Hawkeyes Travel to Northwestern For Saturday Contest

Feb. 27, 2009

• Iowa and the Big Ten Network

Complete Release in PDF Format

THE SETTING
Iowa (14-14, 4-11) plays its final road game of the regular season, visiting Northwestern (15-11, 6-9) Saturday, Feb. 28 for the Wildcats’ final home game. Game time is 1:05 p.m. at Welsh-Ryan Arena (8,117). Iowa defeated Northwestern 56-51 Feb. 7 at Iowa City. Iowa dropped a 62-54 decision Wednesday night at Michigan State. Northwestern won 75-53 at Indiana Wednesday.

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). Wayne Larrivee and Shon Morris will call the action.

IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,468 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Overall Iowa’s record is 1,465-1,003 (.594). That includes a 924-319 (.743) record in home games, a 541-684 (.442) record in games away from Iowa City, a 694-688 (.502) 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 was 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. Forced by injuries to take over the point guard position in Iowa’s last three games, Kelly also scored 19 points in a Feb. 14 loss to Purdue. He scored 17 points in a loss at Wisconsin and added 20 points, five rebounds and four assists while playing all 40 minutes at Michigan State. He is averaging 19.8 points in Iowa’s last four games. The Big Ten Player of the Week honor is the first for Kelly and the first for an Iowa player this season.

85 MINUTES AND COUNTING
After four Hawkeyes played all 45 minutes in an overtime win over Michigan, three Iowa players were in the game the entire 40 minutes at Michigan State. Against Michigan, Aaron Fuller, Matt Gatens, Jake Kelly and Devan Bawinkel played the entire 45 minutes. Bawinkel, Gatens and Kelly played 40 minutes at Michigan State. All five starters scored at least seven points and all five collected at least six rebounds against Michigan. 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.

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 TO HOST OHIO STATE MARCH 3
Iowa’s home game against Ohio State will be played Tuesday, March 3. The game will have an 8 p.m. start time and will be televised to a national cable audience on the Big Ten Network. The Hawkeyes host Penn State, Saturday March 7 (1:05 p.m., BTN) in their final regular season contest.

IOWA IN NCAA STATS
Iowa ranks 12th nationally in scoring defense (59.0). The Hawkeyes are 20th in free throw percentage (.749) and 27th in three-point field goals per game (8.0).

PETERSON INJURED AT WISCONSIN
Sophomore guard Jeff Peterson was not able to play in Iowa’s last three games 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 a 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 played 17 minutes in the most recent outing at Michigan State, contributing seven points and three rebounds. Tate leads Iowa in rebounding (5.8) and is averaging 6.8 points per game. He is shooting 68.2% from the field and 78% from the foul line.

DAVIS HAS BRUISED KNEE
Junior Jermain Davis suffered a bruised knee in practice Feb. 10 and did not play in Iowa’s last two games. 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 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 Iowa’s last two games with a bruised knee and Anthony Tucker is academically ineligible for the second semester. Tate missed nine games, Tucker has missed 14 games and Peterson has not played in Iowa’s last three outings. Those players have started 61 of the 86 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 28 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 three games.
• 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 vs. Michigan and 17 minutes at Michigan State. 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 Feb. 10 during practice and was unable to play in Iowa’s last two games.

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 158-94 (.627). He is 27-33 (.450) at Iowa, including 10-23 (.303) 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 3-0 vs. Northwestern and Wildcat Coach Bill Carmody.

NORTHWESTERN COACH BILL CARMODY
Bill Carmody is in his ninth season at Northwestern and his 13th year as a college head coach. Carmody holds a career mark of 210-171, which includes a 118-146 mark at Northwestern. Carmody posted a record of 92-25 in four seasons at Princeton University, where he was a member of the basketball staff for 18 seasons. His record in Ivy League games as the head coach at Princeton was 50-6 and Carmody led Princeton to four straight post-season appearances. Carmody was the head coach at Fulton County (NY) Community College for one season, 1975-76, he was an assistant coach at Union College from 1976-80 and he was an assistant at Providence College for one season before joining the staff at Princeton in 1982. Carmody is 6-9 vs. Iowa and 0-3 vs. Hawkeye Coach Todd Lickliter.

