Feb. 1, 2010
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THE SETTING
After playing three of the their last four games on the road, the Iowa Hawkeyes (8-14, 2-7) return home Wednesday to entertain the Illinois Fighting Illini (14-8, 6-3). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:36 p.m. at Carver-Hawkeye Arena (15,500). Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for UI students and youths. Also, Wednesday night at the concession stands, hot dogs will only be $1.
Illinois enters the contest winners of two straight, while Iowa will look to snap a two-game losing skid. The Hawkeyes have won two of their last three home games.
ON THE AIR
Radio: Iowa games are broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network. Gary Dolphin handles the play-by-play, along with color commentator Bob Hansen. The network includes more than 40 stations that blanket the state of Iowa and include portions of Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin. The Hawkeye Radio Network coverage includes a 60-minute pregame show. Fans can also listen to the game on XM Satellite Radio, Channel 196.
Television: The Big Ten Network will televise Saturday afternoon’s game to a national cable audience. Wayne Larrivee and former Hawkeye Kenyon Murray will call the action.
IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,494 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Overall Iowa’s record is 1,474-1,020 (.591). That includes a 932-327 (.740) record in home games, a 542-692 (.439) record in games away from Iowa City, a 697-698 (.500) mark in Big Ten games and a 338-101 (.770) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
FAST START PROPELS MICHIGAN TO VICTORY OVER HAWKEYES
Michigan raced out to a 13-0 advantage and never looked back en route to 60-46 win over Iowa Saturday afternoon at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, MI. The Hawkeyes missed their first 11 field-goal attempts and did not make their first bucket until the 10:34 mark on a Devan Bawinkel 3-pointer. The Wolverines controlled the boards, outrebounding Iowa by 13 (44-31). Michigan converted 19 offensive rebounds into 22 second-chance points. The duo of Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims combined for 40 of Michigan’s 60 points, with each player netting 20. Sims also was credited with a game-high 12 boards. Aaron Fuller led Iowa, scoring all of his team-high 16 points in the second half. Fuller also secured a team-best eight rebounds.
IOWA, MICHIGAN FAST BREAKS
? Michigan has now won five of the last six games against Iowa, including consecutive victories at Crisler Arena.
? Michigan was only whistled for eight team fouls. Despite never getting into the bonus, Iowa earned 10 free-throw attempts, missing only two (8-of-10, .800). Aaron Fuller led Iowa at the charity stripe going 4-of-6.
? Eric May rejected three shots for the second straight game, equaling a career high. The freshman also collected seven rebounds and eight points.
? Iowa’s bench outscored Michigan’s reserves 9-4. It marked the ninth time this season and second consecutive game Iowa reserves outscored the opposition.
? The Hawkeyes held Michigan without a field goal for 7:01 in the second half, from the 7:28 mark to 0:27.
? Matt Gatens dished out a game-high four assists to go along with his five points. The sophomore has led the squad in assists a team-best 11 times this year.
? Iowa shot only 30.9% (17-of-55) from the field for the game, its second-lowest field goal percentage of the season (30.6% at Illinois). Additionally, Iowa’s 17 first-half points were its second lowest of the season (15 at Illinois).
? Iowa played its 11th game without sophomore Anthony Tucker. The sophomore was suspended on Dec. 20 and returned to practice on Jan. 25. His return to game action has yet to be determined by Coach Lickliter. Tucker averages 11.9 points and 3.5 rebounds. He has only played in four Big Ten contests during his time at Iowa. One of the four games he only played one minute (at Ohio State last season).
HAWKEYES REACH HALFWAY POINT OF LEAGUE SCHEDULE
Iowa has reached the midway point of the conference schedule with a 2-7 record, collecting wins over Penn State at home and Indiana on the road. The Black and Gold play nine more games, four at home and five on the road, concluding the season with road contests at Wisconsin and Minnesota.
