Hawkeyes Travel to Face Michigan State Wednesday

Feb. 24, 2009

• Iowa and the Big Ten Network

Complete Release in PDF Format

THE SETTING
Iowa (14-13, 4-10) travels to #9/9 Michigan State (21-5, 11-3) Wednesday, Feb. 25 as the Hawkeyes close out their road schedule this week. Game time is 8:35 p.m. ET at the Breslin Center (14,759). Michigan State defeated Iowa 71-56 Jan. 29 at Iowa City. Iowa defeated Michigan 70-60 in overtime Sunday at Iowa City. The Spartans defeated Wisconsin 61-50 Sunday at East Lansing. Iowa has won 14 games after winning 13 times during the 2007-08 season.

ON THE AIR
Radio: Iowa games are broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network. The network includes more than 40 stations that blanket the state of Iowa and include portions of Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin. 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: The Big Ten Network will carry the game to a national cable audience. In its second year of operation, the Big Ten Network reaches over 70 million homes. The game can also be viewed on DIRECTV (channel 220) and the DISH Network (channel 439). Craig Coshun and Steve Smith will call the action.

IN THE RANKINGS
Michigan State is ranked ninth in both the ESPN/USA Today coaches poll and the Associated Press rankings.

IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,467 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Overall Iowa’s record is 1,465-1,002 (.594). That includes a 924-319 (.743) record in home games, a 541-683 (.442) record in games away from Iowa City, a 694-687 (.503) mark in Big Ten games and a 330-93 (.780) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

KELLY NAMED BIG TEN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Iowa guard Jake Kelly has been named Big Ten Conference Player of the Week for his efforts in Iowa’s 70-60 overtime win over Michigan. Kelly contributed career-bests in points (23), rebounds (8), assists (9) and minutes played (45). Kelly also played a key role defensively, holding Michigan’s Manny Harris to nine points. Kelly connected on 8-17 field goals and all four free throws against Michigan and scored nine of Iowa’s 14 points in the overtime period. He gave Iowa the lead for good with a short jumper to begin the extra session. He added a three-point basket, a lay-up and finally two free throws for the final Iowa points of the game. Kelly also had two steals and was guilty of just two turnovers. Forced by injuries to take over the point guard position in Iowa’s last two games, Kelly also scored 19 points in a Feb. 14 loss to Purdue. He scored 17 points in a loss at Wisconsin to give him a 19.7 average in Iowa’s last three games. The Big Ten Player of the Week honor is the first for Kelly and the first for an Iowa player this season.

FOUR PLAYED 45 MINUTES
In Iowa’s 70-60 overtime win over Michigan, four Hawkeyes played the entire 45 minutes. Those four included Aaron Fuller, Matt Gatens, Jake Kelly and Devan Bawinkel. The fifth starter, Jarryd Cole, played 38 minutes, while reserves David Palmer (three minutes) and Cyrus Tate (four minutes) saw limited time. All five Iowa starters scored at least seven points and all five collected at least six rebounds. The last time four Hawkeyes played over 45 minutes was in a triple overtime win over Minnesota during the 2005-06 season. Adam Haluska and Jeff Horner each played 51 minutes and Greg Brunner and Mike Henderson each played 50 in that win.

IOWA IN NCAA STATS
Iowa ranks 12th nationally in scoring defense (58.9). The Hawkeyes are 20th in free throw percentage (.744) and 27th in three-point field goals per game (8.1).

PETERSON INJURED AT WISCONSIN
Sophomore guard Jeff Peterson was not able to play in Iowa’s most recent outings against Purdue and Michigan due to a strained hamstring. His status is listed as day to day. Peterson suffered the injury with nine minutes left in the Feb. 11 loss at Wisconsin and did not return. Peterson started every game before missing the Purdue contest. He leads the team in assists (4.2) and steals (1.2) and is second in scoring (10.6) and minutes played (33.0).

TATE HAMPERED BY INJURY
Senior forward Cyrus Tate has been hampered since an ankle injury occurred Jan. 8 against Minnesota. Tate missed seven games before returning to action in a 56-51 win over Northwestern on Feb. 7. He sat out games vs. Wisconsin and Purdue before playing four minutes in the win over Michigan. Tate started against Northwestern, contributing two points and five rebounds in 13 minutes. He played four minutes against Michigan, scoring two points and collecting one rebound. Tate leads Iowa in rebounding (5.9) and is averaging 6.8 points per game. He is shooting 67.2% from the field and 76.6% from the foul line.

TUCKER TO MISS SECOND SEMESTER
Freshman guard Anthony Tucker will miss the second semester due to being ruled ineligible in accordance with Big Ten Conference academic requirements. Tucker (6-4, 200) joined the Iowa program after a prep career at Minnetonka, MN HS. He started eight of the 14 games he played. Tucker averaged 10.4 points and three rebounds per game, shooting 43.8% from the field, including 42.7% from three-point range. Tucker scored a career-high 24 points in a loss to West Virginia and recorded his only double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds in a win over Southeast Missouri State. He scored in double figures in eight games.

DAVIS HAS BRUISED KNEE
Junior Jermain Davis suffered a bruised knee in practice last week and did not play in Iowa’s overtime win over Michigan. Davis has played in 26 games, with 11 starts. He is averaging five points and 3.2 rebounds per game.

HAWKEYES OUT OF ACTION
Three Iowa players missed the overtime win over Michigan, while senior forward Cyrus Tate returned to action for just four minutes. All four players have started games this season. Along with Tate, Iowa’s leading rebounder, the group includes assist leader Jeff Peterson (hamstring). Jermain Davis missed his first game of the season with a bruised knee and Anthony Tucker is academically ineligible for the second semester. Tate missed nine games, Tucker has missed 12 games and Peterson has not played in Iowa’s last two outings. Those players have started 61 of the 83 games they have combined to play, averaging 25.3 points, 11.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. The group is shooting 46.1% from the field, 29.3% from three-point range and 78.7% from the free throw line. The four players have scored 40.2% of Iowa’s points in 27 games. The group also has 37% of Iowa’s rebounds and 49.2% of Iowa’s assists.

