Iowa Hosts Penn State to Close Regular Season

March 6, 2009

• Iowa and the Big Ten Network

Complete Release in PDF Format

THE SETTING
Iowa (14-16, 4-13) closes out the regular season Saturday, hosting Penn State (21-9, 10-7). Game time is 1:05 p.m. CT in Carver-Hawkeye Arena (15,500). Penn State defeated Iowa 63-59 Jan. 24 at State College. Iowa lost to Ohio State 60-58 Tuesday at Iowa City. Penn State defeated Illinois 64-63 Thursday night at State College.

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.
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 Shon Morris will call the action.

IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,470 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Overall Iowa’s record is 1,465-1,005 (.593). That includes a 924-320 (.743) record in home games, a 541-685 (.441) record in games away from Iowa City, a 694-690 (.501) mark in Big Ten games and a 330-94 (.778) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

IOWA IN CARVER-HAWKEYE ARENA
Iowa has compiled a 330-94 (.778) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena since the facility opened in January, 1983. Iowa is 155-77 (.668) in Big Ten games and 175-17 (.911) in non-Big Ten games.

IOWA SENIORS TO BE RECOGNIZED
Three senior members of the Iowa basketball program will be recognized before Saturday’s game as the Hawkeyes play their final home contest in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The senior players include J.R. Angle from Franklin, IN and Cyrus Tate from Chicago IL. Senior manager Kyle Braheny of Schaumburg, IL served as the head of Iowa’s basketball managerial staff this season.

IOWA IN NCAA STATS
Iowa ranks 12th nationally in scoring defense (58.9). The Hawkeyes are 24th in free throw percentage (.746) and 33rd in three-point field goals per game (8.1).

HAWKEYES ARE TOUGH AT HOME
Iowa has won 55 of its last 68 games (.809) 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 11-4 at home this season. Three of Iowa’s four home losses this season have been to ranked opponents and three of the four losses have been by four points or less. 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 23-10 Big Ten Conference record in that time.

CLOSING THE HOME SEASON
Iowa has posted a 22-3 record in its final home game of the season over the past 25 seasons, with the losses coming to Michigan State in 1984 (44-51), Wisconsin in 2001 (57-59) and Illinois (58-47) a year ago. Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter posted a perfect 6-0 record in the final home game of the season during his tenure at Butler.

BAWINKEL NEAR IOWA RECORD
Iowa junior Devan Bawinkel just missed an Iowa single game record with his three-point shooting in the loss to Ohio State. Bawinkle made 8-13 attempts, just one shy of Iowa’s record of nine three-pointers in a game. Bawinkel scored a career-high 24 points in the 60-58 loss while becoming one of three Hawkeye players to make as many as eight in a game. Chris Kingsbury holds the Iowa record, making nine treys vs. Drake (11/29/94) and Long Island (12/17/94. Justin Johnson made eight three-pointers vs. Indiana (1/02/08) and Ohio State (2/02/08). Bawinkel’s 13 three-point attempts tie as the fifth most in school history.

KELLY LEADING THE HAWKEYES
Sophomore guard Jake Kelly was named Big Ten Conference Player of the Week Feb. 23 for his efforts in Iowa’s 70-60 overtime win over Michigan, and he led Iowa in a pair of close losses at Michigan State and Northwestern last week. Kelly contributed career-bests in points (23), rebounds (8), assists (9) and minutes played (45) in the win over Michigan. Kelly also played a key role defensively, holding Michigan’s Manny Harris to nine points. He added 20 points, five rebounds and four assists at Michigan State. At Northwestern, he matched his career scoring best with 23 points, to go with five rebounds and three assists. Kelly added a career-high 11 rebounds vs. Ohio State, while scoring 19 points to record his first career double-double. Forced by injuries to take over the point guard position in Iowa’s last five games, Kelly also scored 19 points in a Feb. 14 loss to Purdue. He scored 17 points in a loss at Wisconsin and is averaging 20.2 points in Iowa’s last six games. He has played all 165 minutes in the last four outings.