HAWKEYES IMPROVING
Iowa has seen better play and has been rewarded, winning three of the last six games. The Hawkeye defense has seen the most improvement, allowing 6.2 fewer points, compared to the first 16 games of the season. Additionally, Iowa is pulling down 1.6 more rebounds, collected one more steal a game and is averaging one less turnover. The Black and Gold have also been feeding the basketball inside more, with 45% of its field-goal attempts coming from beyond the arc, as opposed to 49% the first 16 contests. Also, Iowa has improved at the charity stripe, shooting 73.3% the last six contests, compared to 67.6% the first 16 games.
IOWA SEEING IMPROVED STATS THIS SEASON
So far, the Hawkeyes have played the 41st-toughest schedule in the country. Although the team has not been rewarded with more wins, statistically the numbers are up, through 22 games, from a year ago. The Hawkeyes are averaging three more two-pointers this year from last, 3.8 more rebounds, including 2.4 more offensive rebounds and 1.0 more assists.
IOWA FRESHMEN RANK HIGH
Iowa freshmen, Cully Payne and Eric May, lead Big Ten freshmen in a couple statistical categories. Payne is leading all conference freshmen in assists per game (3.64) and minutes played (32.05). May ranks first in blocked shots (1.05). May blocked three shots in each of Iowa’s last two games, while Payne averaged 3.5 assists and 30.5 minutes the last two contests.
DIFFICULT SCHEDULE
Iowa boasts the fourth-strongest strength of schedule amongst Big Ten teams in games played through Jan. 31. The Hawkeyes rank 42nd nationally, according to: realtimerpi.com.
ALL-TIME SERIES
Illinois holds a 77-66 advantage in the series that began with a 46-36 Iowa win in 1908. The Illini have won four straight over the Hawkeyes, dating back to 2005. Illinois defeated Iowa (59-42) earlier this season in Champaign (Jan. 5). Illinois topped the Hawkeyes (62-54) at Champaign in the only meeting during the 2009 season. The Fighting Illini won the only 2008 meeting (58-47) in Iowa City. Iowa’s last victory over Illinois came on March 3, 2007 (60-53) in Iowa City. Prior to 2001-02, Iowa and Illinois had met at least twice in every season since 1974. Iowa holds a 52-18 advantage in games played in Iowa City, including a 17-8 margin in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The Black and Gold have won two of the last three meetings in Iowa City. The teams have never met at a neutral site.
SCOUTING ILLINOIS
Illinois enters this week in a four-way tie for second place in the standings and are on a two-game winning streak. Illinois won at Penn State, 77-67, on Jan. 27 and escaped with a 72-70 triumph over Indiana Saturday afternoon in Champaign. In their last contest, Demetri McCamey scored a team-high 19 points, including sinking the game-winning jumper as time expired. The junior also dished out a team-best five assists. The Fighting Illini allowed 17 offensive rebounds, which the Hoosiers converted into 19 points. Illinois ranks second in the Big Ten in 3-point field goal percentage defense (.294), rebounding (37.3) and defensive rebounds (26.09), third in field goal percentage defense (.400), rebounding margin (+3.2) and assists (16.82), and fourth in free throw percentage (.721), field goal percentage (.463), 3-point field goal percentage (.359), offensive rebounds (11.23) and assist/turnover ratio (1.35). McCamey ranks 10th in overall conference scoring (15.1) and first in assists (6.14). Junior forward Mike Davis ranks first in overall league rebounding (8.9) and defensive rebounds (6.64). Junior center Mike Tisdale ranks fourth in overall Big Ten field goal percentage (.573). Freshman D.J. Richardson ranks second in overall conference 3-point field goal percentage (.452, 42-of-93). Four of Illinois’ starters average double digits in scoring: McCamey (15.1), Tisdale (11.8), Richardson (11.1) and Davis (10.7). Illinois is 3-2 in true road games, including an even 2-2 record in league play.
