Hawkeyes Travel to Wake Forest for ACC/Big Ten Challenge

Nov. 29, 2010

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THE SETTING
The Iowa Hawkeyes (3-3) hit the road again when it travels to Winston-Salem, NC. to meet Wake Forest (3-3) Tuesday in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. (CT) at Joel Coliseum (14,665).

Both Iowa and Wake Forest are looking for their first two-game winning streak of the season. Both teams have alternated wins and losses their first six contests and are coming off big home victories. Iowa routed SIU-Edwardsville (111-50), while Wake Forest cruised past Marist (81-59). The Demon Deacons will have had a full week to prepare for Iowa as their game against Marist was played on Nov. 23.

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: Tuesday’s game will be televised to a national television audience on ESPNU. Rob Stone and Jay Williams will call the action from Joel Coliseum.

IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,569 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Iowa’s overall record is 1,479-1,090 (.576). That includes a 936-340 (.734) record in home games, a 543-699 (.437) record in contests away from Iowa City, a 699-704 (.498) mark in Big Ten games and a 342-104 (.767) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa is one win from notching Big Ten victory No. 700.

2010 ACC/BIG TEN CHALLENGE
The Big Ten captured its first Challenge last year, winning six of the 11 contests. Iowa is 2-7 all-time in Challenge games, while Wake Forest is 8-2. The Demon Deacons are 5-0 in home Challenge contests, while the Hawkeyes are 0-5 away from Iowa City (includes two neutral site games).

OFF AND RUNNING…
Iowa starts the year with a busy two weeks. The Hawkeyes start the 2010-11 season playing seven games in 17 days. After playing its first two games at home, Iowa played three games in four days at the Paradise Jam tournament held in St. Thomas. Iowa returned home to face SIU-Edwardsville last Friday before traveling to Wake Forest for Tuesday’s contest.

A YOUNG SQUAD
Iowa’s roster of 15 players includes six freshmen, two sophomores, five juniors and two seniors. The freshmen are Melsahn Basabe (6-7, 225), Cody Cox (6-4, 190), Roy Devyn Marble (6-5,190), Zach McCabe (6-7, 225), Darius Stokes (6-7,190) and Branden Stubbs (6-2, 170). The sophomores are Eric May and Cully Payne.

In addition, juniors Bryce Cartwright (6-1, 180) and Jordan Stoermer (6-2,185) are in their first year at Iowa. Cartwright played as a rookie at Fresno State and Paris JC (Texas) his sophomore campaign. Stoermer played his first two seasons at Kirkwood CC (Iowa).

HAWKEYES OVERWHELM SIU-EDWARDSVILLE
Twelve Hawkeyes scored, including six in double figures en route to a 111-50 victory over SIU-Edwardsville (SIUE) Friday night in Iowa City. It marked the first time Iowa eclipsed the century mark since scoring 101 vs. Georgia State on Dec. 20, 2006. Zach McCabe led all scorers with 16 points, while Melsahn Basabe and Eric May each contributed 13.

The Hawkeyes shot 58.7% (37-63) from the field. Iowa was 27-38 (.711) from the free throw line, compared to only 2-2 (1.000) for SIUE.

The Cougars had no players in double figures and committed 29 turnovers, which Iowa was able to turn into 45 points.

Iowa’s bench was strong again, netting 58 of the 111 points.

IOWA, SIUE GAME NOTES
? Iowa’s 61-point margin of victory (111-50) equals the sixth-largest win in school history. It was Iowa’s largest margin of victory since the Hawkeyes beat Pepperdine in 1966 by the very same score.
? Iowa’s 61-point triumph marks the ninth time in school history Iowa won by 60 points or more.
? The 61-point defeat matched SIU-Edwardsville largest margin of defeat. SIUE dropped a 109-48 decision to UMSL during the 1967-68 season.
? Iowa’s 111 points are the most it has scored since posting 112 vs. North Texas (112-64) on Nov. 16, 1998.
? Iowa’s 111 points marked the 24th time it accumulated 111 points or more in a contest.
? Iowa collected 19 steals, a total that ties for fifth most in a single-game in school history.
? Eric May had seven steals, which ties four other Hawkeyes for the fourth most in a single-game.
? Bryce Cartwright started his first career game as a Hawkeye, netting 11 points and collecting four assists and two steals.
? Walk-on Branden Stubbs scored a personal-best 12 points.

