Feb. 26, 2010
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THE SETTING
The Iowa Hawkeyes (9-19, 3-12) return to Iowa City for its final home game of the season Sunday when they welcome the Indiana Hoosiers (9-18, 3-12). Tip-off is slated for 5:06 p.m. (CST) in Carver-Hawkeye Arena (15,500). Tickets are $25.
Iowa and Indiana are tied for ninth in the Big Ten standings and both are looking to snap losing skids. The Hoosiers enter the game losers of their last nine, while the Hawkeyes have lost three straight.
Sunday will be the final home game for Hawkeye senior Devan Bawinkel. The Hawkeyes will recognize Bawinkel prior to the game.
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: ESPN (HD) will televise Sunday’s game to a national cable audience. Tom Werme and Greg Kelser will call the action.
IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,560 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Iowa’s overall record is 1,475-1,085 (.576). That includes a 933-339 (.733) record in home games, a 542-695 (.438) record in contests away from Iowa City, a 698-702 (.499) mark in Big Ten games and a 339-103 (.767) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
HAWKEYES FALL AT NORTHWESTERN THURSDAY NIGHT
Northwestern took advantage of a hot shooting night to upend the Iowa Hawkeyes, 74-57, Thursday night in Evanston, IL. The Wildcats shot 58% (28-of-48) from the field, including 63% (17-of-27) in the first half. Northwestern jumped out to an 11-point advantage (20-9) and never looked back. Iowa had a strong night at the free-throw line, making 20 of its 25 attempts (80%), however struggled from the field (40%, 17-of-43) and 3-point territory (14%, 3-of-21). Four Northwestern starters netted double figures. Sophomore John Shurna led all scorers with 29 points, making seven of his first nine field goal attempts. Iowa was led by sophomore Matt Gatens and freshman Cully Payne. Gatens posted team bests in scoring (15), rebounds (8) and assists (4). Payne registered 10 points.
IOWA, NORTHWESTERN FAST BREAKS
? Iowa had the rebounding edge over Northwestern, grabbing three more boards (27-24). The Hawkeyes have had the advantage in rebounding in five of their last six contests.
? Iowa sank only three triples, matching a season low (NC Central). The Hawkeyes made only one of 11 (11%) from long distance in the second half.
? The Hawkeyes matched season highs in free throws made (20) and blocks (4). The Wildcats’ 58.3% field goal percentage equaled a season best for an Iowa opponent (Iowa State).
? Matt Gatens scored seven of his team-best 15 points at the charity stripe. The Iowa City native was 7-of-9 from the foul line, both season bests.
? Jarryd Cole rejected a team-high two shots, matching a career high.
? Iowa’s bench outscored Northwestern’s reserves, 10-4.
? Northwestern was able to post a good shooting percentage due to taking, and making, a lot of high percentage shots. The Wildcats made 19 field goals in the paint, compared to only 10 for Iowa.
HAWKEYES PUT UP SOLID NUMBERS IN WINS
Iowa averages 71.6 points, 16.4 assists, makes 48.3% of its field-goal attempts and boasts a +7.0 rebounding margin in its nine victories. Individually, Matt Gatens averages three more points and 1.7 more rebounds in wins compared to losses, while Aaron Fuller averages four more points and Eric May averages 2.9 more points.
TOP SCORING FRESHMEN TEAMS IN THE BIG TEN SQUARE OFF
Iowa ranks second in the Big Ten in true freshmen scoring. Indiana’s true freshmen have scored 887 points, followed by Iowa (612).
FULLER FINISHING STRONG
Aaron Fuller, who ranks second in Big Ten rebounding (8.0) and 18th in scoring (11.6), is having an outstanding finish to his sophomore season. Fuller has posted a total of five double-doubles this year. Four of his five double-doubles have come during conference play, which ranks second-best behind Ohio State’s Evan Turner. Fuller nearly has as many offensive (55) rebounds as defensive (65), in league play. Fuller is averaging 13.4 points and 8.5 rebounds in Iowa’s last 12 games. He poured in a career-high 30 points and secured a personal-best 13 rebounds vs. Michigan Feb. 16. Fuller became the first Hawkeye to post 30 points or more in a single-game since Adam Haluska registered 30 at Penn State on Feb. 28, 2007. Additionally, the 11 field goals are the most by a Hawkeye in a conference game since Greg Brunner drained 12 at Wisconsin on Feb. 9, 2005. Fuller became the 11th Big Ten player to score 30 points this year.