ILLINOIS COACH BRUCE WEBER
Bruce Weber is in his seventh season as the head coach at Illinois, but he was no stranger to Big Ten basketball when he accepted the position. Weber was an assistant coach at Purdue from 1981-98 before taking over as the head coach at Southern Illinois prior to the 1998-99 season. Weber is in his 12th year as a head coach and his career mark stands at 278-124 (.692), including a 166-65 (.719) record at Illinois and a 103-54 mark in his five seasons at Southern Illinois. Weber also served as an assistant coach for one season at Western Kentucky (under Gene Keady) before his stint at Purdue. Weber guided Illinois to the Big Ten regular season title in his first year in Champaign in 2004. Illinois swept the Big Ten regular season and tournament titles in 2005 while advancing to the NCAA championship game, concluding the year with a 37-2 record. The Fighting Illini reached the championship game of the 2008 Big Ten Tournament. Last year, Illinois posted a 24-10 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance, falling to Western Kentucky in the first round. Weber led Southern Illinois to three post-season appearances in his five years, including NCAA Tournament invitations in 2002 and 2003. The Salukis earned Missouri Valley Conference titles in both 2002 and 2003 and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2002. Weber is 9-2 against Iowa and 3-0 vs. Hawkeye Coach Todd Lickliter.
IOWA, ILLINOIS TIP-INS
? Iowa played at Illinois the night of Jan. 5, the same time the Hawkeye football team beat Georgia Tech in the FedEx Orange Bowl.
? Iowa is 13-10 all-time in games played on Feb. 3.
? Iowa is 7-2 when leading at the half, 1-11 when trailing and 0-1 when tied at halftime. Additionally, the Hawkeyes are 8-4 when recording more assists and 7-3 when getting to the free-throw line more than their opponents. Iowa is also a perfect 7-0 when having a higher field goal percentage than its opponents.
? Eighty-one percent of Iowa’s offense is generated by underclassmen (1,106 of 1,359 points). The Hawkeyes have only one senior (Devan Bawinkel) and one junior (Jarryd Cole) currently seeing time on the court. Junior transfer Devon Archie has been sidelined with an injury and will redshirt.
? Illinois’ 13-player roster features student-athletes from five different states. Nine of the 13 players hail from Illinois and one each from Missouri, Ohio, Texas and Virginia.
? Illinois’ roster breakdown includes five freshmen; six juniors and two seniors.
? Iowa ranks 19th in the nation in fewest fouls per contest (15.5) and 33rd in 3-pointers made (8.0).
? Illinois ranks 12th in the country in assists (16.8), 17th in assist/turnover ratio (1.3) and 19th in 3-point field goal defense (.294). Individually, Demetri McCamey rates 10th nationally in assists (6.14), and Mike Davis ranks 30th in double-doubles (9) and 53rd in rebounds (8.9).
? Iowa’s roster includes two players from Illinois, senior Devan Bawinkel (Winnebago) and freshman Cully Payne (Schaumburg).
? Illinois is the only team Iowa has not played at least once in the Big Ten Conference post-season tournament.
? Iowa and Illinois are two of the four Big Ten teams that have won more than one Big Ten Conference Tournament. Iowa claimed the title in 2001 and 2006, and lost in the title game in 2002. Illinois earned the title in 2003 and 2005. The fighting Illini were also in the title game in 1999, 2000, 2004 and 2008.
ILLINOIS WON THE LAST MEETING
Illinois recorded a 59-42 victory over Iowa at Assembly Hall in Champaign, IL on Jan. 5. The Illini sprinted out to a 17-3 advantage and never looked back. Illinois outrebounded Iowa by nine (38-29). Despite allowing 12 offensive boards, the Hawkeyes held Illinois to only six second chance points. The Illini held the Hawkeyes to a season low in field goal percentage (.306, 15-of-49). Illinois’ D.J. Richardson came off the bench to score a game-high 17 points, bolstered by 5-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc. Eric May, Matt Gatens and Aaron Fuller paced the Black and Gold. May posted team highs in scoring (9) and assists (3). Fuller grabbed a career-high nine rebounds to go along with six points, while Gatens added eight points and four boards.