NOT AT FULL STRENGTH
Iowa has played a number of games over the past two seasons without being at full strength. Following are the reasons several key players have missed significant action in the last two years.

• Guard Tony Freeman suffered a stress fracture in his foot during an exhibition game prior to the start of the 2007-08 season. Freeman missed the first nine games of the season and 10 games overall. When playing, Freeman led Iowa in scoring (13.8) and assists (3.2).
• Forward Jarryd Cole suffered a major knee injury in 13th and final non-conference game of the 2007-08 season. Cole underwent surgery and missed the entire Big Ten season and the Big Ten Tournament. Cole had started six of 13 games prior to his injury, averaging 6.6 points and 4.8 rebounds.
• Guard Jeff Peterson was discovered to have a broken navicular bone in his left wrist following Iowa’s opening Big Ten game at Ohio State. Peterson did not miss any games due to the injury and will have surgery after the season. Peterson missed the last 9:31 of the Feb. 11 loss at Wisconsin due to a strained hamstring and did not see action in Iowa’s last two games vs. Purdue and Michigan.
• Forward Cyrus Tate suffered a sprained right ankle against Minnesota (Jan. 8) and played just eight minutes in a three point loss. Tate missed seven games before returning to action in a home win over Northwestern. He was unable to play in games vs. Wisconsin and Purdue, but did return to play four minutes in the most recent outing vs. Michigan. Tate was averaging 7.4 points and a team-best 6.3 rebounds at the time of his injury.
• Freshman guard Anthony Tucker was Iowa’s leading scorer in non-conference action at just over 11 points per game. Tucker contracted mononucleosis in late November and his production began to trail off after a season-best 24 points in a Nov. 28 loss to West Virginia. Tucker has been ruled academically ineligible for the second semester and will sit out the remainder of the season.
• Guard Jake Kelly suffered a broken middle finger on his left hand in pre-season practice this year. Kelly missed Iowa’s exhibition game, but elected to not have surgery and has played in every game.
• Junior guard Jermain Davis suffered a bruised knee last week during practice and was unable to play in the most recent outing against Michigan.

HAWKEYES ARE TOUGH AT HOME
Iowa has won 54 of its last 67 games (.806) in Carver-Hawkeye Arena (15,500) over the last three-plus seasons, including win streaks of 21 straight overall and 12 straight Big Ten Conference wins. Iowa has won 10 of its last 16 home games against ranked opponents and is 11-3 at home this season. Each of Iowa’s three home losses this season have been to ranked opponents. Iowa was a perfect 17-0 at home in 2006 and 14-2 in 2007 before posting a 10-8 home record a year ago. Iowa has compiled a 23-9 Big Ten Conference record in that time.

IOWA TWO-POINT FIELD GOALS
In a 56-51 win over Northwestern, Iowa attempted just 10 two-point field goals, and made just two of those attempts. Iowa made 12-30 three-point attempts and 16-18 free throws in the win. The two made field goals are the fewest two-point field goals for Iowa since the Hawkeyes had just six in a 43-36 home win over Michigan State last season. The 10 two-point attempts are the fewest since Iowa had 13 two-point attempts in a home win over Penn State a year ago. The two made and 10 attempted two-point field goals against Northwestern are the fewest ever for Iowa, in both categories, since the inception of the three-point field goal.

HAWKEYES WORK OVERTIME
With a 70-60 overtime win over Michigan, Iowa improved to 2-0 in overtime this season. The Hawkeyes defeated Wisconsin (73-69) Jan. 21 at home. Iowa has won two overtime games in a season for the first time since the 1986-87 season when it defeated North Carolina State and Illinois in single overtime games. Iowa has won two Big Ten overtime games for the first time in one season since 1976-77 when it won single overtime games against Illinois and Ohio State and a double overtime game vs. Wisconsin. Iowa is now 48-51 in all overtime games, including a 39-38 record in single overtime. Iowa is 2-1 in overtime under Coach Todd Lickliter.

CLOSE GAMES ARE THE NORM
Fourteen of Iowa’s 27 games have been decided by 10 points or less, with Iowa posting a 7-7 record in those games. Ten of those games were decided by six points or less, and Iowa has won twice in overtime.

• Iowa held off Texas-San Antonio (73-67) in the second game of the season by making 14-15 free throws in the second half, including its final 14 attempts.
• Iowa led for 39 minutes in taking a 66-57 win over Oakland, but the Hawkeyes led by just two points with 2:54 remaining before pulling away in the final two minutes.
• Iowa collected a 65-63 win over Kansas State in the consolation game of the Las Vegas Invitational. Cyrus Tate scored from the lane as time expired for the winning basket. Kansas State had tied the score with an offense rebound with 14 seconds remaining.
• Iowa trailed at Boston College by 11 points with 4:45 to play before a 10-1 scoring run closed the final margin to 57-55 in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Iowa had a chance to force overtime, but missed the front end of a one-and-one free throw opportunity with no time left on the clock.
• Iowa dropped a 68-65 decision at Ohio State in the first Big Ten Conference game of the season. Iowa made a season-high 14 three-point baskets, but missed two three-point shots in the final seconds that could have forced overtime.
• Iowa defeated Indiana 65-60 in Iowa City, surviving a late Indiana rally that saw the Hoosiers trim the Iowa advantage to two points with 22 seconds remaining. Iowa added three free throws to clinch the win.
• Iowa led Minnesota by as many as 13 points in the first half before the Gophers rallied for a 52-49 win in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes lost the services of senior forward Cyrus Tate eight minutes into the game due to an ankle injury. Iowa cut the deficit to one point with seven seconds to play, then missed a long, desperation three-point attempt after two Minnesota free throws.
• Iowa rallied from a seven point deficit, in the second half, to defeat Wisconsin 73-69 in overtime in Iowa City. The Badgers forced the overtime on a deep three-point basket in the final second before Iowa won in its first overtime of the season.
• Iowa led by 14 points in the second half at Penn State before the Nittany Lions rallied for a 63-59 win. The Hawkeyes missed three attempts to tie the score in the final two minutes before a Penn State free throw with four seconds left secured the win.
• Iowa led by three points at halftime in a 62-54 loss at Illinois, but the Illini shot 65% from the field in the second half to earn the win in Champaign.
• Iowa cut a 20-point second half deficit to just three with 44 seconds remaining at Indiana, but two turnovers in the final minute proved costly as the Hoosiers won 68-60.
• Iowa outscored Northwestern 11-5 in the final 1:05 to earn a 56-51 win in Iowa City. Devan Bawinkel gave Iowa a 48-46 advantage with 1:05 to play and Jeff Peterson came up with a steal on Northwestern’s next possession. Iowa made all 10 of its free throw attempts in the final minutes to earn the victory.
• Iowa dropped a 49-45 home decision to No. 20/23 Purdue when the Boilermakers used a 10-4 scoring run over the final seven minutes. Iowa trailed by just three points with 17 seconds remaining and forced a missed shot, but Purdue collected the offensive rebound and sealed the win by hitting three of four free throws.
• Iowa rallied from a four point deficit in the final minute to force overtime, before scoring a 70-60 win over Michigan. Matt Gatens hit four straight free throws to force the overtime and Jake Kelly added nine points in the overtime period to secure the win.