MARKED IMPROVEMENT
Iowa has seen marked defensive improvement in its last 12 games. Iowa is an extremely young basketball team and the numbers show the team is getting better with each game. Iowa ranks first in the league in 3-point field goal percentage defense (.302) by a wide margin and seventh in scoring defense (66.1), in Big Ten games only. Iowa started the season 5-11 and has since gone 4-8 against tougher competition. Four of its last eight losses came to ranked opponents, including three on the road to top 15 squads.
HITTING THE GLASS
Iowa has owned the rebounding advantage in 17 of its 28 contests, including 14 of the last 21 and five of the last six. 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), Indiana (16), Illinois (6), Ohio State (2), Northwestern (8 and 3) and Michigan (1). The Hawkeyes are 8-9 in games they have a positive rebounding margin.
ALL-TIME SERIES
Indiana holds a 94-70 advantage in the series that began with an 18-12 Hoosier win in 1909. Iowa has won seven of the last 11 meetings. The Hawkeyes won the first meeting earlier this season, 58-43, on Jan. 24 in Bloomington. The two teams split last year’s contests, with each team winning at home. The Hoosiers won both meetings in 2008. Iowa leads 41-39 in games played at Iowa City, holding a 16-9 advantage in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Indiana won two straight in Iowa City before the Hawkeyes claimed four of the last five. The two teams have met twice at neutral sites (the Big Ten Tournament), with Iowa winning both, once in Chicago (2001) and once in Indianapolis (2002).
SCOUTING INDIANA
Since winning consecutive games over Minnesota and Penn State in mid-January, Indiana has lost nine straight, beginning with a loss to Iowa (58-43) Jan. 24. During the nine-game skid, Indiana has been outscored by an average of 16.7 points. The Hoosiers are 2-9 in games away from home, including a 1-6 mark in true road contests. Indiana’s one true road win came at Penn State (67-61) Jan. 21. Like Iowa, the Hoosiers lost Thursday night. No. 17 Wisconsin cruised to a 78-46 triumph at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, IN. All five Badgers netted double figures, while none of Indiana’s starters reached double digits. Freshman Derek Elston scored a team-high 12 points off the bench for Indiana. For the second time this season (also vs. Iowa), Indiana failed to make a 3-pointer, going 0-of-5 from distance. Additionally, the Hoosiers shot only 50% from the free-throw line (10-of-20) and 35% (18-of-51) from the field. Indiana’s leading scorer, Maurice Creek, is out for the season due to injury. The freshman averaged 16.4 points in 12 games. Sophomore Verdell Jones III averages 14.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists. Christian Watford, who is a candidate for Big Ten Freshman of the Year, averages 12.1 points and a team-best 5.9 rebounds. Redshirt freshman Jeremiah Rivers averages 6.1 points and a team-best 1.4 steals. Rivers has struggled from the free-throw line this season, making only 47-of-84 attempts (.560). As a team, Indiana ranks second in the Big Ten in offensive rebounds (12.8) and third in steals (7.1). The Hoosiers rank last in the league in five statistical categories (scoring defense, 70.9; scoring margin, -4.4; free throw percentage, .677; rebounds allowed, 36.1; assists, 12.6). Seven of Indiana’s 18 losses have come by six points or less.