TUCKER UPDATE
Anthony Tucker was arrested for public intoxication on Dec. 20 and was suspended indefinitely. Tucker, who is Iowa’s second leading scorer, has missed the last 11 games due to the suspension. The sophomore averages 11.9 points and 3.5 rebounds in 11 contests. Tucker returned to the team and resumed practicing Monday, Jan. 25. His return to game action is yet to be determined by Coach Lickliter.
HAWKEYES PUT UP SOLID NUMBERS IN WINS
Iowa averages 70.8 points, 16.3 assists, makes 48% of its field-goal attempts and boasts a +6.9 rebounding margin in its eight victories.
FULLER RETURNING TO FORM
Sophomore Aaron Fuller is returning to form after recovering from an ankle sprain sustained in Iowa’s third game of the year (vs. Bowling Green, Nov. 20). Fuller has nearly doubled his productivity in conference games compared to non-league games. Fuller played in 11 non-Big Ten contests and averaged 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds. In nine conference games, Fuller leads the team in scoring (11.7) and rebounding (7.6). He has led the team in scoring four of the last six contests and rebounding in four of the last six. In his last six games, Fuller is averaging 15.3 points and 8.3 rebounds. Fuller returned to the starting lineup in Iowa’s first conference game (vs. Purdue, Dec. 29). In league play, the native of Mesa, AZ, ranks first in the Big Ten in offensive rebounds (3.78), fifth in rebounding (7.6) and 22nd in scoring (11.7). Fuller posted the first career double-doubles of his career in back-to-back games vs. Tennessee State (Jan. 12) and Penn State (Jan. 16). Against Tennessee State notched career highs in scoring (24) and rebounds (10). He netted the 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the field and 3-of-4 from the foul line. Against Penn State, Fuller registered 20 points and 10 rebounds. The 6-6, 230-pounder was only one rebound from posting his third consecutive double-double at Michigan State on Jan. 20 (13 points and nine rebounds). Prior to the last six games, Fuller was averaging 5.2 points and 3.9 rebounds. His overall averages now stand at 8.3 points and 5.2 boards. Fuller has also improved his free throw shooting from a year ago. Last season, Fuller was 11-of-25 (.440) from the charity stripe, compared to 38-of-57 (.667) this season.
BALANCED SCORING
Iowa has five players who have each led the team in scoring at least twice. They are Jarryd Cole (Texas and NC Central), Matt Gatens (Texas, Northern Iowa, Iowa State, Drake, South Carolina State, Minnesota and twice against Michigan State), Anthony Tucker (Duquesne, Virginia Tech and Prairie View A&M), Eric May (UTSA, Bowling Green, Illinois and Ohio State) and Aaron Fuller (Purdue, Tennessee State, Penn State and Indiana). Additionally, Gatens has reached double figures a team-best 13 times. May has accomplished the feat eight times, Fuller seven times and Payne six times.
REACHING 20-POINT PLATEAU
The Hawkeyes have had one player score 20 points or more seven times this season. Jarryd Cole tallied 24 vs. NC Central (Nov. 28), Anthony Tucker netted 24 against Virginia Tech (Dec. 1) and 20 vs. Prairie View A&M (Dec. 5), Matt Gatens posted 20 at Iowa State (Dec. 11) and vs. South Carolina State (Dec. 21) and Aaron Fuller accomplished the feat against Tennessee State (Jan. 12) and Penn State (Jan. 16). Eric May was only two points from netting 20 points for the first time in his collegiate career against No. 20 Ohio State (Jan. 27).