THREE-POINT SHOTS AMONG SEASON LEADERS
Through 30 games, Iowa has made 244 three-point field goals and has 662 attempts. The 244 three-point baskets rank second best in a single season. Iowa made 274 treys in 1995 and 222 in 2008. The 662 attempts also rank second best in a single season. Iowa had 743 attempts in 1995 and 640 attempts last season.

125 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. Aaron Fuller, Matt Gatens, Jake Kelly and Devan Bawinkel played the entire 45 minutes vs. Michigan. Bawinkel, Gatens and Kelly played 40 minutes at Michigan State. Kelly played all 40 minutes at Northwestern. In the most recent outing against Ohio State, Kelly and Gatens played the entire 40 minutes while Bawinkel played 38. 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.

HAWKEYES FACE STRONG SCHEDULE
The 13 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 247-138 (.642). Nine of the 13 have been in the national rankings and seven have at least 20 wins. Ten of Iowa’s defeats have been by eight points or less, including two-point decisions at Boston College and to Ohio State, three-point losses at Ohio State and to Minnesota and four-point losses at Penn State and to Purdue (home). Seven of Iowa’s losses have been to teams ranked in the top 25 at the time of the game. Iowa’s schedule strength is currently ranked 23rd in the Sagarin Ratings.

TICKET DISCOUNT FOR FINAL HOME GAME
The University of Iowa is selling reserved seat tickets for $10 to its final home game. The price reflects a $17 savings on tickets for Saturday’s game vs. Penn State. Tickets can be purchased over the telephone by calling 1-800-IA-HAWKS, online at hawkeyesports.com, and in person at the athletic 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 for free to Iowa’s final home game vs. Penn State. 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. 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.

PETERSON INJURED AT WISCONSIN
Sophomore guard Jeff Peterson was not able to play in Iowa’s last five games due to a strained hamstring. His status remains questionable. Peterson suffered the injury with nine minutes left in the Feb. 11 loss at Wisconsin and did not return. Peterson started Iowa’s first 25 games. He leads the team in assists (4.2), ranks second in steals (1.2) and minutes played (33.0) and is third in scoring (10.6).

TATE BACK FROM 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 the home win over 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 at Michigan State, contributing seven points and three rebounds, and added three points, five rebounds and two steals in 27 minutes at Northwestern. He had two points and two rebounds in 21 minutes vs. Ohio State. Tate leads Iowa in rebounding (5.6) and is averaging 6.4 points per game. He is shooting 64.4% from the field and 74.1% from the foul line.

DAVIS BACK IN ACTION
Junior Jermain Davis suffered a bruised knee in practice Feb. 10 and did not play in Iowa’s games vs. Michigan and Michigan State. He returned to action at Northwestern, contributing two points, three rebounds and two assists in 12 minutes. He added four assists in 21 minutes vs. Ohio State.

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 two games with a bruised knee and Anthony Tucker is academically ineligible for the second semester. Tate missed nine games, Tucker has missed 15 games and Peterson has not played in Iowa’s last five outings. Those players have started 61 of the 88 games they have combined to play, averaging 25.3 points, 11.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. Tate and Davis have both returned to action in Iowa’s last two games. The four players have scored 42.9% of Iowa’s points in 30 games. The group also has 35.5% of Iowa’s rebounds and 47% 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 five 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 did not play vs. Wisconsin and Purdue, but has seen increased minutes in the last four games.
• 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 games vs. Michigan and Michigan State. Davis returned to play 12 minutes at Northwestern and 21 minutes vs. Ohio State.

