May 24, 2009
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Ferentino, Italy – – The University of Iowa used a fast start in the first period to open its four game exhibition tour with a 78-58 win over Basket Ferentino Sunday.
Iowa led 27-12 after the first period and never trailed in the game. The home team used a 19-13 scoring advantage in the second period to close the halftime deficit to nine, 40-31. Iowa pulled away again to start the third period and was never threatened over the final two periods.
Junior Jarryd Cole and sophomore Aaron Fuller led Iowa’s inside game as the Hawkeyes dominated the backboards. Iowa held a 53-33 rebounding advantage, with Fuller grabbing 15 to lead the way. Cole added 12 rebounds and added 20 points, hitting 10-131 field goal attempts. Fuller scored 12 points to go with his game-high in rebounds.
“This was a good performance for us, especially with all the travel and everything that is involved with such a trip,” said Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter. “Jarryd and Aaron did a good job controlling the inside. Their play was aided by our guards, who hit some three-pointers early and really spaced the floor.”
Sophomore Matt Gatens added 17 points, seven assists and six rebounds. The contest marked the return to action for sophomore Anthony Tucker, and the first college experience for redshirt freshman John Lickliter.
“We’ be rotating the seven guys around and I thought they all had good minutes tonight,” added Lickliter. “It was good to see Anthony back out there. This experience will be very beneficial for John, who hasn’t played at the college level, and for Anthony and Andrew Brommer, to add to their experience from a year ago.”
Iowa shot 43.7% from the field in the win, including 28.7% from three-point range. Along with the rebounding advantage, Iowa held the home team to 36.5% shooting from the field and 22.7% accuracy from three-point range.
Iowa will play the second game of the tour Wednesday, meeting the Greek Senior Select team in Athens. The Hawkeye travel party will visit the Vatican Monday before traveling from Rome to Athens on Tuesday.