THE SERIES
Iowa holds a 107-51 advantage over Northwestern in the series that began with a 24-23 Wildcat win in 1905. Iowa won 56-51 Feb. 7 at Iowa City in the first meeting this year. The Hawkeyes won both meetings in 2008, 53-51 on Feb. 19 at Iowa City and 67-62 on March 4 at Evanston. Iowa has won the last four meetings and five of the last nine. Iowa scored a 66-58 win in Iowa City in the only meeting in 2007. Northwestern rallied for a 51-48 win in Evanston in the only meeting in 2006. Each team won at home during the 2005 season. Iowa has won 24 of the last 31 meetings. Iowa holds a 62-16 advantage in games played in Iowa City, including a 22-2 record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa holds a 43-35 advantage in games played at Evanston, but the Wildcats have won three of the last four (all on last second shots) and five of the last seven home games in the series. Iowa won eight straight games in Welsh-Ryan Arena prior to losses in 2001 and 2002. Iowa won the only neutral site meeting, winning 72-55 at the United Center in the first round of the 2001 Big Ten Tournament.

IOWA WON FIRST MEETING
Devan Bawinkel connected on a three-point basket from the corner with 1:05 to play to give Iowa a 48-46 advantage and the Hawkeyes went on to a 56-51 win over Northwestern at Iowa City. Jeff Peterson came up with a steal after Bawinkel’s basket and the Hawkeyes made all 10 of their free throw attempts in the final 3:08 to snap a four-game losing streak. Northwestern’s zone defense forced the Hawkeyes into 30 three-point field goal attempts, matching a season high. Iowa made 14 treys and connected on just 2-10 field goal attempts from two-point range. Iowa did not make its first two point basket until just 14:55 remained in the game. The Hawkeyes connected on 16-18 (88.9%) free throw attempts, including 13-14 in the second half. Iowa built an early 18-7 advantage by hitting 6-10 three-point shots, but Northwestern got back in the game and trailed just 24-21 at halftime. Iowa led throughout most of the second half before Northwestern converted a three-point play at the 1:29 mark for a 46-45 advantage. Bawinkel answered with his third trey of the game and Iowa led the rest of the way. Matt Gatens added four straight free throws before Peterson concluded the scoring with two free throws with five seconds to play. Iowa held the Wildcats to 37.5% shooting overall, including just 26.9% (7-26) from three-point range. Iowa was aided by the return of senior forward Cyrus Tate, who had missed the previous seven games due to an ankle injury. Tate contributed five rebounds and two points in 13 minutes. Peterson led Iowa with 16 points, five assists, four steals and four rebounds in 40 minutes. Gatens battled through foul problems to add 13 points. Jake Kelly had eight points and a career-high six rebounds and Jarryd Cole added a game-high seven rebounds. Craig Moore scored 20 points to lead Northwestern, but no other Wildcat reached double figures. Luka Mirkovic added nine points and led Northwestern with six rebounds.

IOWA, NORTHWESTERN NOTES

• Iowa and Northwestern have played well at home throughout the season, as the Hawkeyes are 12-3 in Carver-Hawkeye Arena and the Wildcats are 12-4 at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Iowa’s three losses have been to No. 19/22 Minnesota (49-52), No. 9/9 Michigan State (56-71) and No. 20/23 Purdue (45-49). Northwestern four home losses have been to Michigan State, Purdue, Illinois and Michigan.
• Iowa’s two victories over Northwestern in 2008 gave the Hawkeyes their first season sweep of Northwestern since the 2002-03 season. Eight of the last nine meetings have been decided by 10 points or less, with six of those decided by five points or less.
• Northwestern is in the midst of playing four of its final five games away from home. Northwestern is closing its home season against Iowa before closing the regular season with road games at Purdue and Ohio State.
• The Iowa roster includes two players from Illinois. They are senior Cyrus Tate (Chicago) and junior Devan Bawinkel (Winnebago).
• Iowa freshman Aaron Fuller (Mesa) and Northwestern junior Kevin Coble (Scottsdale) both left the Phoenix, AZ area to play Big Ten basketball.
• Along with its 79 games against Northwestern in Welsh-Ryan Arena, Iowa has played four NCAA Tournament games in the facility. Iowa won two games in Evanston to advance to the 1955 Final Four. The following season Iowa advanced to the Final Four in Evanston, losing to San Francisco in its only appearance in the national championship game.
• Iowa and Northwestern have met just once in the Big Ten Tournament. Iowa defeated the Wildcats 72-55 in the first round on the way to winning the 2001 tournament title.