MAY DAY
Freshman Eric May (112) currently ranks second in team rebounding, only six shy of leader Jarryd Cole (118). The native of Dubuque is trying to become just the fourth Iowa freshman to lead the team in rebounding since the 1955-56 season. Michael Payne accomplished the feat in 1981-82 (6.9), followed by Jess Settles in 1995-96 (7.5) and Tyler Smith in 2006-07 (4.9). May has performed well the last 11 games, averaging 10.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.3 blocks. The Dubuque, IA, native had a monster game vs. No. 20 Ohio State on Jan. 27, scoring 17 of his 18 points in the final 14:37. The 18 points was a team best and equaled a personal high. He also blocked a game-high three shots and drained a career-high five triples, all in the second half against the Buckeyes. He posted team bests in scoring (9) and assists (3) at Illinois on Jan. 5. May posted personal bests in assists (4) and steals (3) in a win over Tennessee State (Jan. 12).
BLOCKAGE
With his six blocks the last two games, May has cracked Iowa’s single-season freshman blocked shots chart. Many of his blocks have been highlight reel material. The 6-5, 225-pounder has rejected 23 shots, tying Kenyon Murray (1992-93) and Michael Payne (1981-82) for sixth on the list. Chris Street (1990-91) ranks first with 52. May is the only Hawkeye in double-figure blocks and will likely become the first Iowa freshman to lead the team since Ryan Bowen averaged 1.0 blocks in 1995. Furthermore, standing 6-foot-5, May would be the shortest player to lead the team in blocked shots since 6-foot-5 James Winters led the Hawkeyes in 1994 with 26 rejections.
HITTING THE GLASS
Iowa has owned the rebounding advantage in 11 of its 22 contests, including nine of the last 15. The Hawkeyes had a positive rebounding margin against UTSA (11), Bowling Green (2), NC Central (21), Prairie View A&M (4), UNI (2), Iowa State (2), SC State (3), Purdue (4), Minnesota (2), Tennessee State (4) and Indiana (16). The Hawkeyes are 6-5 in games they have a positive rebounding margin. Iowa ranks fifth in Big Ten rebounds allowed (32.6).
LICKLITER BACK ON THE BENCH
After missing three games (Prairie View A&M, Northern Iowa and Iowa State), Head Coach Todd Lickliter returned to the bench Dec. 19 against Drake. Lickliter underwent a procedure on Dec. 5 to repair a torn carotid artery.
IOWA IN CARVER-HAWKEYE ARENA
Iowa has compiled a 338-101 (.770) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena since the facility opened in January, 1983. Iowa is 157-81 (.660) in Big Ten games and 181-20 (.900) in non-Big Ten contests.
HAWKEYES ARE TOUGH AT HOME
Iowa has won 62 of its 82 games (.756) in Carver-Hawkeye Arena (15,500) over the last five 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 was 13-4 at home in 2008-09. Three of Iowa’s four home losses last year were to ranked opponents and by four points or less. Iowa was a perfect 17-0 at home in 2006, 14-2 in 2007, 10-8 in 2008 and 13-4 a year ago. Iowa has compiled a 24-10 Big Ten Conference record in that time.
A YOUNG SQUAD
Iowa’s roster of 12 players includes four freshmen, one redshirt freshman, four sophomores, two juniors and one senior. The freshmen are forward Brennan Cougill (6-9, 260), guard/forward Eric May (6-5, 225), guard Nick Neari (6-2, 185) and guard Cully Payne (6-1, 190). The redshirt freshman is John Lickliter. The sophomores are Andrew Brommer, Aaron Fuller, Matt Gatens and Anthony Tucker. In addition, junior forward Devan Archie (6-9, 215) is in his first year at Iowa after attending a junior college in Indianapolis. He has not played this season due to injury and is expected to redshirt this season.
