March 9, 2010
- 2010 Big Ten Tournament
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THE SETTING
The Iowa Hawkeyes (10-21, 4-14) meet the Michigan Wolverines (14-16, 7-11) Thursday in the opening game of the 2010 Big Ten Tournament. Game time is 1:30 p.m. (CST) at Conseco Fieldhouse (18,435) in Indianapolis, IN. This marks the third straight year Iowa and Michigan will square off in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament.
Both Iowa and Michigan finished their regular seasons losing on the road. The Hawkeyes lost at Minnesota (88-53), while the Wolverines fell at 11th-ranked Michigan State (64-48).
The Hawkeyes are seeded ninth after concluding conference play with a 4-14 record. The Wolverines are the eighth seed. Michigan won both games against Iowa during the regular season, with the Wolverines winning (60-46) Jan. 30 in Ann Arbor and Feb. 16 (80-78), in overtime, in Iowa City.
The winner of the Iowa-Michigan game will meet top-seeded and fifth-ranked Ohio State (24-7, 14-4), who won a share of the conference title with Purdue and Michigan State, Friday at 11 a.m. That game can be viewed on ESPN (HD).
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.
Television: ESPN2 will televise Thursday’s first round tournament game to a national cable audience. Dave O’Brien and Steve Lavin will call the action. The game can also be viewed online at ESPN360.com.
IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,563 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Iowa’s overall record is 1,476-1,087 (.576). That includes a 934-339 (.734) record in home games, a 542-697 (.437) record in contests away from Iowa City, a 699-704 (.498) mark in Big Ten games and a 340-103 (.767) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
BIG TEN TOURNAMENT SINGLE-SESSION TICKETS ON SALE
Both all-session and single-session tickets for the Big Ten Basketball Tournament 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.
IOWA IN THE BIG TEN TOURNAMENT
Iowa has posted a 13-10 record in the Big Ten Tournament. The Hawkeyes earned the tournament title in 2001 and 2006 and lost in the title game in 2002. Only Illinois (22-10) and Wisconsin (14-10) have more wins and a higher winning percentage and more championship game appearances. Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan State join Iowa with two tournament titles (Ohio State was forced to vacate its 2002 title). Iowa has played nine different teams in the event, having met each team except Illinois at least once. Iowa is the only team to claim the tournament title by winning four games in four days, that taking place in 2001. Iowa has been eliminated by the tournament champion in three of the 10 tournaments it did not win, including Michigan in the 1998 quarterfinals, Michigan State in the 2000 quarterfinals and Ohio State in the 2002 title game.
MEETING FOR THE FIFTH TIME
Iowa and Michigan have met four times previously in the Big Ten Tournament, with Michigan winning all four.
? In 1998, the fourth-seeded Wolverines defeated fifth-seeded Iowa 77-66 at the United Center in the quarter-finals. Michigan won the inaugural tournament, but later had to vacate that tournament title. Ryan Bowen had 19 points and eight rebounds to lead the Hawkeyes.
? In 2004 at Indianapolis, the fifth-seeded Wolverines defeated Iowa, the fourth seed, 79-70 in the quarter-finals. Iowa was led by Pierre Pierce (28 points) and Greg Brunner (11 rebounds).
? In 2008, Michigan, as the nine seed, took a 55-47 first round win over eighth-seeded Iowa. Cyrus Tate led Iowa with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
? A year ago, seventh-seeded Michigan cruised to a 73-45 victory over No. 10 Iowa. Cyrus Tate paced the Hawkeyes with 12 points.
IOWA BY SEEDING
This marks the third time in tournament history that Iowa has been the ninth seed. Iowa has never been the top seed, third seed or 11th seed. Iowa was a No. 9 seed in 2002 and 2003. The Hawkeyes advanced to the championship contest in 2002 as a No. 9 seed. On its way to the championship, Iowa beat No. 8 Purdue (87-72), top-seeded Wisconsin (58-56) and No. 4 Indiana (62-60) before falling to second-seeded Ohio State (81-64) in the title game.
