlin had her first double-double vs. Michigan, while senior Megan Skouby posted her first career double-double at Minnesota.
COMPARING SMITH AND WAHLIN’S FRESHMAN NUMBERS
Kamille Wahlin is on the same path as Kristi Smith in her freshman season. Below are Kamille’s and Kristi’s freshman year numbers.
Kristi Smith's Freshman Campaign in 2005-06="https://hawkeyesports.com/http:%3E%3C/strong%3E%3Cstrong%3EGP/GS%20%20%20%20FG-FGA%20%203-Ptrs%20%20FT-FTA%20%20RB%20%20AS%20%20ST%20%20PTS%20AVG%3C/strong%3E29/21%20%20%2074-156%20%2022-53%20%20%2036-43%20%20%2061%20%2082%20%2029%20%20206%207.1%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E%3Cahref="http: hawkeyesports.cstv.com/sports/w-baskbl/mtt/wahlin_kamille00.html"="">Kamille Wahlin's Freshman Campaign in 2008-09="https://hawkeyesports.com/http:%3E%3C/strong%3E%3Cstrong%3EGP/GS%20%20%20%20FG-FGA%20%203-Ptrs%20%20FT-FTA%20%20RB%20%20AS%20%20ST%20%20PTS%20AVG%3C/strong%3E26/8%20%20%20%2064-141%20%2018-45%20%20%2028-37%20%20%2079%20%2065%20%2018%20%20174%206.7%3C/pre%3E%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%3Cstrong%3E%3Cem%3EHOME,%20AWAY%20COMPARISONS%3C/em%3E%3C/strong%3E%3Cbr%3E%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20Iowa%20averages%2015.7%20more%20points%20at%20home%20than%20on%20the%20road.%20The%20Black%20and%20Gold%20have%20a%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20much-higher%20free%20throw%20percentage%20at%20home%20(.820)%20than%20on%20the%20road%20(.751).%20Iowa%20averages%203.9%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20more%20rebounds%20per%20game,%204.7%20more%20assists%20and%202.4%20fewer%20turnovers%20at%20home%20than%20on%20the%20road.%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%3Cem%3EWINS,%20LOSSES%20COMPARISONS%3C/em%3E%3C/strong%3E%3Cbr%3E%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20There%20are%20big%20differences,%20statistically%20in%20Iowa's%20wins%20vs.%20losses.%20The%20Hawkeyes%20average%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%2018.1%20more%20points%20in%20victory.%20Also,%20Iowa%20averages%205.1%20fewer%20turnovers%20in%20its%20victories.%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20Finally,%20Iowa%20averages%20.403%20from%20behind%20the%203-point%20arc%20in%20its%20wins,%20compared%20to%20only%20.296%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20in%20defeat.%20Individually,%20%3Ca%20href="/roster.aspx?rp_id=3336" class="imported_story_link" oldlink="/sports/w-baskbl/mtt/smith_kristi00.html">Kristi Smith averages 15.4 points, including making 39-85 (.459) from 3-point territory, in victories. Also, Kachine Alexander averages 11.3 points, 5.1 assists and 9.8 rebounds in Hawkeyes wins. In losses, Smith averages only 9.6 points, while Alexander averages 5.8 points and 1.7 assists.
TRIFECTA MAKES HISTORY
Iowa has three seniors who have reached the 1,200-point plateau. Wendy Ausdemore, Megan Skouby and Kristi Smith became the first trio, from the same class, in Big Ten history to ever eclipse 1,225 points! Purdue and Illinois each have three members from their 1988 class score 1,000 points or more. Skouby currently has 1,381 points, followed by Smith (1,380) and Ausdemore (1,257). 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.
TRIPLE THREAT
Kachine Alexander, who was tabbed Big Ten Player of the Week twice this season (Jan. 20 and Feb. 3), is the first player in Big Ten history to record two triple-doubles in a season. The 5-9 guard totaled 10 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists in Iowa’s win against the Northwestern Wildcats. The 12 assists are a personal best and match the school single-game and Carver-Hawkeye Arena record. She became the first player to register a triple-double during a Big Ten game since 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. The sophomore repeated the feat three games later when she totaled 26 points, 21 rebounds and 10 assists in a triple-overtime triumph over Penn State. She is the only Hawkeye to ever record two triple-doubles. Alexander is one of only four NCAA Division I student-athletes to post multiple triple-doubles this season. Kansas State’s Shalee Lehning, UT-San Antonio’s Monica Gibbs and St. Mary’s Louella Tomlinson are the other three players to have two triple-doubles this year. In total, there have been 13 triple-doubles, by a total of nine different players in 2008-09. Alexander became only the second Iowa basketball player, male or female, to post a triple-double (Cara Consuegra).