HAWKEYES FACE STRONG SCHEDULE
The 12 teams that have defeated Iowa this season are having good results against other teams as well. As of Monday, the teams with wins over Iowa have a combined record of 215-110 (.662). Nine of the 12 have been in the national rankings and four have at least 20 wins. Seven of Iowa’s defeats have been by eight points or less, including a two-point decision at Boston College, three-point losses at Ohio State and to Minnesota and four-point losses at Penn State and to Purdue (home).

TICKET DISCOUNT FOR REMAINING HOME GAMES
The University of Iowa is selling reserved seat tickets for $10 to its two remaining home games. The price reflects a $17 savings on tickets for the weekend game vs. Penn State and a $12 savings on tickets for Iowa’s game against Ohio State, which is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3. Tickets can be purchased over the telephone by calling 1-800-IA-HAWKS, online at hawkeyesports.com, and in person at the UI Athletics Ticket Office in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

STUDENTS CAN BRING A FRIEND
All current UI students who purchased either a student season ticket or the five-game “March to March” ticket package will be allowed to bring a friend to each of Iowa’s remaining home games for free. Students can take advantage of this offer by logging on to their season ticket account at hawkeyesports.com and printing a ticket for the game, or games, of their choice. Both the student who has purchased the season ticket and the student guest will need to present their student ID when entering the arena at the East entrance.

IOWA COACH Todd Lickliter
Todd Lickliter is in his second season as the head basketball coach at the University of Iowa and his eighth year overall as a college head coach. Lickliter spent six seasons (2001-07) as the head coach at Butler University. Lickliter holds a career mark of 158-93 (.629). He is 27-32 (.458) at Iowa, including 10-22 (.313) in Big Ten games. Lickliter posted a 131-61 (.682) record as Butler’s head coach. He led Butler to four post-season tournament berths, including trips to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2003 and 2007. Lickliter was named the 2006-07 Division I Coach of the Year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and was recognized as the High-Major Coach of the Year by collegehoops.net. He was also named 2007 Horizon League Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year after guiding the Bulldogs to a school and league-record 29 victories. He led Butler to the regular season co-championship in the Horizon League in 2007. The Bulldogs advanced to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament before falling to eventual national champion Florida (65-57). Butler won three games over top 25 opponents (Tennessee, Gonzaga, Maryland) in 2006-07 and recorded eight victories over teams that participated in the NCAA Tournament. Butler averaged 22 wins per year under Lickliter, winning league titles in 2002, 2003 and 2007 while winning at least 20 games in four of six seasons. Lickliter led the Bulldogs to an unbeaten home record (12-0) in 2002-03, and mentored Butler to a 70-12 (.854) home mark in his six seasons. His Bulldog teams were 6-5 against teams ranked in the “Top 25” and compiled four of the top 10 winning streaks in Butler history. In his first season as Butler’s head coach, Lickliter guided the Bulldogs to a then school-record 26 victories and a third consecutive Horizon League regular season title. Lickliter guided the 2003 Bulldogs to an even more impressive season in his second year as head coach. He led Butler to a 27-6 record, breaking the single-season mark for victories for a second consecutive year. Lickliter served as an assistant coach at Butler and Eastern Michigan and was a high school head coach in Indianapolis and Danville, IL. In his final two seasons as a Butler assistant coach, the Bulldogs compiled a 47-16 record, including “Top 25” wins over 10th-ranked Wisconsin and 23rd-ranked Wake Forest. The win over the Demon Deacons in the 2001 NCAA Tournament was Butler’s first NCAA Tournament victory in 39 years. Lickliter played his final two collegiate seasons at Butler, where he earned a B.S degree in secondary education in 1979. Lickliter is 1-2 vs. Michigan State and Spartan Coach Tom Izzo.

MSU COACH TOM IZZO
MSU Coach Tom Izzo is in his 14th year as a college head coach, all at Michigan State. Izzo holds a record of 326-135. Izzo led the Spartans to the Final Four in 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2005, winning the NCAA title in 2000. MSU has won four Big Ten regular season titles and two Big Ten Tournament championships under Izzo, who is in his 26th year as a member of the Spartan staff. He has been named national Coach of the Year on four occasions. Izzo is 17-8 vs. Iowa and 2-1 vs. Hawkeye Coach Todd Lickliter.

THE SERIES
Michigan State holds a 59-52 advantage over Iowa in the series that began with a 52-37 MSU win in 1938. Michigan State defeated Iowa 71-56 Jan. 29 at Iowa City. Iowa won the first meeting last season, 43-36 at Iowa City, before Michigan State scored a 66-52 win at East Lansing. The teams also split games in 2007, each winning on its home court. The Hawkeyes won two of three games in 2006. MSU won 85-55 in East Lansing and Iowa won 66-54 in Iowa City before the Hawkeyes took a 53-48 win in the semi-finals of the Big Ten Conference Tournament in Indianapolis. Iowa has won four of the last seven meetings and MSU six of the last 11 and 20 of the last 29 meetings. The teams split two games in 2005, with Michigan State winning in East Lansing and Iowa winning in the quarter-finals of the Big Ten Tournament in Chicago. The teams have met three times at neutral sites. Along with Iowa’s wins in the 2005 and 2006 Big Ten tournaments, MSU defeated Iowa at the 2000 Big Ten Tournament in Chicago, winning 75-65 on its way to the national title. Iowa holds a 33-20 advantage in games played in Iowa City. Iowa has won five of the last seven in Iowa City. Overall Iowa has a 13-11 advantage in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Michigan State, in 1983, won the first basketball game ever played in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. MSU’s 11 wins in the facility are the most by any Iowa opponent. The Spartans hold a 38-17 advantage in games played in East Lansing, where Iowa has lost 13 straight since taking an overtime win at the Breslin Center in 1993. Iowa is 2-15 at the Breslin Center, which opened in 1989-90.