IOWA IN INDY
Iowa is 8-11 all-time in Indianapolis, while playing in four different arenas. Iowa is 7-4 at Conseco Fieldhouse, 0-2 at Market Square Arena, 1-4 at Butler’s Hinkel Fieldhouse and 0-1 at the RCA Dome. Along with the 2002 (3-1), 2004 (0-1), 2006 (3-0), 2008 (0-1) and 2009 (0-1) Big Ten Conference Tournaments at Conseco, Iowa defeated Louisville (Wooden Tradition) early in the 2003-04 season. Iowa took part in the 1980 Final Four at Market Square Arena, losing to Louisville (80-72) in the semi-finals and falling to Big Ten rival Purdue (75-58) in the consolation game. Iowa lost four of five games at Hinkel Fieldhouse between 1937 and 1950 and lost in the first round of the 2005 NCAA Tournament at the RCA Dome.
IOWA AT CONSECO FIELDHOUSE
Iowa is 7-4 in Conseco Fieldhouse, including a 6-4 record while taking part in the five Big Ten Tournaments held at the venue. Iowa, in the 2002 Big Ten Tournament, defeated Purdue, Wisconsin and Indiana on consecutive days to advance to the title game for the second straight season before falling to Ohio State. Iowa defeated Louisville 70-69 in overtime as part of the John Wooden Tradition early in the 2003-04 season and the Hawkeyes lost to Michigan 79-70 in the quarterfinals of the 2004 Big Ten Tournament. Iowa won three straight games over Minnesota, Michigan State and Ohio State to claim the 2006 Big Ten Tournament title before falling to Purdue in the quarterfinals in 2007 and losing to Michigan the last two years in the first round.
COACH LICKLITER AT CONSECO
Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter has coached seven games in Conseco Fieldhouse, five of those as the head coach at Butler. Lickliter led his Butler teams to a 3-2 mark, with wins over Notre Dame (2006-07), Indiana (2006-07) and Purdue (2006-07), and losses to Michigan (2003-04) and Indiana (2005-06). Lickliter’s first two Iowa teams lost to Michigan in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament, in 2008 and 2009. ALL-TIME SERIES
Michigan holds an 86-57 advantage in the series that began with a 19-15 Wolverine win in 1912. The Wolverines beat the Hawkeyes twice earlier this season, 60-46, Jan. 30 in Ann Arbor and 80-78 in overtime, Feb. 24 in Iowa City. A year ago, Michigan defeated Iowa 64-49 Jan. 11 in Ann Arbor before Iowa won 70-60, in overtime, Feb. 22 at Iowa City. The Wolverines won by a 73-45 margin March 12 in the Big Ten Tournament at Indianapolis. Michigan has won six of the last seven, including the last three. In 2007-08, both teams won on the road before Michigan won 55-47 at Indianapolis in the Big Ten Tournament. The Hawkeyes won the only meeting in 2007, 69-62 in Ann Arbor. Iowa also won the only meeting in 2006, 94-66 in Iowa City. Iowa had won three straight games in Ann Arbor, for the first time ever, before the loss last season. Michigan holds a 4-0 advantage in games played at neutral sites, all in the Big Ten Tournament. Michigan won 77-66 in 1998 at Chicago and 79-70 in the 2004 event at Indianapolis. Michigan has defeated Iowa in the first round at Indianapolis in each of the past two seasons, winning 55-47 in 2008 and 73-45 in 2009.
MICHIGAN COACH JOHN BEILEIN
John Beilein is in his third season as the head coach at Michigan and his 32nd year overall as a college head coach on the junior college, NAIA, NCAA Div. II and NCAA Div. I levels. Beilein is 31-36 (.473) at Michigan and his career mark is 582-354 (.619). Beilein is in his 18th year as a Division I head coach, posting an 89-62 record at Canisius (1993-97), a 100-53 record at Richmond (1998-2002) and a 104-60 mark at West Virginia (2003-07). He led West Virginia teams to four straight post-season appearances, including two trips to the NCAA Sweet 16 and a trip to the Elite Eight in 2005. West Virginia, won the NIT post-season tournament in 2007. Beilein has won over 300 games at the Division I level and has taken his team to post-season action in 11 of the last 17 seasons. Beilein’s teams have posted 27 winning seasons in 31 years, including 15 seasons of at least 20 wins. He ranks among the top 20 active Division I coaches in career wins. Beilein is 6-2 against Iowa and Hawkeye Coach Todd Lickliter.