CLOSE CALLS AT NORTHWESTERN
Iowa has lost close games in three of its last four visits to Welsh-Ryan Arena.

• In the only meeting in 2006, Iowa held a 42-34 advantage with just over six minutes to play before Northwestern rallied. A three-point play by Vedran Vukusic with 29 seconds remaining gave Northwestern a 49-48 advantage. Vukusic added two free throws in the final seconds after Iowa had missed a potential game-winning shot.
• In 2005, the Wildcats scored on a three-point basket as time expired, in overtime, to take a 75-74 win. The Hawkeyes led by 12 points in the last four minutes and missed a shot at the end of regulation that would have earned the win.
• In 2004 The Wildcats scored a 51-49 win as Vukusic hit a 17-foot jumper with seven-tenths of a second remaining. Iowa’s Jeff Horner tied the score with 14 seconds remaining before Vukusic hit the game winner.
• Iowa stopped the three-game losing streak in Evanston with a 67-62 win in 2008, holding off a late Northwestern rally. Iowa held a comfortable lead most of the game before the Wildcats used a 12-0 scoring run to close within one point. Iowa needed four straight free throws in the final 14 seconds to hold on for the win.

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 Iowa 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 Iowa 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
Fifteen of Iowa’s 28 games have been decided by 10 points or less, with Iowa posting a 7-8 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.
• Iowa shot 55% from the field in the second half, but it wasn’t enough in a 62-54 loss at Michigan State. The Hawkeyes closed a 10-point halftime deficit to five points with just over eight minutes to play, but the Spartans connected on six straight free throws and Iowa was never closer. The eight point loss reflects the smallest loss margin for Iowa, at Michigan State, since 1997.

HAWKEYES FACE STRONG SCHEDULE
The 12 teams that have defeated Iowa this season are having good results against other teams as well. As of Friday, the teams with wins over Iowa have a combined record of 220-116 (.655). Nine of the 12 have been in the national rankings and five have at least 20 wins. Eight 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). Seven of Iowa’s 14 losses have been to teams ranked in the top 25 at the time of the game. Iowa’s schedule strength is currently ranked 33rd in the Sagarin Ratings.

HAWKEYES FALL AT MICHIGAN STATE
Iowa shot 55% from the field in the second half, but it wasn’t enough in a 62-54 loss at No. 9/9 Michigan State Wednesday. The Hawkeyes were aided by the return of forward Cyrus Tate, who contributed seven points and three rebounds in 17 minutes. However, guards Jeff Peterson and Jermain Davis were withheld due to injuries. The Hawkeyes struggled with their shooting in the early going, shooting just 35% in the first half as the Spartans built a 32-22 advantage at the break. Iowa hit just 4-13 (30.8%) three-point shots in the opening half and shot just 28.6% (6-21) from three-point range for the game. Iowa rallied in the second half, hitting 11-20 field goal attempts and 8-9 free throws. Iowa closed the deficit to five points, 48-43, with 8:27 remaining on a basket by Jake Kelly. Michigan State answered with six straight free throws over the next three minutes, building a 54-43 advantage. Iowa stayed within eight points in the closing minutes, but could get no closer than the final margin. Iowa ended the contest shooting 45% from the field and 92.3% (12-13) from the free throw line. Michigan State shot 44.7% from the field and held a 33-19 rebounding advantage. The Spartans held a 30-7 advantage in bench scoring and a 20-12 advantage in the paint. Kelly again led Iowa, contributing 20 points, five rebounds and four assists. Aaron Fuller added 10 points and Matt Gatens scored nine. Kelly, Gatens and Devan Bawinkel played all 40 minutes.