IOWA, MSU GAME NOTES

• Michigan State Coach Tom Izzo (14th season) is the dean of Big Ten Conference coaches, while Iowa’s Todd Lickliter is one of three head coaches who are in the Big Ten Conference for their second season.
• Michigan State’s 32-point win (81-49) in the second meeting in 2007 marked MSU’s widest victory margin in the series.
• Michigan State (1999 and 2000) and Iowa (2001 & 2006) have won four of the 11 Big Ten Conference tournaments and they are two of five league teams (along with Illinois, Ohio State and Wisconsin) to appear in the championship game on more than one occasion (Iowa lost in the 2002 title game as well). Michigan won the inaugural event in 1998, Ohio State won in 2002 and 2007, Illinois won in 2003 and 2005 and Wisconsin earned the title in 2004 and 2008.
• Iowa and Michigan State played two common opponents in non-conference action. Iowa won 70-48 at The Citadel and defeated Oakland 66-57 in Iowa City. The Spartans defeated The Citadel 79-65 at East Lansing and Oakland 82-66 at Auburn Hills, MI.
• Iowa assistant LaVall Jordan is a native of Albion, MI.

SPARTANS WON FIRST MEETING
Michigan State scored the first eight points and never trailed in taking a 71-56 win in Iowa City. Iowa trailed by nine in the early going before back-to-back three-point baskets by Matt Gatens closed the deficit to 13-8. The Spartans led by six at the midway point in the half before pulling away to a 38-25 halftime advantage. MSU shot 50% from the field in the first half, compared to 40% for Iowa. Michigan State started the second half with a 12-2 scoring run to open its biggest advantage of the game, 50-28 with 15 minutes remaining. Iowa kept battling, eventually closing the gap to nine points, 61-52, with six minutes remaining following a three-point basket by Jermain Davis. The Spartans responded with five straight points to seal the win. Iowa shot just 42.3% from the field, including 30.8% (8-26) from three-point range. The Hawkeyes also shot just 44.4% (4-9) from the foul line, their lowest percentage of the season. Michigan State ended the game shooting 51.9% from the field, including 55.6% (5-9) from three-point range. The Spartans also held a 35-28 rebounding advantage, scored 14 fast break points and held a 28-22 scoring advantage in the paint. Jeff Peterson led Iowa with 14 points and five assists. Matt Gatens added 13 points, four rebounds and three steals. Iowa’s reserves scored 22 points, with Jarryd Cole scoring a season-high 10 points and Davis adding nine. Cole led Iowa with eight rebounds and Aaron Fuller had five. Kalin Lucas led the Spartans with 24 points and Durrell Summers added 21. Goran Suton led MSU with 11 rebounds and Delvon Roe had 10.

IOWA GOOD AS GOLD IN OT WIN
Sporting new gold uniforms, Iowa rallied from a four-point deficit in the final minute to force overtime before securing a 70-60 win over Michigan. With three starters out of action due to injuries, four Hawkeyes played the entire 45 minutes. All five Iowa starters scored at least seven points and all five grabbed at least six rebounds. Iowa wore gold uniforms for the first time under Coach Todd Lickliter. Iowa trailed 56-52 with 47 seconds to play when Matt Gatens connected on two free throws to cut the deficit in half. Gatens was then fouled on a rebound following a Michigan miss and his two free shots tied the game with 25 seconds remaining. The Wolverines missed a long three-point attempt at the buzzer. Iowa dominated play in the overtime, scoring the first nine points. Michigan missed its first nine field goal attempts in the extra period and scored just two free throws before its only field goal came with 26 seconds remaining. Jake Kelly scored Iowa’s first basket, then added a three-pointer and a lay-up after Gatens had given Iowa a four-point lead. Kelly sealed Iowa’s second overtime win of the season with two final free throws. Iowa had led by as many as 12 points (20-8) in the first half before Michigan scored 14 straight points for a 22-20 advantage. The Wolverines led 29-28 at intermission as Iowa won its third game of the season after trailing at halftime. Kelly led Iowa with career-bests in points (23), assists (9), rebounds (8) and minutes (45). For his play, which included a standout defensive effort, Kelly was recognized as the Big Ten Conference Player of the Week. Gatens added 16 points and six rebounds, Devan Bawinkel has 12 points and a career-high nine rebounds and Jarryd Cole had 10 points and seven rebounds. Iowa shot 47.1% from the field, 39.1% from three-point range and 72.2% from the free throw line. Iowa held a 40-33 rebounding advantage and had just 10 turnovers.

MSU RALLIES PAST WISCONSIN
Michigan State started slow before rallying for a 61-50 home win over Wisconsin. The Spartans trailed 22-12 in the opening half before cutting the deficit to 31-25 at halftime. Wisconsin shot just 33.3% from the field in the opening half, but hit all seven free throws to maintain the advantage. The Badgers built the advantage to 12 with 12:31 left in the game before Michigan State rallied. The Spartans shot 51.9% from the field in the second half and held Wisconsin to 27.8% shooting. The Spartans were dominate in the final 12 minutes, turning the 12-point deficit into an 11-point advantage in the final minute. MSU held a 37-25 rebounding advantage, a 32-16 advantage in points in the paint and a 29-11 margin in bench scoring. Kalin Lucas led the Spartans with 17 points and Goran Suton added 16 points and 10 rebounds. Travis Walton led MSU with six assists.