IOWA WON THE LAST MEETING
Iowa snapped a 15-game road losing skid, which included an 11-game Big Ten road losing streak, with a 58-43 triumph at Indiana Jan. 24 in Assembly Hall. The 43 points allowed are the fewest the Hoosiers have ever scored against the Black and Gold in Assembly Hall and the fewest they have scored in a Big Ten home game since a 32-26 victory over Minnesota on Feb. 10, 1951. Indiana cut Iowa’s led to 33-31 with 13:23 left in the game, but an Aaron Fuller free throw and consecutive 3-point baskets by reserve Brennan Cougill stretched the advantage back to nine (40-31) and Iowa maintained a comfortable cushion the rest of the contest. Iowa dominated the glass, outrebounding Indiana by 16 (39-23). Fuller paced the Black and Gold with 13 points. Junior Jarryd Cole recorded his third career double-double and second of the season, posting 11 points and 10 rebounds. Cougill netted all 10 of Iowa’s bench points. Iowa held Indiana without a 3-point bucket (0-of-9) for the first time in nine years. Indiana’s streak of 277 straight games with a 3-pointer was snapped. Iowa held Indiana to only three assists and forced 16 turnovers.
INDIANA COACH TOM CREAN
Tom Crean is in his second year as the head coach at Indiana and his 11th year as a college head coach. He served as the head coach at Marquette University for nine seasons (1999-08). His record at Indiana stands at 15-43 (.259), while he has posted a career record of 205-139 (.596). Crean led Marquette to five appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including a trip to the 2003 Final Four, while posting a 190-96 mark there. He earned the Coach Clair Bee Award in 2003 and was a finalist for the Naismith National Coach of the Year Award. Crean has served as an assistant coach at Michigan State (1989-90 and 1995-99), Western Kentucky (1990-94) and Pittsburgh (1994-95). He was associate head coach and recruiting coordinator his last two seasons at Michigan State. Crean is 1-2 vs. Iowa and Hawkeye Coach Todd Lickliter.
IOWA, INDIANA TIP-INS
? Iowa is 14-10 all-time in games played on Feb. 28.
? Iowa is 8-2 when leading at the half, 1-15 when trailing and 0-2 when tied at halftime. Additionally, the Hawkeyes are 9-5 when recording more assists and 8-4 when getting to the free-throw line more than their opponents. Iowa is also 8-1 when having a higher field goal percentage than its opponents.
? Eighty-one percent of Iowa’s offense is generated by underclassmen (1,392 of 1,719 points). The Hawkeyes have only one senior (Devan Bawinkel) and one junior (Jarryd Cole) seeing time on the court. Junior transfer Devon Archie has been sidelined with an injury and will redshirt.
? Brennan Cougill did not miss a shot in the first meeting against Indiana in Bloomington on Jan. 24. Cougill made all three field-goal attempts, including both 3-point tries, and a pair of free throws.
? Indiana’s 16-player roster features student-athletes from six different states, plus Ghana and Gambia. Seven of the 16 players hail from its home state of Indiana, two from Ohio and Illinois, and one each from Illinois, Florida, Alabama, Maryland, Ghana and Gambia.
? Indiana’s roster breakdown includes three seniors, two juniors, five sophomores and six freshmen.
? Iowa ranks 2nd in the nation in fewest fouls per contest (16.0) and 3-pointers made (8.0).
? Iowa and Indiana rank as two of the younger teams in the Big Ten. The Hoosiers have 11 underclassmen on its roster, while the Hawkeyes have nine. Indiana has had five different freshmen start at least two games this season, while Iowa has had three freshmen start at least seven.
? Three members of the Iowa coaching staff previously coached at Butler University in Indianapolis, including Head Coach Todd Lickliter and assistants Joel Cornette and LaVall Jordan. All three played basketball at Butler and are Butler graduates. Lickliter is a native of Indianapolis. His son, Garrett, is a graduate manager with the Iowa program and his son John is a redshirt freshman walk-on for the Hawkeyes.
? Indiana assistant Tim Buckley was an assistant coach at the University of Iowa during the 2006-07 season when the Hawkeyes posted a 17-14 overall record.
? Indiana assistant Bennie Seltzer was an assistant coach at Oklahoma when the Sooners defeated Todd Lickliter’s Butler team 65-54 in the 2003 NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen.
? Indiana Coach Tom Crean is the son-in-law of Jack Harbaugh, who at one time served as an assistant football coach at Iowa. His brothers-in-law are Jim and John.
? Hawkeye freshman John Lickliter played prep basketball in Indiana prior to moving to Iowa City (Iowa City HS) for his senior season in 2007-08.