ALL-TIME SERIES
Wake Forest has won all three previous meetings against Iowa, with the first two coming at neutral sites and the third in Iowa City for the 2007 Big Ten/ACC Challenge. Tuesday will be Iowa’s first-ever visit to Winston-Salem and Joel Coliseum.

Iowa is 11-22 (.333) all-time against current members of the Atlantic Coast Conference.

SCOUTING WAKE FOREST
Wake Forest is coming off a 22-point victory over winless Marist (81-59). The Demon Decaons attempted 44 free throws, making 34 en route to victory. Freshman Travis McKie posted his second double-double (16 points, 11 rebounds) of the season, while junior Ty Walker blocked a staggering 11 shots to establish a new school record.

Tuesday will be Wake Forest’s sixth home game in seven contests. Their only game away from Winston-Salem was at Elon on Nov. 20. The Demon Deacons will also host Holy Cross Dec. 4 to start the year with seven of eight at home.

Four Demon Deacons average double figures: McKie (14.8), Ari Stewart (13.8), J.T. Terrell (12.7) and Gary Clark (11.7). Stewart, Clark and Terrell have 35 of Wake Forest’s 46 triples.

Wake Forest posted a 20-11 record, including a 9-7 conference mark a year ago. The Demon Deacons advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Wake Forest returns only five lettermen from last year’s tournament team, including only one starter (C.J. Harris).

Wake Forest is under the direction of first-year Head Coach Jeff Bzdelik. Bzdelik is in his eighth season as a college head coach.

IOWA, WAKE FOREST TIP-INS
? Iowa boasts an 11-3 record in games played on Nov. 30.
? Wake Forest is 2-3 in home games this year, while Tuesday will be Iowa’s first true road game of the season. The Hawkeyes played three neutral site games (1-2) in the Paradise Jam at St. Thomas (Nov. 19-22).
? Both Iowa and Wake Forest have a new head coach this season. New Hawkeye Head Coach Fran McCaffery played for Wake Forest one season (1977-78), helping the Demon Deacons post a 19-10 record while starting 11 games.
? Wake Forest’s 14-player roster features two seniors, five juniors, two sophomores and five freshmen. The Demon Deacons have two seven-footers on their roster (Carson Desrosiers and Ty Walker).

PAYNE SIDELINED DUE TO INJURY
Cully Payne, who started his first 37 games as a Hawkeye at point guard, will be out indefinitely due to a sports hernia. Payne is scheduled to have surgery Tuesday.

Payne averaged 3.8 points, 3.4 assists and 1.4 rebounds his first five games of 2010-11.

Last year, Payne was named to Big Ten all-Freshman team by Sporting News and earned a spot on the CBE Classic All-Tournament squad. Payne was the only Big Ten freshman starter at point guard last season. He became only the fourth Hawkeye freshman to lead the team in assists since 1974-75. His 122 assists rank third-best for an Iowa rookie in a single-season. The Schaumburg, Ill., native also averaged 8.7 points and three rebounds.

Bryce Cartwright will take over the starting spot at point guard. Expect Roy Devyn Marble, Jordan Stoermer and Branden Stubbs to also see minutes at point guard during Payne’s absence.