LICKLITER VS. RANKED TEAMS
Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter holds a 7-16 record when coaching against nationally ranked opponents, including a 1-11 mark at Iowa (0-6 in 2008-09) and a 6-5 record in six seasons at Butler. Iowa, this season, dropped a 68-65 contest at No. 23 Ohio State Dec. 31 and lost a 52-49 decision to No. 19/22 Minnesota Jan. 8 in Iowa City. Iowa was defeated 75-53 Jan. 18 at No. 19/19 Purdue and the Boilermakers won at Iowa City while ranked No. 20/23. Iowa has also lost 71-56 to No. 9/9 Michigan State at home and 62-54 at No. 19/20 Illinois. In 2007-08, Iowa defeated sixth-ranked Michigan State (43-36), while dropping decisions to 11th-ranked Indiana (76-79), 24th-ranked Wisconsin (51-64), seventh-ranked Indiana (43-65), eighth-ranked Wisconsin (54-60) and 17th-ranked Michigan State (52-66). Lickliter’s Butler teams defeated ranked opponents Louisville (14th), Maryland (18th), Mississippi State (20th), Ball State (21st), Tennessee (22nd) and Gonzaga (23rd). His teams are 0-3 vs. top five opponents, including losses to third-ranked Oklahoma in 2003, third-ranked Florida in 2007 and fifth-ranked Duke in 2003.

GATENS AMONG TOP BIG TEN FRESHMEN
Iowa freshman Matt Gatens ranks among Big Ten freshman leaders in several categories. Gatens is first in three-point percentage (.443), free throw percentage (.905) and minutes played (33.2) and second in scoring (11.1) and three-point field goals per game (1.7).

HAWKEYES FROM THE LINE
Iowa is shooting 74.4% from the free throw line to rank second in the Big Ten and 20th in the nation. Iowa made all eight free throw attempts in a win over Northern Iowa. The perfect performance against Northern Iowa is the best for an Iowa team since Nov. 19, 2004 when the Hawkeyes established a school record by hitting all 20 of their free throw attempts in a win over Western Illinois. Iowa connected on 20-22 attempts (90.9%) in a win over Texas-San Antonio, including its last 14 attempts over the final 13 minutes. Iowa made 16-18 (88.9%) free throw attempts in a 56-51 win over Northwestern. The Hawkeyes hit 13-14 in the second half, including all 10 attempts in the final 3:08. Jermain Davis led Iowa vs. UTSA, making all 10 of his attempts. He is the 24th Iowa player ever to shoot 100% from the free throw line in a game, with a minimum of 10 attempts. Davis is the seventh player (sixth Hawkeye) to make as many as 10 free throws in a game without a miss, in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa single-game free throw bests also include 88.9% (8-9) in a loss at Boston College, 90.9% (10-11) in a loss to Minnesota, 90% (9-10) in a loss at Michigan and 93.8% (15-16) in a loss at Penn State and 88.9% (16-18) in a win over Northwestern. Iowa had a season low in made free throws (three) and free throw attempts (four) in a loss at Illinois. Iowa’s accuracy from the free throw line is led by freshman Matt Gatens, who is shooting 90.5% (67-74) to lead all players in the Big Ten. His percentage would rank third nationally, but he is just under the minimum of 2.5 made per game. Gatens made 26 straight free throws over a 16-game span, from a win over Texas-San Antonio on Nov. 17 to missing his first attempt against Wisconsin on Jan. 21. Jake Kelly made 9-10 free throws in a loss to West Virginia, Jeff Peterson made 11-12 free throws in a win over Kansas State and Cyrus Tate made 10-11 in a home win over Indiana.

IOWA FROM THREE-POINT RANGE
Iowa is averaging 8.1 three-point field goals per game and 21.7 attempts per game. Iowa is shooting 37.3% from three-point range overall and 34.6% in Big Ten play. The Hawkeyes are third in the Big Ten in three-point field goals per game and three-point percentage. Overall, 47.7% (587-1,230) of Iowa’s field goal attempts have been of the three-point variety. Iowa attempted a season-high 30 three-pointers against Southeast Missouri State (13 made) and Northwestern (12 made). Iowa made a season-high 14 three-point baskets in a 68-65 loss at Ohio State to open Big Ten play. The 14 three-point baskets tie as the second highest total in school history. Iowa has made 15 in two games, the most recent against Northwestern on Jan. 3, 1998. Iowa shot an even 50% (14-28) against the Buckeyes. The Hawkeyes made 14 three-point baskets in five games prior to this season. Iowa has made 13 three-point field goals in two games (at The Citadel and vs. SE MO State). The 13 three-point field goals ties as the 10th most by an Iowa team in a single game. Iowa had a season-low two three-point baskets in a 49-45 home loss to Purdue, with 19 three-point attempts (10.5%). Iowa had just four three-point baskets in a 63-59 loss at Penn State, shooting just 23.5% (4-17).

THREE-POINT SHOTS AMONG SEASON LEADERS
Through 27 games, Iowa had made 219 three-point field goals and has 587 attempts. The 219 three-point baskets rank third best in a single season, as Iowa made 274 treys in 1995 and 222 in 2008. The 587 attempts in also third best in a single season, as Iowa had 743 attempts in 1995 and 640 attempts last season. Iowa is averaging 8.1 made treys and 21.7 three-point attempts per game.

IOWA SHOOTING ON TARGET
Iowa is shooting 44.9% from the field through 27 games and 42.6% in 14 Big Ten Conference games. Overall, the Hawkeyes have made at least 50% of their field goal attempts in seven games. Iowa has single-game bests of 57.1% from the field in a win over Texas-San Antonio and 52% (13-25) from three-point range in a win at The Citadel. Iowa shot 52.3% from the field at Ohio State, its best performance in Big Ten action, and 50% in a loss at Wisconsin. A year ago Iowa shot as well as 50% from the field in just four of 32 games, with a best of 57.5% at Penn State.