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 (3.8) and minutes played (33.0). May ranks first in blocked shots (0.9). Payne is the only Big Ten freshman starting point guard this season. May is the only conference freshman to be ranked among the Big Ten leaders in blocks (ninth), steals (13th) and rebounding (20th). Additionally, May averages the most minutes among all Big Ten freshman (34.8), in Big Ten games only rankings.
FULLER RETURNING TO FORM
Sophomore Aaron Fuller has had a stellar season after recovering from an ankle sprain sustained in Iowa’s third game of the year (vs. Bowling Green, Nov. 20). Fuller has 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 15 conference games, Fuller leads the team in scoring (11.6) and rebounding (8.0). He has led or shared the team lead in rebounding nine of the last 12 games, including eight of the last nine. In his last 12 games, Fuller is averaging 13.4 points and 8.5 rebounds and has attempted 62 free throws, making 46 (.742). 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 offensive rebounds (3.7), second in overall rebounds (8.0) and 18th in scoring (11.6). Fuller enters this weeeknd’s play, only one rebound from the Big Ten leading rebounder, DeShawn Sims. Fuller has registered a team-best five double-doubles this season, four have come in conference action and in three of the last five games. He posted the first double-doubles of his career vs. Tennessee State (Jan. 12) and Penn State (Jan. 16). Against Tennessee State, he 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 registered his third double-double at No. 13 Ohio State (Feb. 7), putting up 11 points and 10 rebounds. In Iowa’s next game vs. Northwestern (Feb. 10), Fuller was credited with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Fuller posted career highs in points (30) and rebounds (13) in an overtime loss to Michigan. Prior to the last 12 games, Fuller was averaging 5.2 points and 3.9 rebounds. His sensational play has improved his averages to nine points and six 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 62-of-88 (.705) this season. He is tied with Matt Gatens for the most free-throw attempts on the team and ranks second in makes. He has made 24 of his last 31 (.774) free-throw attempts.
DIFFICULT SCHEDULE
Iowa boasts the second-strongest strength of schedule amongst Big Ten teams in games played through Feb. 25. The Hawkeyes rank 38th nationally, according to: realtimerpi.com. Wisconsin leads the league with the 15th-toughest schedule in the country. Indiana’s strength of schedule ranks 73rd.
ROAD HAWKEYES
Iowa has a heavy road schedule coming down the stretch. The Hawkeyes conclude the regular season with two of their final three contests on the road, including playing their final two regular-season contests at Wisconsin (Mar. 3) and Minnesota (Mar. 7).
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.
TUCKER GRANTED RELEASE FROM SCHOLARSHIP
Sophomore guard Anthony Tucker asked for and has been granted a release from his scholarship, Head Men’s Basketball Coach Todd Lickliter announced Feb. 12. A Minnetonka, MN native, Tucker played and in first 11 games this season. In his two years with the Hawkeyes, Tucker saw action in 25 games, with 19 starts, averaging 11 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
MAY DAY
Two of May’s better games this year came against the nationally-ranked Buckeyes. The Dubuque, IA, native scored 17 of his 18 points in the final 14:37 vs. No. 20 Ohio State on Jan. 27. 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. Ten days later at Columbus, he netted a team-high 16 points against No. 13 Ohio State. 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 eight blocks the last seven 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 25 shots, good for sixth best on the list. Chris Street (1990-91) ranks first with 52. May is the only Hawkeye in double-figure blocks and will become the first Iowa freshman to lead the team since Ryan Bowen averaged 1.0 blocks in 1995. Furthermore, standing 6-foot-5, May will 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.
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 9.1 points, five rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.9 blocks. May has started 19 of the last 21 games, including the last 16. Sixteen of his 25 blocks have come in Big Ten action. 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. He posted a team-high 16 points, bolstered by 4-of-7 shooting from long distance, at Ohio State on Feb. 7. 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. He 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 8.4 points, 3.8 assists and 3.1 rebounds. He has averaged five assists the last four games, dishing out six each against Northwestern and Purdue and a career-best seven vs. Michigan. 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.