HAWKEYE FAST BREAKS
? Eric May and Zach McCabe have been Iowa’s most accurate shooters through six games. The duo have combined to shoot 54.3% (19-35) from beyond the arc. The rest of the Hawkeyes are shooting a combined 25.4% (16-63).
? Iowa’s six freshmen average a combined 25.3 points per game, an average that ranks third best in the Big Ten behind Ohio State (41.0) and Michigan (40.0).
? Zach McCabe is one of only three Big Ten rookies to amass at least 60 points and 30 rebounds. McCabe has accumulated 63 points and 32 rebounds, while Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger has totaled 76 points and 43 rebounds and Illinois’ Jereme Richmond has 60 points and 30 rebounds.
? Iowa’s 111 points and 19 steals against SIU-Edwardsville (SIUE) are the most by a Big Ten team this season. Additionally, Iowa’s 3-point percentage (.556, 10-18) and free throws made (27) against SIUE both rank second most in a single-game by a Big Ten team this season.
? Iowa ranks second in the Big Ten in rebounding (40.7), third in 3-point field goal percentage defense (.284) and steals (8.17), and fifth in rebounding margin (+6.3).

COACHING EXPERIENCE
Fran McCaffery has assembled one of the most experienced coaching staffs in the country. Assistant coaches Kirk Speraw, Sherman Dillard and Andrew Francis have over six decades of combined coaching experience. Furthermore, the entire coaching staff combines for 46 years of head coaching experience. Director of Basketball Operations Jerry Strom is in his 30th season as a member of the Iowa basketball staff. Also, former Hawkeye standout and professional basketball player Ryan Bowen has joined the staff as video coordinator and administrative assistant. Bowen was on four NBA rosters (Denver, Houston, New Orleans and Oklahoma City).

BENCH SUCCESS
Iowa’s bench has provided a spark off the bench the first six games. The Hawkeye reserves have outscored opponent bench players, 203-75. Iowa’s bench averages 33.8 points per contest, compared to 12.5 for the opposition.

Iowa has a balanced offensive attack with eight players averaging six points or more per contest.

MCCABE SOLID OUT OF THE GATES
Zach McCabe has looked good in his first six games in a Hawkeye uniform. The freshman, who is averaging 24 minutes per contest, ranks second in team scoring (10.5) and rebounding (5.3). He led the team in scoring three times (UL Monroe, Alabama and SIUE) and rebounding twice (Alabama and Long Beach State). McCabe was credited with 16 points and seven rebounds in Iowa’s last game vs. SIUE.

MAY DAY
After a fantastic rookie season in 2009-10, Eric May has carried his strong play into his sophomore campaign. May ranks first in team scoring (13.3) and steals (2.33) and fourth in rebounding (4.2).

May has been shooting the ball extremely well, making 52.5% (31-59) of his field goal attempts, including a blistering 60% (9-15) from 3-point range. Furthermore, May missed only two 3-point attempts in three games at the Paradise Jam (6-8, .750). He ranks first in the Big Ten in 3-point percentage and second in steals.

The native of Dubuque, Iowa, scored 13 points and amassed a game and personal-high seven steals in Iowa’s 111-50 victory over SIUE. The seven thefts are the most by a Big Ten player this season and equal the fourth-most by a Hawkeye in a single-game in school history.

GETTING TO THE FREE THROW LINE
Iowa has been more aggressive at attacking the basket and getting to the free throw line so far this year. Iowa attempted nearly 10 free throws a game more than last year’s average, a differential that ranks second best in the Big Ten.

Furthermore, the Hawkeyes have made more free throws than their opponents have attempted, a staple of a Fran McCaffery coached team.

CRUNCH TIME FREE THROWS
Iowa has had improved free throw shooting down the stretch of games. The Hawkeyes shoot at a 74% clip (14-19) with under five minutes remaining in games. Overall, Iowa shoots 67% (101-151) from the charity stripe. Additionally, the Hawkeyes have made all four free throw attempts with under a minute left.

Iowa was a combined 10-10 (1.000) from the foul line with under five minutes remaining against Xavier and Alabama.

CARTWRIGHT HAS BREAKOUT GAME
Bryce Cartwright, playing against a team from his home state, had his best game as a Hawkeye vs. Long Beach State (Nov. 22). The junior transfer tallied 12 of his team-high 17 points in the second half against the 49ers. Cartwright shot 8-16 (.500) from the field and collected three rebounds, two assists and a game-high four steals.

Cartwright started his first career game as a Hawkeye in Iowa’s last game vs. SIUE. The native of Compton, Calif., had 11 points, four assists and two steals.