IOWA GETS DEFENSIVE
Iowa’s defensive play has been a constant throughout the season, as the Hawkeyes rank 12th nationally in scoring defense, allowing 58.9 points per game. Iowa held Purdue to 49 points, just the second time in 26 games the Boilermakers failed to score more than 50. In a overtime win over Michigan, the Hawkeyes allowed the Wolverines just 56 points in regulation and four points in the extra session. Michigan shot just 32.2% from the field, including 10% (1-10) in the overtime. Iowa opponents are shooting 42.7% from the field, including 35% from three-point range. Iowa’s non-conference opponents shot 32.8% from three-point range, while Big Ten opponents are shooting 36.7%. Iowa held Bryant University to just 36 points in a 61-36 win and allowed Northern Iowa just 24 points in the second half of a 65-46 win. The 36 points by Bryant match the fewest allowed by Iowa under Coach Todd Lickliter. Iowa held Michigan State to just 36 points in a 43-36 win over the Spartans last season in Iowa City. Bryant shot just 29.7% from the field, including 33.3% from three-point range. The 14 points scored by Bryant in the first half mark the fewest Iowa has allowed under Lickliter as well. The Hawkeyes have held seven opponents to less than 50 points. Iowa held No. 19/22 Minnesota to 52 points and 33.9% shooting from the field in a 52-49 loss. No. 20/23 Purdue scored just 49 points in a narrow 49-45 win at Iowa City. Iowa’s non-conference opponents averaged 54.6 points and league foes are averaging 62.9 points. Iowa ranked fifth in the nation in scoring defense last season (58.0) and held opponents under 50 points in nine games. Iowa opponents shot 40.4% from the field.

TAKING CARE OF TURNOVERS
During the non-conference portion of the schedule, Iowa averaged 11.5 turnovers in 13 games. In 14 Big Ten Conference games, Iowa is averaging 13.4 turnovers. A year ago, Iowa averaged 17.2 turnovers in its 13 non-conference games before reducing that number to 14.8 during the 18-game conference schedule.

VALUABLE POSSESSIONS
Iowa is averaging 11.9 assists and 12.5 turnovers per game. Through 27 games last season those averages were 12.6 assists and 15.8 turnovers per game.

NO TREYS FOR OPPONENT
Iowa held Southeast Missouri State without a three-point basket in a 75-41 win, as the Redhawks missed all 11 attempts from behind the arc. SE Missouri State became the first Iowa opponent in 125 games not to make at least one trey. The last time that happened was Dec. 10, 2004 when Iowa State missed all six three-point attempts in Iowa’s 70-63 win in Iowa City. Iowa allowed Kansas State just three treys in seven attempts in a 65-63 Hawkeye win. Boston College made just 2-10 three-point attempts in its 57-55 win over Iowa and Western Illinois was 2-7 in its 58-43 loss to the Hawkeyes.

BALANCED SCORING LEADS IOWA
Iowa has featured a balanced scoring attack, with at least three players scoring in double figures in 10 games and four reaching 10 points or more in five games. Eight different players have led Iowa in scoring and four are averaging more than 10.2 points per game. Senior Cyrus Tate is shooting 67.2% from the field and sophomore Jarryd Cole is shooting 72.3% in a more limited role. Guards Matt Gatens (44.1%) and Jeff Peterson (45%) and forward David Palmer (48.1%) are also near 50%. Cole recently had a streak of 12 consecutive made field goals before his first miss in a loss at Indiana. Cole is shooting 72.5% in Big Ten games. Tate shot 66.7% from the field last season, including 70.2% to lead all players in Big Ten games only.

HAWKEYE GAMES NOTES

• Iowa is 8-6 when controlling the opening tip and 6-7 when not controlling the tip.
• Iowa is 4-1 when four players reach double figures, 6-3 when three score in double figures, 4-6 when two score 10 or more points and 0-2 with just one player in double figures. In 32 games last season, Iowa had more than three players score in double figures just four times.
• Iowa was guilty of five turnovers in a win over Northern Iowa, the fewest for the Hawkeyes under Coach Todd Lickliter. Iowa had six turnovers in a win at The Citadel and seven in wins over Charleston Southern and SE Missouri State. Iowa had nine in an overtime win over Wisconsin and eight in a home loss to Purdue. Iowa was guilty of 19 turnovers against Texas-San Antonio, 16 vs. Oakland and 21 vs. West Virginia, (including 17 in the first half). More recently, Iowa had 17 turnovers vs. Minnesota, Michigan and Northwestern and 19 at Purdue. The Hawkeyes had less than 10 turnovers in just two of 32 games a year ago and had 20 or more turnovers in seven games.
• Iowa is 6-0 when scoring between 70-79 points, 6-3 when scoring between 60-69 points and 2-10 when scoring less than 60 points.
• Iowa is 6-1 when holding its opponent to less than 50 points, 3-2 when the opponent scores between 50-59 points, 5-7 when the opponent scores between 60-69 points, 0-2 when the opponent scores between 70-79 points and 0-1 when the opponent scores over 80 points.
• Iowa is 12-3 when collecting more assists than the opponent, 1-9 when the opponent has more assists and 1-1 when assists are even.
• Iowa is 8-1 when having fewer turnovers than its opponent, 4-10 when the opponent has fewer turnovers and 2-2 when turnovers are even.
• Iowa is 10-2 when collecting more steals than its opponent, 4-10 when the opponent has more steals and 0-1 when steals are even. Iowa allowed The Citadel no steals in taking the 70-48 road win.
• Iowa is 11-3 when leading at halftime and 3-10 when trailing at halftime.
• Iowa is 7-7 in games decided by 10 points or less, including 4-5 in games decided by five points or less and 2-0 in overtime.