SCOUTING MICHIGAN
Michigan lost four of its last five regular-season games heading into the tournament. Ten of its 14 victories came on its home court at Crisler Arena. The Wolverines are 4-10 in games away from home, including a 1-2 mark in neutral-site contests. Last week, Michigan routed Minnesota (83-55) at home on March 2, but then lost to in-state rival and 11th-ranked Michigan State (64-48) on March 7. In their last outing, the Spartans limited the duo of junior Manny Harris and senior DeShawn Sims to only 13 points. Reserve Zach Gibson was Michigan’s leading scorer, netting 10 points. Nineteen of Michigan State’s 24 field goals came in the paint. The Spartans forced 19 turnovers and held the Wolverines to only 19% (4-of-21) shooting from behind the arc. Sims was recognized on the all-Big Ten second team, while Harris was named to the third team. Harris averages a team-best 17.7 points, 4.1 assists and ranks second in rebounding (5.9). His scoring average ranks fourth-best in the Big Ten. Earlier this season vs. Northern Michigan, Harris became only the second player to post a triple-double in school history. Sims ranks fifth in the conference in scoring (16.9) and pulls down a team-best 7.7 rebounds, which ranks fourth best in the Big Ten. Sophomore Zack Novak averages 7.5 points and 4.3 rebounds. Michigan has five players who have made 20 triples or more: Douglass (46), Harris (44), Novak (43), Laval Lucas-Perry (29) and Sims (20). Harris and Sims have had success against Iowa the last two years. The last five games against the Hawkeyes, Sims averages 20.6 points and 7.2 rebounds, while Harris averages 17 points, 7.6 rebounds and 5.8 assists. The duo combined for 40 points and 18 rebounds against Iowa earlier this season in Ann Arbor (Jan. 30) and 47 points and 20 rebounds in Iowa City (Feb. 16). The Wolverines rank second in league steals (7.1) and turnover margin (+4.0), third in 3-point field goal percentage defense (.317) and assist/turnover ratio (1.4), and fourth in scoring defense (61.6) and free throw percentage (.715).
MICHIGAN WON THE LAST MEETING
Michigan’s DeShawn Sims drained a 3-pointer with 6.1 seconds left to tie and send the game into overtime. The Wolverines would ultimately escape with an 80-78 overtime win over the Hawkeyes Feb. 16 in Iowa City. The game featured 10 ties and 14 lead changes. A pair of Aaron Fuller free throws with 22 seconds left in regulation gave the Hawkeyes a 65-60 advantage. However, Sims converted a 3-point play on a lay-up and a free throw seven seconds later to make the score, 65-63. Cully Payne split a pair of free throws to give Iowa a three-point advantage before Sims sank the game-tying triple. Michigan led by as many as five points in the extra session and a Payne triple at the buzzer made the final score, 80-78. Fuller finished with game highs in points (30) and rebounds (13), while Matt Gatens netted 21 points and Payne 13. Fuller was 11-of-13 from the field and 8-of-11 from the foul line. Sims finished with a team-high 27 points, while Manny Harris contributed 20. Both Harris and Sims pulled down 10 rebounds apiece.
LICKLITER VS. MICHIGAN
Todd Lickliter led his Butler team against Michigan on two occasions prior to becoming Iowa’s head coach. The teams met early in the 2003-04 season at Conseco Fieldhouse at Indianapolis, with Michigan taking a 61-60 overtime win. Butler also dropped a 78-74 contest at Michigan early in the 2005-06 season.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, J. LICKLITER AND PAYNE
Redshirt freshman John Lickliter celebrated his 21st birthday Monday, March 8, while true freshman Cully Payne celebrated his 20th Tuesday, March 9.
IOWA, MICHIGAN TIP-INS
? Michigan was 14-of-27 (.519) from 3-point range in the last meeting against Iowa (Feb. 16). Since that game, the Wolverines have shot 29-of-116 (.250) from long distance in their last five games. ? Iowa’s Aaron Fuller netted 16 points in the second half at Michigan (Jan. 30) and 16 points in the first half vs. Michigan (Feb. 16) this season.
? Point guard Cully Payne has averaged 4.9 assists in Iowa’s last seven contests, dishing out six each against Northwestern and Purdue and a career-best seven vs. Michigan and at Minnesota.
? Iowa is 11-6 all-time in games played on March 11, 5-7 on March 12, 5-4 on March 13 and 5-3 on March 14.