WAHLIN SHINES IN STARTING ROLE
Kamille Wahlin was moved to a starting role the last eight games, due to the absence of JoAnn Hamlin. In her first eight career starts, Wahlin averaged 11.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 35 minutes of action. She currently ranks second in assists (3.07), third in scoring (8.1), fourth in rebounding (3.6) and 3-point field goal percentage (.405), and sixth in field goal percebtage (.436) amongst Big Ten freshmen, in conference games only rankings. Additionally, she ranks first in Big Ten assist/turnover ratio (2.0), fifth in 3-point percentage (.405), 10th in assists (3.07) and 12th in field goal percentage (.442), in conference games only rankings. In her first career start against Michigan (Jan. 26), she posted a double-double, the first of her career, recording 14 points and a personal-best 10 assists. The 10 assists are believed to be the most in a single-game by an Iowa freshman. At Michigan State, Wahlin was under the weather, with the flu, but still managed to play 27 minutes and collect six points and two assists. In Iowa’s triple overtime thriller, the freshman logged 43 minutes of court time, recording 18 points and seven boards. Wahlin helped Iowa to a two-point victory (69-67) over Indiana on Feb. 5. The freshman tallied 10 points, seven rebounds and five assists. At Minnesota, she was credited with eight points, seven rebounds and a game-high six assists. The native of Crookston, MN, netted a personal-best 19 points and collected a team-high five assists in Iowa’s 10-point upset home win over No. 13 Ohio State. Wahlin was credited with 10 points and a personal-best eight boards in Iowa’s last win vs. Wisconsin
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.
DISTRIBUTING THE BALL
Kachine Alexander has been putting up big assist numbers. The sophomore had eight assists vs. Minnesota (Jan. 11) and followed up that performance with nine at Illinois (Jan. 15). Against 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. She was credited with 10 dimes vs. Penn State (Feb. 1). Alexander ranks second in assists (4.67), in league play. Alexander’s 29 combined assists vs. Minnesota, Illinois and Northwestern are believed to be the most ever by a Hawkeye in a three-game span. Iowa is 8-0 this season when Alexander has five assists or more, and only 2-6 with two assists or fewer.
IOWA FAST BREAKS
? Senior Nicole VanderPol will not play the rest of the year, due to injury. VanderPol only played in the first two games of the season.
? Kristi Smith ranks 21st nationally in 3-point field goal percentage (.420), while Megan Skouby ranks 36th in free throw percentage (.846). As a team, Iowa ranks fourth in free throw percentage (.793), 29th in 3-point field goal percentage (.362), 30th in assists (15.6) and 31st in assist/turnover ratio (0.93).
? Iowa has only three wins this season when trailing at the half: two coming against Penn State and the other vs. Wisconsin. The Hawkeyes were behind by two (36-34) at intermission vs. Penn State Feb. 1. The Black and Gold also trailed the Lady Lions 41-23 Feb. 15 on the road. Iowa rallied from 12 points down in the first half against the Lady Lions (Feb. 1) and a school-record 20 points in the second half (Feb. 15) at Penn State. Iowa trailed Wisconsin 32-30 at the break, but won by seven (72-65) on Feb. 19 in Iowa City.
? Iowa is 135-18 when leading at the half in nine years under Coach Bluder, including 14-1 this season. The Hawkeyes are 115-26 when holding opponents to 69 points or less, including a 56-4 mark when opponents score 59 points or less.
? Iowa’s 12 blocks at Drake (Dec. 20) tied the school single-game record previously set vs. UC Santa Barbara in 1995.
? 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).
? Wendy Ausdemore’s 14 three-point attempts vs. Penn State (Feb. 1) tied a school single-game record. Crystal Smith attempted 14 triples at Louisiana Tech, while Lindsey Meder shot 14 treys vs. Colorado and Ohio State.
? 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 is 3-0 in bus trips this season (Drake, Wisconsin and Illinois). The Hawkeyes have one bus trip remaining (at Northwestern).
HAWKEYES RANK WELL IN BIG TEN STATISTICS
The Iowa Hawkeyes rank first in seven statistical Big Ten games only categories: scoring (68.9), free throw percentage (.787), field goal percentage (.435), 3-pointers made (7.0), 3-point field goal percentage (.393), assist/turnover ratio (1.1) and assists (16.4). Individually, Kachine Alexander ranks second in assists (4.67), rebounding (9.8) and defensive rebounding (7.4), and third in assist/turnover ratio (1.52). Kristi Smith ranks first in 3-pointers made (2.67), third in minutes played (37.2) and 3-point percentage (.440), and fourth in scoring (15.5). Megan Skouby rates sixth in blocked shots (1.53) and ninth in field goal percentage (.449). Kamille Wahlin ranks first in assist/turnover ratio (2.0), fifth in 3-point percebtage (.405) and 10th in assists (3.07) and field goal percentage (.442). Wendy Ausdemore ranks third in 3-pointers (2.07), and seventh in scoring (13.1) and field goal percentage (.467).
HAWKEYES-LADY LIONS MAKE BIG TEN HISTORY
The Iowa-Penn State triple overtime game on Feb. 1, in Iowa City, made Big Ten history. Iowa became the first Big Ten school to win a triple overtime conference game, since league play officially began in 1982-83.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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
The Hawkeyes will play their regular season home finale Thursday when they entertain the Illinois Fighting Illini at 8:05 p.m. in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.