PSU COACH ED DECHELLIS
Ed DeChellis is in his sixth season as Penn State’s head coach and his 13th year overall as a college head coach. DeChellis is 78-101 at Penn State and his career mark stands at 183-194. He posted a 105-93 record in seven years as the head coach at East Tennessee State. A Penn State graduate, DeChellis led East Tennessee State to the Southern Conference Tournament championship in 2003, earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament. East Tennessee State then lost to No. two seed Wake Forest by a 76-73 margin. DeChellis began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Penn State, and later was an assistant coach at Salem College in West Virginia. He returned to Penn State as an assistant coach for 10 seasons before taking over at East Tennessee State. As a PSU assistant, DeChellis helped the Nittany Lions advance to post-season play in four straight seasons (1989-92), while posting an 87-40 record in that time. DeChellis was named the National Coaches vs. Cancer Man of the Year in 2006. DeChellis is 3-6 against Iowa and 2-1 vs. Hawkeye Coach Todd Lickliter.

HAWKEYE, LION NOTES

• Penn State assistant Kurt Kanaskie is no stranger to the Iowa basketball program, as he served as the head coach at Drake University in Des Moines for seven seasons. He held a 0-7 record vs. Iowa.
• Penn State assistant Dan Earl is a former Nittany Lion player. Earl began his playing career in 1993-94 and ended his career in 1998-99. He missed the 1996-97 season due to a back injury and missed all but five games in 1997-98 due to a knee injury, earning a medical hardship and a sixth season. In the games he played, Earl helped Penn State post a 4-2 record vs. Iowa, including a 67-64 win in Iowa City in the quarter-finals of the 1995 NIT.
• PSU Assistant Coach Lewis Preston was an assistant coach at Florida in 2006-07 when the Gators defeated Butler, coached by current Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter, in the NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen. Florida went on to win the national title.
• When the Hawkeyes won at Penn State in 1997 it marked PSU’s first defeat in the Bryce Jordan Center and ended the longest home court winning streak in the nation at the time.

THE SERIES
Iowa holds a 20-11 advantage in the series that began with an 82-53 Iowa win in 1955. Penn State rallied for a 63-59 win Jan. 24 at State College earlier this season. The teams split last season, with Iowa winning 64-49 at Iowa City and Penn State winning 65-64 at State College. The Hawkeyes have won eight of the last 11 meetings. Iowa has won 12 of the last 17, 13 of the last 19 and 15 of the last 22 meetings. Penn State has won three of the last four. Iowa won both meetings in 2006 and single games in 2004 and 2005. Three of the 31 meetings in the series have been in post-season action. The first meeting in 1955 was in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Evanston, IL, with Iowa winning 82-53 on its way to the Final Four. Penn State won 67-64 in Iowa City in 1995 in the semi-finals of the NIT, earning a trip to New York City. Iowa won in the Big Ten Tournament semi-finals in 2001 and went on to win that event, as both teams earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Iowa’s 67-48 win in 1962 took place in the first round of the Quaker City Tournament in Philadelphia, PA. Iowa holds an 11-3 advantage in games played at Iowa City, with all 14 meetings taking place in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The Hawkeyes have won nine of the last 10 meetings at Iowa City. Penn State holds an 8-5 advantage in games played at Penn State, but Iowa has won five of 11 games played at the Bryce Jordan Center. Iowa, on Jan. 4, 1997, was the first visiting team to win (67-59) in Penn State’s new arena. Iowa’s win snapped the longest home winning streak in the nation at the time.