IOWA CRACKS THE RECORD BOOK FROM 3-POINT RANGE
Iowa attempted a school-record 37 triples against No. 3 Texas (Nov. 23), making 10. The 37 attempts breaks the previous mark of 36 (15 made) attempted against Long Island on Dec. 17, 1994. The Hawkeyes tied the school record for 3-pointers made against Prairie View A&M (Dec. 5). Iowa sank 15-of-31 attempts to match the record accomplished twice before (15 vs. Long Island in 1994 and Northwestern in 1998).
FRESHMEN DUO MAKING IMMEDIATE IMPACT
Freshmen Eric May and Cully Payne have made an immediate impact on the team.
May averages 9.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.1 blocks. May has started 12 of the last 14 games, including the last nine. Fourteen of his 23 blocks have come in Big Ten action. May averaged 12 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in Iowa’s first two league games (Purdue and Minnesota). The Dubuque, IA, native matched career highs in scoring (18) and blocks (3) and sank a personal best five triples against Ohio State on Jan. 27. May posted team highs in points (9) and assists (3) and secured eight rebounds at Illinois. May registered personal bests in assists (4) and steals (3) vs. Tennessee State. He tallied 10 of his 13 points in the second half off the bench in Iowa’s win over Drake. He posted a personal-best 18 points and also secured eight rebounds in Iowa’s win over South Carolina State. May tallied a team-high 13 points against UTSA, a game-high 16 points vs. Bowling Green and blocked a team-high two shots vs. Duquesne. The native of Dubuque, IA, made all four 3-point attempts in Iowa’s 22-point triumph over Bowling Green. May had nine points vs. Wichita State and a double-double (14 points, 11 rebounds) in his first career start vs. Prairie View A&M.
Payne, who is Iowa’s first lefty point guard since Dean Oliver, averages 8.2 points, 3.64 assists and three rebounds. The native of Schaumburg, IL, was honored on the CBE Classic All-Tournament team. He netted a personal-best 18 points vs. Wichita State in the tournament’s consolation game. The freshman dished out a team-high six assists and tied a personal best with six rebounds vs. No. 20 Ohio State on Jan. 27. Payne netted five of his 11 points in the last two minutes in Iowa’s five-point win over Tennessee State, including draining a crucial 3-pointer with the game tied with 1:45 left in the game. He scored 12 points vs. UTSA and dished out a game-high six assists against Duquesne. He also collected six assists vs. No. 3 Texas. Payne had eight points, four rebounds and three assists vs. Virginia Tech and eight points, a personal-best six rebounds and four assists against Prairie View A&M. Payne scored 11 of his 15 points at Iowa State in the final 2:05 of the game. He contributed eight points, three assists and equaled a personal high with six rebounds vs. Drake.
ARCHIE EXPECTED TO REDSHIRT
Junior transfer Devon Archie was sidelined seven weeks after sustaining an injury to his left shoulder during Iowa’s second practice, Oct. 17. Archie is practicing with the team, but is expected to redshirt after missing a majority of the season. The 6-9, 215-pounder is expected to bolster the Hawkeye front court after playing the last two seasons at Vincennes Community College. A two-time team captain at Vincennes, he averaged 6.8 points, six rebounds and 1.3 blocked shots, starting 19 of 30 games last season as a sophomore.
FIVE STATE CHAMPS
Iowa’s roster of 12 players includes five players who won state titles. Matt Gatens and John Lickliter won a state title for Iowa City HS in 2008. Eric May won a state title for Dubuque Wahlert HS in 2008. Brennan Cougill’s Bishop Heelan HS captured the state title in 2009, while Anthony Tucker won a state title his senior year at Minnetonka HS.
FORMER UI STANDOUT GIVES $100,000 FOR CHA RENOVATION
Ronnie Lester, former All-American basketball player at the University of Iowa, has made a $100,000 gift to the UI Foundation to support the Carver-Hawkeye Arena Enhancements Campaign. The assistant general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, Lester is a member of the committee that is leading the fundraising effort to upgrade the 26-year-old facility. At the request of Lester, the UI Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will name the training room at the remodeled Carver-Hawkeye Arena in honor of longtime UI athletic trainer John Streif. Streif, of Iowa City, and Lester, of Manhattan Beach, Calif., have been close friends since Lester’s playing days as an Iowa Hawkeye, beginning in the mid-1970s.