? Iowa is 9-2 when leading at the half, 1-17 when trailing and 0-2 when tied at halftime. Additionally, the Hawkeyes are 10-5 when recording more assists and 9-1 when having a higher field goal percentage than its opponents.
? Eighty-one percent of Iowa’s offense is generated by underclassmen (1,532 of 1,885 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.
? Michigan’s 16-player roster features student-athletes from six different states. Eight of the 16 players hail from Michigan, two from Indiana, New York and Illinois, and one from Virginia and California.
? Michigan’s roster breakdown includes two seniors, two juniors, three sophomores and nine freshmen (two of which are redshirt freshmen).
? Iowa ranks 21st in the nation in fewest fouls per contest (15.8) and 54th in 3-pointers made (7.5).
? Michigan ranks sixth in the country in fewest turnovers (10.2), seventh in fewest fouls (14.7), 10th in assist/turnover ratio (1.41), 15th in turnover margin (4.0) and 35th in scoring defense (61.6).
? Michigan’s DeShawn Sims made a conference season-best 13 field goals vs. Ohio State (Jan. 3).
? In 2006-07, Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter led his Butler team to the preseason NIT championship with wins over Notre Dame, Indiana, Tennessee and Gonzaga. Michigan Coach John Beilein led West Virginia to the postseason NIT title with wins over Delaware State, Massachusetts, North Carolina State, Mississippi State and Clemson.
? John Beilein led West Virginia to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2006, while Todd Lickliter led Butler to the “Sweet 16” in 2007.
? During the 2005-06 season, Iowa and John Beilein’s West Virginia team nearly met on two occasions. Both teams reached the semifinals of the Guardians Classic in Kansas City. Iowa defeated Kentucky in the semifinals, but Texas defeated West Virginia in the semifinals before defeating the Hawkeyes in the finals. West Virginia and Iowa were then sent to the same regional in the NCAA Tournament, with a chance to meet in the second round at the Palace of Auburn Hills. West Virginia defeated Southern Illinois in the first round, but Iowa was upset on a last second 3-point basket by Northwestern State.
? Hawkeye senior Devan Bawinkel played for Michigan Coach John Beilein as a freshman at West Virginia. Beilein left for Michigan after leading the Mountaineers to the 2007 NIT title. Bawinkel played his sophomore season at Highland, IL Community College before joining the Hawkeyes.
? Iowa Assistant Coach LaVall Jordan is a native of Albion, MI.
? Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter and Michigan Coach John Beilein each have a son as a member of their staff. Garrett Lickliter is a graduate manager for the Hawkeyes, while Patrick Beilein serves in the same capacity on the Michigan staff.
? Michigan Associate Head Coach Jerry Dunn previously served as the head coach at Penn State (1995-03). During that time the Hawkeyes posted a 9-5 record vs. the Nittany Lions. Dunn was also a Penn State assistant from 1983-95.
? Michigan Assistant Coach Mike Jackson was an assistant coach at Detroit (1996-01) when the Hawkeyes defeated Detroit 61-60 on Dec. 5, 1998 in Iowa City and 69-68 Dec. 28, 2000 in Honolulu.
? Michigan Administrative Assistant Jeff Meyer served as an assistant coach at Butler University for three seasons (2001-04) when Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter was the Bulldog head coach.
GATENS, FULLER, MAY EARN ALL-BIG TEN RECOGNITION
Sophomores Aaron Fuller and Matt Gatens and freshman Eric May have earned Big Ten postseason accolades. Fuller (6-6, 230) and Gatens (6-5, 225) were both named honorable mention all-Big Ten by the league coaches. May (6-5, 225) was named to the league’s five-member all-freshman team, which is selected by the conference coaches.
“I’m proud of the recognition that Matt, Aaron and Eric received,” said Iowa Head Coach Todd Lickliter. “All three played major roles for our basketball team this season. We are a better team because of their approach and development. All three are underclassmen and have improved from the start of the season. I’m excited about the future.”
Fuller played in 29 games with 21 starts, including starting all 18 Big Ten contests. He was slowed by an ankle injury early in the 2009-10 campaign, but regained his form once conference play began in December. Fuller was Iowa’s leading scorer (12.3 ppg) and rebounder (7.6 rpg) during league play. The native of Mesa, AZ, ranked first in Big Ten offensive rebounding (3.4) and fifth in rebounding (7.6). Fuller ranks third in the nation in rebounding improvement (+4.3) from non-conference to play to league play.