PENN STATE RALLIED TO WIN FIRST MEETING
Penn State rallied in the closing minutes for a 63-59 win over Iowa at State College on Jan. 24. The Hawkeyes scored the first points of the game and led until just 2:14 remained when Penn State took its first lead, 60-59. That basket was part of a Penn State scoring run that saw the Nittany Lions rally from a 54-41 deficit with eight minutes remaining. Iowa held that same margin with 5:51 to play when Jake Kelly was called for a foul on a three-point shot by Penn State. The three free throws by Talor Battle changed the momentum of the game. Iowa held a 59-55 lead on a free throw by Jeff Peterson with 3:07, but that was Iowa’s final point, and, the last foul committed by the Nittany Lions. Penn State increased its lead to 61-59 on two free throws following an Iowa turnover. Iowa had chances to tie the score in the final minute, but three-point attempts by Matt Gatens and David Palmer were off the mark and a final three-point attempt by Peterson was blocked. Penn State added one free throw with four seconds remaining to secure the win. Iowa shot 47.8% from the field and 93.8% (15-16) from the foul line, but made just 4-17 (23.5%) three-point attempts. The four treys marked a season low through 20 games. Iowa also held a 28-27 rebounding advantage. Jake Kelly led Iowa in scoring with 19 points, matching his career scoring high. Aaron Fuller added a career-best 16 points and Peterson and Gatens each added nine. Palmer led Iowa with eight rebounds. Jamelle Cornley led Penn State with 24 points. Talor Battle added 20 and Stanley Pringle scored 11. Cornley and Battle each had six rebounds and Battle added six assists and three steals.

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. Iowa made just seven of 16 two-point attempts in the most recent loss to Ohio State while connecting on 12-29 three-point attempts.

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
Seventeen of Iowa’s 30 games have been decided by 10 points or less, with Iowa posting a 7-10 record in those games. Twelve of those games have been 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. 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 at 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 at 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.
• 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 MSU connected on six straight free throws and Iowa was never closer.
• Iowa dropped a 55-49 contest at Northwestern after leading by as many as seven in the second half. Iowa tied the score at 47 with just over four minutes to play and trailed by just two when Northwestern hit a three-point basket with 54 seconds remaining.
• Ohio State used a basket by Evan Turner in the final two minutes to win at Iowa, 60-58. OSU blocked a lay-up attempt with seven seconds remaining and survived when a three-point shot by the Hawkeyes was off target at the final buzzer.

IOWA FALLS SHORT VS. OHIO STATE
For the second time this season, Iowa was unable to connect on a three-point shot in the final seconds against Ohio State, as the Buckeyes escaped Iowa City with a 60-58 win. OSU defeated Iowa 68-65 earlier at Columbus. Iowa and Ohio State battled the entire game as the second meeting featured 10 ties and 14 lead changes. OSU never led by more than four points, while Iowa held an eight point advantage in the first half before leading 32-30 at halftime. Iowa built the advantage to eight again early in the second half before OSU rallied to tie the score at 40 with 14:45 to play. Neither team led by more than three points the rest of the game. Devan Bawinkel’s eighth and final three-point basket gave Iowa a 55-54 advantage, but OSU responded with two baskets in the lane for a 58-55 lead. Jake Kelly tied the score for the final time with a three-point basket with 2:28 to play. Ohio State scored the final points when Even Turner hit from the lane with 2:09 remaining. Iowa had opportunities in the closing seconds, but could not convert. The Buckeyes blocked a lay-up attempt with seven seconds to play, but then missed a free throw to give Iowa a final chance. Kelly got the ball to Jermain Davis on the wing, but his final three-point attempt bounced away at the final buzzer. Ohio State scored 26 points in the paint while shooting 55.6% from the field, including 63.6% (14-22) in the second half. Iowa shot 42.2% from the field, including 41.4% from three-point range. Bawinkel hit 8-13 treys to lead the way with a career-best 24 points. Kelly added 19 points and a career-high 11 rebounds for his first career double-double. Matt Gatens added 11 points, three assists and two steals.