“John Streif has been a terrific friend to me for more than 30 years. He has worked tirelessly to support me and numerous other athletes for over four decades now,” said Lester, a 1981 UI graduate who was a member of the Hawkeye men’s basketball team from 1977 to 1980. “His dedication to the Hawkeyes is legendary, and I’m honored to name the training room for him.
“As a member of the Carver-Hawkeye Arena campaign committee, I am pleased to step forward to make this gift,” Lester continued. “Coach Lickliter has the program moving in the right direction, and I want to do my part to help this important project.”
The goal of the Carver-Hawkeye Arena Enhancements Campaign is to raise at least $20 million to modernize the current facility, according to UI Director of Athletics Gary Barta. No state funding will be used for the project.
“We are thrilled to receive this gift from Ronnie Lester. He is one of the all-time great basketball players at Iowa,” said Barta. “It’s always special to see former student-athletes reach back and support the Hawks. On top of his generosity, it is terrific that Ronnie has chosen to honor John Streif. I can’t think of anyone more deserving.”
BALANCED 3-POINT ATTACK
Every Hawkeye on this year’s team is comfortable shooting the three-ball. Nine Hawkeyes have attempted and made at least one 3-pointer this season. Matt Gatens leads the team with 41, followed by Anthony Tucker (30), Cully Payne (27), Eric May (26), Devan Bawinkel (24), Brennan Cougill (13), John Lickliter (9), Aaron Fuller (5) and Jarryd Cole (1).
NO THREE-POINTERS
Since the 3-point shot became part of the college game, Iowa has played 14 games in which it has failed to make a 3-point attempt. Iowa had made at least one 3-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 3-point basket in 203 straight games.
PAYNE NAMED TO CBE CLASSIC ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Freshman Cully Payne was recognized on the CBE Classic All-Tournament team. The native of Schaumburg, IL, averaged 13 points, five assists and two rebounds in games against third-ranked Texas and Wichita State in Kansas City, MO. Additionally, Payne brought the fans at the Sprint Center to their feet, sinking a 75-footer at the halftime buzzer to tie Texas, 38-38.
BIG TEN/ACC CHALLENGE RECAP
The Big Ten Conference captured its first Big Ten/ACC Challenge this year, winning six of the 11 competitions. Boston College, Miami, North Carolina, Maryland and Virginia Tech earned victories for the ACC Conference. Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Penn State, Northwestern and Purdue captured wins for the Big Ten.
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 16”. Four current Big Ten Conference head coaches have earned national Coach of the Year honors.
“HAWK TALK WITH Todd Lickliter”
University of Iowa basketball fans may join Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter and radio announcer Gary Dolphin 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 Cafe in Iowa City from 7-8:30 p.m. The dates are: Feb. 1, Feb. 8, Feb. 15, Feb. 22, March 1 and March 8.
THIS WEEK IN BIG TEN BASKETBALL
Each Sunday at 8:30 p.m. (CST), “This Week in Big Ten Basketball” airs on the Big Ten Network. Dave Revsine will host the show alongside Jim Jackson and Dan Dakich, former Indiana player and head coach. Every Sunday night, This Week in Big Ten Basketball will provide a comprehensive breakdown of all of the Big Ten hoops action of the week, jam-packed with action footage, highlights, and awards for game and player of the week. The 30-minute shows will also preview the week ahead.
ON THE HORIZON
Iowa will hit the road again this weekend when it travels to Columbus, OH, to play Ohio State Sunday (11:05 a.m., CST). It will mark the second time in 12 days the Hawkeyes and Buckeyes will meet. Iowa will then return home, Feb. 10, for its first of two regular-season contests against Northwestern (7:36 p.m.).