Gatens is one of three Hawkeyes to start all 31 games. The Iowa City native is Iowa’s leading overall scorer (12.4), 3-point (58-of-172) and free throw (83-of-100) shooter. He also ranks second in team assists (101) and steals (27). Gatens ranks third in Big Ten minutes played (36.7) and free throw percentage (.830), ninth in 3-pointers (1.9), and 12th in assists (3.3) and assist/turnover ratio (1.2).
May has started 22 of the last 24 games, including the last 19 as a rookie. The native of Dubuque, IA, ranked first amongst his Big Ten classmates in steals (19), blocks (17) and minutes (34.2), second in rebounding (4.6) and fourth in scoring (9.2), in conference games only. May was Iowa’s third leading scorer and led the team in blocks and steals in 18 Big Ten games. In all games, May ranks second in team 3-pointers made (41). The 41 triples rank fourth-best by an Iowa freshman in a single season.
Junior center Jarryd Cole (6-7, 250) was also honored as part of the Big Ten all-conference teams, earning Iowa’s Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. One member of each Big Ten team is recognized with the Sportsmanship Award at the conclusion of each season. Cole started all 31 games, averaging 8.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per contest.
IOWA LOSES REGULAR SEASON FINALE AT MINNESOTA
A 17-0 first-half scoring run by Minnesota helped the Gophers post an 88-53 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes Sunday night at Williams Arena in Minneapolis, MN. Minnesota was hot shooting the basketball, 58.5% (31-of-53) from the field, including 63.2% (12-of-19) from long distance, and 93.3% from the foul line (14-of-15). Iowa was led by sophomores Aaron Fuller and Matt Gatens, and freshman Eric May. Fuller netted a team-high 16 points, while May and Gatens scored 10 points each. Freshman Cully Payne equaled a personal best with seven assists. Minnesota senior Lawrence Westbrook led all scorers with 20 points, while classmate Damian Johnson dished out a game-high 11 assists to go along with 10 points.
IOWA, MINNESOTA FAST BREAKS
? Iowa concluded the regular season with consecutive road games (at Wisconsin and Minnesota). Both were “Senior Nights”.
? Aaron Fuller led Iowa in scoring (16 points) for the third time in five games.
? Minnesota’s 88 points are the highest by an Iowa opponent this season.
? Iowa failed to make a 3-pointer in the first half, misfiring on all eight tries. The Hawkeyes managed to drain 4-of-9 from 3-point territory in the second stanza.
? Minnesota dished out 24 assists, while only committing eight turnovers.
? Minnesota’s Damian Johnson’s 11 assists are the most by an Iowa opponent since Michigan State’s Travis Walton was credited with 10 against the Hawkeyes on Feb. 17, 2007.
DIFFICULT SCHEDULE
Iowa boasts the third-strongest strength of schedule amongst Big Ten teams in games played through March 3. The Hawkeyes rank 43rd nationally, according to: realtimerpi.com. Wisconsin leads the league with the 26th-toughest schedule in the country, followed by Illinois (41st).
IOWA FRESHMEN SCORING AMONG BIG TEN BEST
Iowa ranks second in the Big Ten in true freshmen scoring. Indiana’s true freshmen have scored 1,002 points, followed by Iowa (656) and Illinois (651).
HAWKEYES PUT UP SOLID NUMBERS IN WINS
Iowa averages 71.7 points, 15.7 assists, makes 48% of its field-goal attempts and boasts a +6.7 rebounding margin in its 10 victories. Individually, Matt Gatens averages 4.4 more points and 1.6 more rebounds in wins compared to losses, while Aaron Fuller averages 3.8 more points and Eric May averages 2.6 more points.
FULLER FINISHING STRONG
Aaron Fuller, who ranks fifth in Big Ten rebounding (7.6) and 18th in scoring (12.3), 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 is averaging 13.9 points and 7.9 rebounds in Iowa’s last 15 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. In his last outing (Feb. 28), he totaled 17 points and eight rebounds vs. Indiana. Only two players in the country have improved their rebounding numbers in conference play compared to non-conference action more than Fuller. Wofford’s Tim Johnson leads the nation, improving his rebounding numbers (+5.8), followed by Delaware State’s Brandon Adams (+4.4) and Fuller (+4.3).