PENN STATE SLIPS PAST ILLINOIS
Talor Battle scored on a driving lay-up with less than one second to play to allow Penn State to defeat Illinois 64-63 Thursday evening at State College. Penn State was guilty of a turnover with just less than 10 seconds remaining, but received another chance to win after Illinois missed the front end of a one-and-one free throw opportunity. Battle drove the length of the court and scored over two Illinois defenders. Illinois had led most of the game, building as much as a 10 point advantage in the first half before holding on for a 34-32 halftime advantage. The Fighting Illini maintained their advantage throughout most of the second half, but did not make a field goal in the final 3:51, allowing Penn State to rally for its second win over Illinois this season. Both teams shot over 50% from the field in the first half, but Penn State shot just 35.7% in the second half, including 33.3% (3-9) three-pointers. The Nittany Lions did convert 9-11 second half free throws, while Illinois was just 2-7 (28.6%) from the line in the game, all in the second half. Senior guard Stanley Pringle led Penn State with 20 points and Battle added 15. Jamelle Cornley led PSU with seven rebounds and Battle added four assists.

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 (.899) 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 74.6% from the free throw line to rank second in the Big Ten and 24th in the nation. Iowa leads the league in Big Ten games only, shooting 74.8%.
• Iowa made all eight free throw attempts in a win over Northern Iowa. That perfect performance 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 89.9% (71-79) to lead all players in the Big Ten. He ranked fourth in the nation last week, but is now under the minimum made per game (2.5). 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 and made just 4-8 attempts in a loss at Northwestern.
• 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 22.1 attempts per game. Iowa is shooting 36.9% from three-point range overall and 34.3% 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, 48.5% (662-1,366) 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 in a home win over 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.
• Devan Bawinkel made 8-13 treys in a home loss to Ohio State, becoming just the third Iowa player to make as many as eight in a single game. Chris Kinsgbury twice made nine in a game and Justin Johnson made eight twice.
• 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).

IOWA SHOOTING ON TARGET
Iowa is shooting 44.5% from the field through 30 games and 42.4% in 17 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. Iowa held Michigan State to 62 points and Ohio State to just 60.
• 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 43.1% from the field, including 35.5% from three-point range. Iowa’s non-conference opponents shot 32.8% from three-point range, while Big Ten opponents are shooting 37.2%.
• 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 62.2 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.

SOLID IN THE SECOND HALF
Iowa’s defense was solid in the second half in several games earlier in the season, but not as effective in the second half in Big Ten play.

• In non-conference action, Iowa held Boston College just seven field goals in the second half and Bryant had just six. Both Northern Iowa, which won the Missouri Valley Conference, and Iowa State had just 10 second half field goals in losses at Iowa as the Hawkeyes defeated the Panthers 65-46 and the Cyclones 73-57. In a loss at Drake, Iowa held the Bulldogs to six field goals and 25 points in the second half.
• In conference play, Purdue (first meeting) scored 46 second half points, the most scored against Iowa in the second half under Coach Todd Lickliter. Purdue shot 53.6% overall in the half, including 77.8% from three-point range, and added 90% from the free throw line.
• In Iowa’s overtime win over Wisconsin, the Badgers shot 51.9% (14-27) in the second half, but just 33.3% (3-9) in the overtime period.
• Penn State’s rally in Iowa’s 63-59 loss was aided by 51.9% shooting from the field as the Nittany Lions scored 41 points in the second half.
• Michigan State shot 54.2% in the second half of a 71-56 win in Iowa City and 50% in the second half of a 62-54 win at East Lansing.
• Illinois shot 65% (13-20) from the field while scoring 40 points in the second half and Indiana shot 50% in the second half, including 57.1% from three-point range.
• Iowa held No. 20/23 Purdue to 49 points when the Boilermakers won at Iowa City. Purdue made just 3-16 (18.8%) three-point attempts overall and shot just 40% from the field in the second half.
• Iowa held Michigan to 32.3% shooting in an overtime win. The Wolverines shot just 29.6% in the second half and 10% (1-10) in overtime.
• Ohio State shot 64.3% (14-22) from the field in a 60-58 win at Iowa City, scoring 26 points in the paint.