HAWKEYE PLAYER NOTES

• Along with scoring the game winning basket vs. Kansas State, Cyrus Tate ended the game with 10 points and seven rebounds, just one night after failing to score in a loss to West Virginia. Tate turned in solid defensive performances in wins over Northern Iowa and Iowa State, adding 10 points and eight rebounds against the Cyclones. He leads Iowa in rebounding (5.9) and is scoring 6.8 points per game. He recorded the sixth double-double of his career with 22 points and 11 rebounds in a win over Indiana. He played just eight minutes in a loss to Minnesota due to injury and missed Iowa’s next seven games. Tate returned to play 13 minutes against Northwestern before missing two additional games. He returned to play four minutes in Iowa’s most recent outing vs. Michigan.
• Jeff Peterson leads Iowa is assists at 4.2 per game, including 4.9 in Big Ten games, and also leads the team with 30 steals. Peterson scored a season-high 18 points in wins over Kansas State and Northern Iowa and is averaging 10.6 points per game. He added 16 points and seven assists in a win over Wisconsin. He is shooting 45% from the field and leads the team in free throws (80) and attempts (97), shooting 82.5%. Peterson led Iowa in assists (3.1) last season as a true freshman and had a career-best four steals vs. Northwestern. Peterson missed Iowa’s last two games due to a hamstring strain.
• True freshman Matt Gatens has scored in double figures in 18 games, with a season-best of 22 in road games at Ohio State and Indiana, and leads Iowa in scoring (11.1). He recorded his first career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds in a win over Western Illinois. He ranks third on the team in assists (58) and leads the Big Ten in free throw percentage (90.5%, 67-74) and is second in three-point percentage (.439). He made 26 straight free throws over 16 games before missing his first attempt in a home win over Wisconsin.
• Junior Devan Bawinkel had a season-best 15 points in a loss at Ohio State, hitting 5-8 three-pointers. He added 12 points against Boston College, Iowa State and Michigan, connecting on 4-7 three-pointers at Boston College and 4-5 vs. Iowa State. He added a career-best nine rebounds while playing all 45 minutes in the home win over Michigan. Through 27 games, 103 of his 108 field goal attempts are three-point attempts. He also has not attempted a free throw and has committed just six turnovers. His three-point basket with 1:05 to play gave Iowa a 48-46 advantage in a 56-51 win over Northwestern.
• Junior Jermain Davis had his best game against Iowa State, recording season-bests in points (16), rebounds (six), assists (five) and steals (one). Davis had 10 points in the loss at Boston College and added 13 points and eight rebounds in a win over Western Illinois. He had nine points and eight rebounds in a win over Indiana, eight rebounds in a loss to Minnesota and nine points vs. Michigan State. Davis missed the win over Michigan due to a bruised knee.
• Sophomore Jake Kelly, still shaking off the effects of a broken middle finger on his shooting (right) hand, contributed 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals in a win over Northern Iowa. Kelly had 19 points in a loss at Penn State and had six rebounds in a win over Northwestern. He scored 17 points (7-9 FG’s) in the loss at Wisconsin and added 19 in a home loss to Purdue. Kelly had career-bests in points (23), assists (9) and rebounds (8) in a win over Michigan, earning Big Ten Player of the Week honors. He ranks second on the team in steals (29) and assists (76) and is averaging 10.3 points.
• True freshman Aaron Fuller had a season-best seven rebounds and seven points against Kansas State, and he added seven points in a win over Bryant. Fuller had a career-best 16 points, along with four rebounds, in a loss at Penn State. Fuller has started 14 games and added seven points and six rebounds in a win over Michigan.
• Junior forward David Palmer started for the first time in his career at Purdue and responded with 19 points and eight rebounds. He added 21 points (8-12 FG’s) and seven rebounds in a win over Wisconsin and had eight rebounds and six points at Penn State. He is shooting 48.1% from the field and 40% from three-point range. In five games as a starter he averaged 11 points and 5.2 rebounds.
• Sophomore Jarryd Cole had his most productive game of the season in a narrow loss to Purdue, scoring 13 points (4-5 FG, 5-6 FT) and collecting five rebounds. Against Michigan State he made all five of his field goal attempts while scoring 10 points and collecting eight rebounds and two blocked shots. Cole added 10 points in a loss at Illinois, again making all of his five field goal attempts. Cole had 10 points and seven rebounds in a win over Michigan. He is shooting 72.5% from the field in Big Ten games. Cole made 12 straight field goal attempts before a miss at Indiana and is shooting 72.3% in all games. He had seven rebounds in a win over Northwestern and eight at Wisconsin.

HOME, AWAY COMPARISONS
In its 15 home games, Iowa has outscored its opponents by a 9.7 point margin, shooting 46.4% from the field while holding its opponent to 39.2% shooting. Iowa holds a 31.4-28.3 rebounding advantage. In 12 games away from Carver-Hawkeye Arena, including two neutral site games, Iowa has been outscored 65.3-57.8. The Hawkeyes are shooting 42.9% from the field while the opponents are shooting 47.2%. The opponents hold a 31.0-26.3 rebounding margin.

OFF THE BENCH
The Iowa reserves are averaging 13.9 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, compared to 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds by the opponent reserves. Iowa is 6-5 when the reserves outscore the opponent reserves, 8-6 when the opponent reserves score more points and 0-2 when bench scoring is even. Iowa is 6-5 when the Hawkeye reserves have more rebounds than the opponent reserves, 8-7 when the opponent reserves have more rebounds and 0-1 when rebounding by the reserves is even.

OVERCOMING DEFICITS
The biggest deficit Iowa has overcome to earn a victory this season is seven points. In the season opening contest, Iowa trailed 7-0 before taking a 68-48 win over Charleston Southern. Iowa trailed 22-15 in the first half of a 65-46 win over Northern Iowa and the Hawkeyes trailed Wisconsin by seven points with 12 minutes left in the game Jan. 21 before winning in overtime. In Iowa’s losses, Minnesota trailed by 13 points in the first half before earning a 52-49 win. Penn State trailed by 14 points in the second half before winning 63-59. Last season Iowa rallied from a 14-point deficit in two games, while two opponents defeated Iowa after trailing by 16 points.

SCORING BY HALVES
Iowa has been outscored 718-733 in the first half, but holds a 901-845 advantage in the second half and a 27-13 margin in two overtime periods. Iowa has led at halftime in 14 games, and has outscored its opponent in the second half 16 times.

IOWA FROM THE FREE THROW LINE
Iowa has made over 70% of its free throws in 19 games, including 100% (8-8) vs. Northern Iowa, 93.8% (15-16) at Penn State, 90.9% (20-22) vs. Texas-San Antonio and Minnesota (10-11), 90% (9-10) at Michigan, 88.9% (8-9) at Boston College and 88.9% (16-18) vs. Northwestern. Iowa made at least 70% of its free throws in 12 games last season, with a season-best 88.9% (8-9) at Northern Iowa. Iowa is 11-8 this season when shooting over 70% from the foul line, but just 2-3 when shooting 90% or better. Iowa shot a season-low 44.4% (4-9) in a home loss to Michigan State and had season low marks for made free throws (three) and attempts (four) at Illinois.