NORTHWESTERN WINS AT INDIANA
Northwestern shot 56.5% from the field and 87.5% from the free throw line in taking a 75-53 win at Indiana, giving the Wildcats their first-ever win inside IU’s Assembly Hall. The Wildcats shot 47.8% in the first half and led 30-25 at the break. The Wildcats made 9-16 (56.3%) three-point shots. Northwestern improved to 65.2% shooting in the second half, making 15-23 shots overall and 6-7 three-point attempts. The Wildcats added 9-10 free throws in outscoring the Hoosiers 45-28 over the final 20 minutes. Northwestern featured a balanced attack, as five Wildcats scored in double figures. Craig Moore led the way with 17 points. The senior guard added four rebounds, four assists and four steals. Michael Thompson added 16 points, John Shurna scored 11 and Kevin Coble and Jeremy Nash each added 10.

LICKLITER VS. RANKED TEAMS
Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter holds a 7-17 record when coaching against nationally ranked opponents, including a 1-12 mark at Iowa (0-7 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 (49-45) while ranked No. 20/23. Iowa lost 71-56 to No. 9/9 Michigan State at home 62-54 to the No. 9/9 Spartans at East Lansing, 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 (.431), free throw percentage (.909) and minutes played (33.5) and second in scoring (11.0) and three-point field goals per game (1.7).

HAWKEYES FROM THE LINE
Iowa is shooting 74.9% from the free throw line to rank second in the Big Ten and 20th in the nation. Iowa leads the league in Big Ten games only, shooting 75.4%. 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. Iowa made 12-13 (92.3%) free throws at Michigan State, making its first 12 before missing a final attempt. Iowa’s accuracy from the free throw line is led by freshman Matt Gatens, who is shooting 90.9% (70-70) to lead all players in the Big Ten and rank fourth in the nation. 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. 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, 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. 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 8.0 three-point field goals per game and 21.7 attempts per game. Iowa is shooting 37% from three-point range overall and 34.2% in Big Ten play. The Hawkeyes are third in the Big Ten in three-point field goals per game and fourth in three-point percentage. Overall, 47.9% (608-1,270) 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 Ohio State. 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 28 games, Iowa has made 225 three-point field goals and has 608 attempts. The 225 three-point baskets rank second best in a single season, as Iowa made 274 treys in 1995 and 222 in 2008. The 608 attempts rank third best in a single season. Iowa had 743 attempts in 1995 and 640 attempts last season.

IOWA GETS DEFENSIVE
Iowa’s defensive play has been a constant throughout the season, as the Hawkeyes rank 12th nationally in scoring defense, allowing 59 points per game. Iowa held Purdue to 49 points, just the second time in 26 games the Boilermakers failed to score more than 50, and held Michigan State to 62. In an 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 42.8% from the field, including 34.9% from three-point range. Iowa’s non-conference opponents shot 32.8% from three-point range, while Big Ten opponents are shooting 36.5%. 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 15 Big Ten Conference games, Iowa is averaging 13.6 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 11.7 assists and 12.6 turnovers per game. Through 28 games last season those averages were 12.5 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.

HAWKEYE GAMES NOTES

• Iowa is 8-6 when controlling the opening tip and 6-8 when not controlling the tip.
• Iowa is 4-1 when four players reach double figures, 6-3 when three score in double figures, 4-7 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 2-11 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, 5-8 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, 1-10 when the opponent has more assists and 1-1 when assists are even.
• Iowa is 8-1 when having fewer turnovers than its opponent, 4-11 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 0-2 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 3-11 when trailing at halftime.
• Iowa is 7-8 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