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 16 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 10.3 points per game. Jake Kelly leads Iowa in scoring (11.3), followed by Matt Gatens (11.0), Jeff Peterson (10.6) and Anthony Tucker (10.4). Senior Cyrus Tate is shooting 64.4% from the field and sophomore Jarryd Cole is shooting 67.2% in a more limited role. Cole recently had a streak of 12 consecutive made field goals before his first miss in a loss at Indiana. Both Tate and Cole are shooting 66.7% in Big Ten games.

HAWKEYE GAMES NOTES

• Iowa is 8-7 when controlling the opening tip and 6-9 when not controlling the tip.
• Iowa is 4-1 when four players reach double figures, 6-5 when three score in double figures, 4-8 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 eight in a home loss to Purdue and nine in an overtime win over Wisconsin and a loss at Northwestern.
• 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 2-13 when scoring less than 60 points.
• Iowa is 6-1 when holding its opponent to less than 50 points, 3-3 when the opponent scores between 50-59 points, 5-9 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, 1-12 when the opponent has more assists and 1-1 when assists are even.
• Iowa is 8-3 when having fewer turnovers than its opponent, 4-11 when the opponent has fewer turnovers and 2-2 when turnovers are even.
• Iowa is 10-3 when collecting more steals than its opponent, 4-11 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 11-4 when leading at halftime and 3-12 when trailing at halftime.
• Iowa is 7-10 in games decided by 10 points or less, including 4-6 in games decided by five points or less and 2-0 in overtime.

HAWKEYE PLAYER NOTES

• 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 recent games vs. Michigan and Northwestern, and 20 points in a loss at Michigan State. He is averaging 20.2 over Iowa’s last six games. Kelly has played all 165 minutes in the last four games and 279 of 285 possible minutes in the last seven 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 leads the team in scoring (11.3) and steals (31) and is second in assists (85). Kelly recorded his first career double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds against Ohio State in Iowa’s last outing.
• Cyrus Tate missed nine games with an ankle injury before returning to play four minutes vs. Michigan and 17 at Michigan State. Tate increased his time to 27 minutes at Northwestern, contributing five rebounds, three points and two steals. 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 (5.6) and is scoring 6.4 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 to lead the league. He also is second on 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 five games due to a hamstring strain.
• True freshman Matt Gatens has scored in double figures in 20 games, with a season-best of 22 in games at Ohio State and Indiana. He is averaging 11 points per game. 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 (66) and steals (23) and leads the Big Ten in free throw percentage (89.9%, 71-79). He ranked fourth in the nation in free throw percentage last week before falling below the minimum of 2.5 made per game. He made 26 straight free throws over 16 games earlier in the season.
• Junior Devan Bawinkel had a season-best 24 points in a 60-58 loss to Ohio State, becoming just the third player in school history to make eight three-point shots in a game (the Iowa record is nine). He also had 15 points in a loss at Ohio State. He added 12 points against Boston College, Iowa State and Michigan. He had a career-best nine rebounds while playing all 45 minutes in a home win over Michigan and played all 40 minutes at Michigan State. Through 30 games, 128 of his 133 field goal attempts are three-point attempts. He also has not attempted a free throw and has committed just 10 turnovers. His three-point basket with 1:05 to play gave Iowa a 48-46 advantage in a 56-51 home win over Northwestern.
• Junior Jermain Davis had his best game against Iowa State, recording season-bests in points (16), rebounds (six) and assists (five). Davis had 10 points in the loss at Boston College and added 13 points and eight rebounds in a win over Western Illinois. Davis missed two games due to a bruised knee before returning to play against Northwestern and Ohio State.
• 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 and seven rebounds at Northwestern. He is shooting 66.7% from the field in Big Ten games and 67.2% for the season.