CRUNCH TIME FREE THROWS
Iowa is 75-93 (.806) from the free throw line in the final four minutes and overtime of its 14 games that have been decided by 10 points or less. Iowa’s opponents in those games have made 41-56 (.732) free throw attempts in the final four minutes. Iowa is 7-7 in games decided by 10 points or less, 4-5 in games decided by five points or less and 2-0 in overtime.

NATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR
Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter was named the 2007 Division I national Coach of the Year by the National Basketball Coaches (NABC) after leading Butler to 29 wins and a spot in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen. With Iowa football Coach Kirk Ferentz earning national Coach of the Year in 2002, Iowa is one of seven Division I institutions to have a former football and men’s basketball national Coach of the Year currently coaching their respective team. The others are Florida, Florida State, Kansas, Maryland, SMU and Tennessee. Four current Big Ten Conference head coaches have earned national Coach of the Year honors. MSU Coach Tom Izzo is a four-time winner of national Coach of the Year honors.

TATE & COLE ARE IOWA CAPTAINS
Senior forward Cyrus Tate and sophomore forward Jarryd Cole are serving as Iowa’s captains. Tate averaged 8.3 points and 5.4 rebounds a year ago while starting 19 of the 31 games he appeared in. Tate shot 66.7% from the field for the season and 70.2% in Big Ten games. He led the conference in field goal percentage and was third in rebounding in conference games. He has started every game this season and is averaging 7.6 points and 7.5 rebounds. Cole started six of the 13 games he played before a knee injury in Iowa’s final non-conference game forced him to miss the final 19 games. Cole averaged 6.6 points and 4.8 rebounds, shooting 66.7% from the field. He has played in all 11 games this season.

LICKLITER TO REDSHIRT
Freshman guard John Lickliter, who joined the Iowa program as a walk-on to play for his father, Coach Todd Lickliter, plans to use the 2008-09 season to redshirt. Lickliter started every game at year ago at Iowa City High, helping the Little Hawks claim the Class 4-A state title.

A YOUNG SQUAD
Iowa’s roster of 13 players includes five freshmen, three sophomores, three juniors and two seniors. The sophomores are Jarryd Cole, Jake Kelly and Jeff Peterson. The freshmen include forward Andrew Brommer (6-9, 235), forward Aaron Fuller (6-6, 210), guard Matt Gatens (6-5, 215), guard John Lickliter (5-11, 175) and guard Anthony Tucker (6-4, 200). In addition, junior guards Devan Bawinkel (6-5, 210) and Jermain Davis (6-4, 200) are both in their first year at Iowa after attending junior colleges a year ago. Along with two players from the state of Iowa, the roster includes two players from Illinois and Indiana, three from Minnesota, two from Missouri and one from Arizona and Tennessee.

HAWKEYE SCHEDULE NOTES

• During the non-conference portion of the schedule, Iowa traveled roughly 7,640 miles during a 13-day stretch to play games in Charleston, SC (at The Citadel), Las Vegas (Las Vegas Inv.) and Boston (at Boston College). Iowa also played two home games during that stretch.
• Along with an opening win over Charleston Southern, Iowa traveled to The Citadel on Nov. 20. Both Charleston Southern and The Citadel are located in Charleston, South Carolina.
• Iowa’s schedule includes 17 home games, including nine Big Ten Conference games and home dates with in-state opponents Northern Iowa and Iowa State. In conference play, Iowa does not play at Minnesota, while Illinois does not visit Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
• Iowa’s Big Ten schedule includes five weekend home dates and four games during the week. The Iowa schedule included four straight weekend road games. The Hawkeyes play their final two road games this week before closing the regular season with home games on Tuesday, March 3 (Ohio State, 8 p.m., BTN) and Saturday, March 7 (Penn State, 1 p.m., BTN).
• After playing a number of games a year ago with a start time of 8 p.m., Iowa’s March 3 contest against Ohio State is the only home game with an 8 p.m. start time this season. Two home games started at 7:30 p.m.
• Iowa’s schedule includes at least three neutral site games, including two games in the Las Vegas Invitational. Iowa defeated Kansas State to split its two games in Las Vegas as the Hawkeyes earned their first neutral site win since a 78-65 win over Toledo on Nov. 17, 2006 at the Paradise Jam.
• Iowa could play between one and four neutral site games while taking part in the Big Ten Conference Tournament in Indianapolis, IN at the end of the season.

NO THREE-POINTERS
Since the three-point shot became part of the college game, Iowa has played 14 games in which it has failed to make a three-point attempt. Iowa had made at least one three-point basket in 53 straight games before missing all five attempts in a 71-61 home win over Purdue in 2004. Iowa’s current streak includes at least one three-point basket in 177 straight games.

IOWA IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT
Iowa made its 22nd appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2006. 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.

HALK TALK WITH Todd Lickliter
Fans of the University of Iowa basketball program may join Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter and radio announcer Gary Dolphin each week during the season for the “Hawk Talk with Todd Lickliter” 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 remaining dates are March 2 and 9.

BIG TEN TOURNAMENT TICKETS ON SALE
All-session and single session tickets for the 2009 Big Ten Conference men’s basketball tournament are currently on sale. Tickets are available at all 11 Big Ten university ticket offices, the Conseco Fieldhouse box office, Ticketmaster outlets at www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling Ticketmaster at (317) 239-5151. The 12th annual Big Ten Tournament will be held March 12-15, 2009 at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. All session tickets are on sale for $175 or $275, depending on seat location. Orders are limited to 12 all-session tickets. The bracket for the 2009 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament, along with information on tickets, travel, lodging, tournament history and more can be found at both www.bigten.org and www.indianasportscorp.com.

AFTER THIS
Iowa plays at Northwestern Saturday Feb. 28 (1:05 p.m., BTN) in its final regular season road game. The Hawkeyes close the season with home games against Ohio State (March 3, 8:05 p.m. CT, BTN) and Penn State (March 7, 1:05 p.m. CT, BTN).