ROAD HAWKEYES
Iowa finished the regular season with four of six games on the road, including its final two games at Wisconsin and Minnesota.
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 (3.9), minutes played (33.3) and sixth in scoring (8.2). May ranks first in blocked shots (0.9), steals (1.1) and rebounding (4.6) and fourth in scoring (9.1). Payne is the only Big Ten freshman starting at point guard this season. May is the only conference freshman to be ranked among the Big Ten leaders in blocks (ninth) and rebounding (20th). Payne (121 assists) will become only the fourth freshman to lead the Hawkeyes in assists since 1974-75. Dean Oliver (131 assists) led Iowa as a rookie in 1997-98, Jeff Horner (140 assists) paced the Hawkeyes in 2002-03 and Jeff Peterson (92 assists) accomplished the feat in 2007-08.
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 18 conference games, Fuller led the team in scoring (12.3) and rebounding (7.6). He has led or shared the team lead in rebounding 10 of the last 15 games, including nine of the last 12. In his last 15 games, Fuller is averaging 13.9 points and 7.9 rebounds and has attempted 85 free throws, making 59. Fuller returned to the starting lineup in Iowa’s first conference game (vs. Purdue, Dec. 29). In league play, the native of Mesa, AZ, ranked first in offensive rebounds (3.4), fifth in overall rebounding (7.6) and 18th in scoring (12.3). Fuller has registered a team-best five double-doubles this season, four have come in conference action and in three of the last six 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 15 games, Fuller was averaging 5.2 points and 3.9 rebounds. His sensational play has improved his averages to 9.7 points and 5.9 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 75-of-111 (.676) this season. He has attempted the most free throws on the team and ranks second in makes.
HITTING THE GLASS
Iowa has owned the rebounding advantage in 18 of its 31 contests, including 15 of the last 24 and six of the last nine. 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 and 4), Illinois (6), Ohio State (2), Northwestern (8 and 3) and Michigan (1). The Hawkeyes are 9-9 in games they have a positive rebounding margin.
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).
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.
STARTING LINE-UPS
Iowa has used five different starting line-ups in its 31 games. Cully Payne (PG), Matt Gatens (SG), Eric May (SF), Aaron Fuller (PF) and Jarryd Cole (C) have started the last 19 games for the Hawkeyes; going 5-14 in those contests.
BLOCKAGE
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 26 shots, good for sixth best on the list. Chris Street (1990-91) ranks first with 52. May is one of only two Hawkeyes (Jarryd Cole) 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 11 players includes four freshmen, one redshirt freshman, three 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 and Matt Gatens. 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.
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.
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).
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 212 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 58, followed by Eric May (41), Cully Payne (37), Devan Bawinkel (32), Anthony Tucker (30), Brennan Cougill (18), John Lickliter (10), Aaron Fuller (6) and Jarryd Cole (2). Iowa ranks third in the Big Ten in triples made (7.5). Iowa has made 10 triples or more 10 times this season. 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 has struggled as of late from long distance, making only 13 treys the last four contests combined.
FRESHMEN DUO MAKING IMMEDIATE IMPACT
Freshmen Eric May and Cully Payne have made an immediate impact on the team.
May, who has been named to the 2010 all-Big Ten Freshman team, averages 9.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.9 blocks. He has shot 50% from the field in Iowa’s last three games (11-of-22, .500). May has started 22 of the last 24 games, including the last 19. Seventeen of his 26 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 8.1 points, 3.9 assists and three rebounds. He has averaged 4.9 assists the last seven games, dishing out six each against Northwestern and Purdue and a career-best seven vs. Michigan (Feb. 16) and at Minnesota (March 7). Payne drained nine free throws, a personal best, in the last 1:19 in Iowa’s home win over Indiana Feb. 28. 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 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.
IOWA VS. RANKED TEAMS
Iowa played eight games against ranked opponents this year, losing all eight (No. 3 Texas, No. 4 and No. 6 Purdue, No. 6 and No. 10 Michigan State, No. 13 and No. 20 Ohio State and No. 15 Wisconsin). Iowa has lost 18 straight games to nationally-ranked opponents. The Hawkeyes’ last victory over a ranked foe came against sixth-ranked Michigan State (43-36) in Iowa City on Jan. 12, 2008.
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 will 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.
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.