HAWKEYES FEATURE YOUNG LINE-UP
Iowa’s starting line-up in its first eight games included three true freshmen, including forward Aaron Fuller and guards Matt Gatens and Anthony Tucker. Iowa then started one senior, one junior, two sophomores and one freshman in seven games before sophomore Jarryd Cole replaced senior Cyrus Tate in the starting line-up at Michigan. Iowa’s most recent line-up has included two freshmen, two sophomores and a junior. Iowa’s starting line-up included three freshmen in four games last season, included Jarryd Cole, Jeff Peterson and Jake Kelly. Cole later missed the final 19 games due to injury. Kelly started 25 games and Peterson 11 as the three combined for 42 starts. Iowa freshmen this season have earned 55 starts.

NEWCOMERS CONTRIBUTE
With seven new players on a 13-man roster, Iowa has relied 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. The newcomers are averaging 29.6 points, 12.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.8 steals per game, while playing 106.4 minutes per outing. 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 is scoring 11 points per game and Tucker averaged 10.4 in 14 games.

SCORING BY HALVES
Iowa has been outscored 818-794 in the first half, but holds a 986-937 advantage in the second half and a 27-13 margin in two overtime periods. Iowa has led at halftime in 15 games, and has outscored its opponent in the second half 17 times.

HOME, AWAY COMPARISONS
In its 16 home games, Iowa has outscored its opponents by a 9.0 point margin, shooting 46.2% from the field while holding its opponent to 40.2% shooting. Iowa holds a 30.8-28.3 rebounding advantage. In 14 games away from Carver-Hawkeye Arena, including two neutral site games, Iowa has been outscored 64.4-56.9. The Hawkeyes are shooting 42.6% from the field while the opponents are shooting 46.6%. The opponents hold a 31.1-26.1 rebounding margin.

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.

STARTING LINE-UPS
Iowa has used eight starting line-ups in its 30 games, including seven different line-ups in 17 conference games. Iowa used five different starting line-ups a year ago, but the same line-up in all 18 Big Ten games.

CRUNCH TIME FREE THROWS
Iowa is 79-98 (.806) from the free throw line in the final four minutes and overtime of its 16 games that have been decided by 10 points or less. Iowa’s opponents in those games have made 45-65 (.692) free throw attempts in the final four minutes. Iowa is 7-10 in games decided by 10 points or less, 4-6 in games decided by five points or less and 2-0 in overtime.

OFF THE BENCH
The Iowa reserves are averaging 13 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, compared to 13.3 points and 7.4 rebounds by the opponent reserves. Iowa is 6-6 when the reserves outscore the opponent reserves, 8-8 when the opponent reserves score more points and 0-2 when bench scoring is even. Iowa is 6-6 when the Hawkeye reserves have more rebounds than the opponent reserves, 8-9 when the opponent reserves have more rebounds and 0-1 when rebounding by the reserves is even.

IOWA FROM THE FREE THROW LINE
Iowa has made over 70% of its free throws in 21 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 11-10 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.

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 is averaging 6.4 points and 5.6 rebounds while battling an ankle injury this season. 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 30 games this season, averaging 3.2 points and 2.7 rebounds.

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 close the regular season with a home game Saturday against Penn State (1:05 p.m., BTN).
• 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 180 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 final date is Monday, March 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.

CONFERENCE OFFERS $25 COLLEGE TICKET
The Big Ten Conference has announced that 2009 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament single-session tickets are available to any current college students for a special price of $25. With the great basketball action and a Big Ten Basketball Celebration that includes university restaurant pairings and the inaugural Big Ten Hoops Day 5K, Indianapolis and Conseco Fieldhouse serve as an ideal Spring Break location. Students can order tickets in advance at http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/v4lucc, by calling (317) 239-5151, or at the Conseco Fieldhouse box office. Tickets can also be purchased at the Conseco Fieldhouse box office during the tournament. Students must show a valid college student ID upon entry.

BIG TEN TOURNAMENT IS NEXT
Iowa will open play in the Big Ten Tournament on Thursday, March 12, facing the seventh seed at 1:30 p.m. CDT on ESPN2. The Big Ten Tournament will be held at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.