HAWKEYES AMONGST BIG TEN REBOUNDING LEADERS
Iowa, Michigan State and Ohio State are the only schools with three players ranked in the top 20 in Big Ten rebounding. Aaron Fuller ranks 11th (6.0), followed by 20th-ranked Jarryd Cole (5.0) and Eric May (5.0). In conference games only stats, Fuller ranks first in the Big Ten in offensive rebounds (3.7) and second in overall rebounds (8.0), while Cole ranks seventh in offensive rebounds (2.0).
ARCHIE 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 was 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.
BAWINKEL SINKS NORTHWESTERN
Senior Devan Bawinkel was 5-of-8 from 3-point territory against Northwestern Feb. 10, including making four of his first five triples. The co-captain finished the game with 15 points, marking only the second time this season he posted double figures (11 vs. Prairie View A&M). Before the Northwestern contest, Bawinkel ranked 15th in the Big Ten in 3-point percentage in all games and 11th in conference games only. After Iowa’s last four contests, he is now ranked eighth overall in percentage and fourth in league contests. Bawinkel, who is Iowa’s only senior, has made 91 career triples, 51 last year, 32 this season and eight his freshman campaign at West Virginia.
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.”
NO 3-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 209 straight games.
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 53, followed by Eric May (36), Cully Payne (37), Devan Bawinkel (32), Anthony Tucker (30), Brennan Cougill (18), John Lickliter (10), Aaron Fuller (6) and Jarryd Cole (2). Iowa ranks second in the Big Ten in triples made (8.0). Iowa has made 10 triples or more 10 times this season, including two of the last four contests. Additionally, it has made 12 triples or more five times. Iowa sank 12 treys vs. Northwestern (Feb. 10) and a season-best 15 vs. Prairie View A&M on Dec. 5.
IOWA IN CARVER-HAWKEYE ARENA
Iowa has compiled a 339-103 (.767) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena since the facility opened in January, 1983. Iowa is 158-83 (.656) in Big Ten games and 181-20 (.900) in non-Big Ten contests.
HAWKEYES ARE TOUGH AT HOME
Iowa has won 63 of its 85 games (.741) 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 19 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. The Hawkeyes are 8-9 in Carver-Hawkeye Arena this season.
STARTING LINE-UPS
Iowa has used five different starting line-ups in its 28 games. Cully Payne (PG), Matt Gatens (SG), Eric May (SF), Aaron Fuller (PF) and Jarryd Cole (C) have started the last 16 games for the Hawkeyes; going 4-12 in those contests.
FOUR STATE CHAMPS
Iowa’s roster of 11 players includes four 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, while Brennan Cougill’s Bishop Heelan HS captured the state title in 2009.
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.
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.
WAYNE DUKE TO BE INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME
University of Iowa graduate and former Big Ten Commissioner, Wayne Duke, will be inducted into the 2010 National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. Duke will go into the Hall of Fame as a contributor. Duke, a native of Burlington, IA, graduated from Iowa with a journalism degree in 1950. He is now 81 years old. He’ll join five others as members of the 2010 Hall of Fame Class. The 2010 induction ceremonies will be held on Sunday, November 21, 2010, at the College Basketball Experience (CBE) and the historic Midland Theatre in Kansas City, MO. The CBE, a world-class entertainment facility that provides a multi-faceted interactive experience for fans, shares a common lobby with Sprint Center and is the home of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. Other inductees include: Christian Laettner, David Thompson, Jerry West, Davey Whitney, Sidney Wicks and Tex Winter.
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: March 1 and March 8.
BIG TEN TOURNAMENT SINGLE-SESSION TICKETS ON SALE
Both all-session and single-session tickets for the 2010 Big Ten Basketball Tournament (March 11-14) is on sale to the general public. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000, and through the Conseco Fieldhouse box office and www.consecofieldhouse.com. Single-session tickets range from $30 to $75 depending on session and seat location. All-session tickets are available for $220 or $165 depending on seat location, which represents a savings of almost 20 percent over purchasing single-session tickets for all five sessions. Orders will be limited to 12 all-session or single-session tickets.
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 concludes the regular season with two games on the road, at Wisconsin (March 3) and Minnesota (March 7). Wisconsin is idle is this weekend and will enter Wednesday’s game against Iowa with a 21-7 overall record and 11-5 conference mark.