• Cyrus Tate missed nine games with an ankle injury before returning to play four minutes vs. Michigan and 17 at Michigan State. In non-conference action, 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 (5.8) 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.
• 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 missed Iowa’s last three 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 (11.0). 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 (60) and leads the Big Ten in free throw percentage (90.9%, 70-77) and ranks fourth in the nation. He made 26 straight free throws over 16 games before missing his first attempt in a home win over Wisconsin (Jan. 21).
• 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. He added a career-best nine rebounds while playing all 45 minutes in the home win over Michigan and he played all 40 minutes at Michigan State. Through 28 games, 109 of his 114 field goal attempts are three-point attempts. He also has not attempted a free throw and has committed just eight 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. Davis has missed Iowa’s last two games due to a bruised knee.
• Sophomore Jake Kelly has performed well at point guard with Jeff Peterson being out of action due to injury. Kelly had a career-high 23 points in a win over Michigan and 20 points in a loss at Michigan State. He is averaging 19.8 over Iowa’s last four games and has played all 85 minutes in the last two games. Kelly suffered a broken middle finger on his shooting (right) hand during the pre-season, but missed only Iowa’s exhibition game.
• Kelly had 19 points in a loss at Penn State, he scored 17 points (7-9 FG’s) in a loss at Wisconsin and added 19 in a home loss to Purdue. Along with 23 points, Kelly had career-bests in assists (9) and rebounds (8) in the win over Michigan, earning Big Ten Player of the Week honors. He ranks second on the team in steals (29) and assists (80) and is averaging 10.6 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 and scored 10 points at Michigan State.
• 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 47.2% from the field and 38.1% 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. In a home loss to 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 72.1% from the field in Big Ten games and 72% for the year.

NEWCOMERS CONTRIBUTE
With seven new players on a 13-man roster, Iowa is relying on newcomers this season. Three newcomers, all freshmen, started Iowa’s first eight games. Four of the newcomers have led the team in scoring in at least one game. The Hawkeye newcomers have scored 40 or more points in six games, with a high of 48 vs. Texas-San Antonio. In Big Ten play, the newcomers had 40 points at Ohio State, 38 at Indiana and 35 in overtime win over Michigan. The first-year Hawkeyes had a season-best 23 rebounds in a win over SE Missouri State and 21 in a win over Western Illinois and both games against Michigan. Freshman Matt Gatens led the newcomers with 15 points in the opening game and freshman Anthony Tucker led Iowa’s scoring in five games. Gatens’ total matches the most points scored by a freshman in their first game since Jeff Horner had 15 points in the first game of the 2002-03 season. Tucker scored 24 points vs. West Virginia, 21 points at The Citadel and 19 vs. Oakland. Gatens leads Iowa in scoring at 11.1 points per game and Tucker averaged 10.4 in 14 games.

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 13 games away from Carver-Hawkeye Arena, including two neutral site games, Iowa has been outscored 65.1-57.5. The Hawkeyes are shooting 43.1% from the field while the opponents are shooting 47%. The opponents hold a 31.1-25.7 rebounding margin.

STARTING LINE-UPS
Iowa has used eight starting line-ups in its 28 games, including seven different line-ups in 15 conference games. Iowa used five different starting line-ups a year ago, but the same line-up in all 18 Big Ten games.

OFF THE BENCH
The Iowa reserves are averaging 13.7 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, compared to 13.8 points and 7.5 rebounds by the opponent reserves. Iowa is 6-5 when the reserves outscore the opponent reserves, 8-7 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, 8-8 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 765-740 in the first half, but holds a 933-875 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 17 times.

IOWA FROM THE FREE THROW LINE
Iowa has made over 70% of its free throws in 20 games, including 100% (8-8) vs. Northern Iowa, 93.8% (15-16) at Penn State, 92.3% (12-13) at Michigan 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 11-9 this season when shooting over 70% from the foul line, but just 2-4 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 79-98 (.806) from the free throw line in the final four minutes and overtime of its 15 games that have been decided by 10 points or less. Iowa’s opponents in those games have made 42-60 (.700) free throw attempts in the final four minutes. Iowa is 7-8 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.

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.

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 178 straight games.

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
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).