Cartwright, now a starter in Payne’s absence, ranks third in team scoring (9.3), first in assists (18) and second in steals (8).

GATENS RETURNS TO ACTION AFTER SUFFERING INJURY
Junior Matt Gatens tore a tendon in his left, non-shooting hand, Oct. 26 during practice. The shooting guard had surgery Oct. 28. Gatens had a hard cast removed on Nov. 10. He did not play in Iowa’s first two games (South Dakota State and UL Monroe), but returned to action in the Hawkeyes’ last four contests.

The 6-5 shooting guard averaged 27 minutes, 7.7 points and 3.3 rebounds, starting all three games at the Paradise Jam in St. Thomas in his first three games back. In Iowa’s last game against SIUE, he totaled 12 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals in 24 minutes of action.

Gatens, who had started every game in his Hawkeye career prior to the injury, was Iowa’s leading scorer a year ago, averaging 12.3 points. The Iowa City native was also Iowa’s top scoring threat from the free throw line (84-101, .832) and beyond the arc (58-177, .328) last season. Gatens earned all-Big Ten recognition as a freshman and sophomore. He was a member of the all-Big Ten Freshman team in 2009 and an honorable mention all-conference selection a year ago.

ARCHIE GIVES HAWKEYES A LIFT IN ST. THOMAS
With Iowa’s frontcourt in foul trouble against Xavier, Devon Archie came off the bench and had his best game as a Hawkeye. The redshirt junior posted a double-double scoring 10 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, both career bests. In the three games in St. Thomas, Archie averaged 4.7 points and six rebounds. He shot a combined 63% (5-8) from the field in the three contests.

Archie had another solid effort in Iowa’s last game vs. SIUE (8 points, 7 rebounds). For the season, he averages 4.8 points and 5.4 rebounds.

GATENS, COLE AND PAYNE NAMED CAPTAINS
Senior center Jarryd Cole, junior guard Matt Gatens and sophomore Cully Payne are Iowa’s captains for the 2010-11 season.

Cole, a three-time captain, was Iowa’s leading field goal shooter a year ago, shooting at a 57% clip. He ranked second in team rebounding (5.2) and blocks (14) and averaged 8.1 points. The native of Kansas City, Mo., was also Iowa’s men’s basketball Big Ten Sportsmanship Award Nominee. Gatens, who was an honorable mention all-conference honoree last season, led the Hawkeyes in three statistical categories: scoring (12.3), free throws (84-101, .832) and 3-pointers (58-177, .328). Payne directed the Hawkeye offense as a rookie, ranking among league leaders in assists. He was the only starting rookie floor general in the league in 2010. Payne averaged 8.7 points, 3.8 assists, three rebounds and ranked second on the team in triples with 42.

THE RETURNING CAST
Iowa returns four starters and six lettermen from a year ago. The returning starters include senior center Jarryd Cole (6-7, 250), junior guard Matt Gatens (6-5, 215), sophomore guard Cully Payne (6-1, 190) and sophomore forward Eric May (6-5, 220). Gatens was Iowa’s leading scorer, averaging 12.3 points, while also pulling down 4.3 rebounds starting all 32 games. Cole also started every game and averaged 8.1 points ranked second in rebounding (5.2). Payne, who was the only starting freshman point guard in the Big Ten last season, dished out a team-best 122 assists to go along with an 8.7 scoring average. May started the last 23 contests last year, and averaged nine points, 4.6 rebounds and collected team bests in blocks (26) and steals (34).

The other returning lettermen are junior forward Andrew Brommer (6-9, 235) and redshirt junior Devon Archie (6-9, 225). Archie received a medical redshirt last season due to injury.

Iowa’s returning players, last season, played 65.6% of all minutes, accounting for 64.6% of Iowa’s points and grabbing 40% of Iowa’s rebounds. The group also had 75.3% of the steals and 75.1% of the assists last season. They combined to shoot 41.1% from the field, 30.8% from 3-point range and 70.9% from the free-throw line.

THREE STATE CHAMPS
Iowa’s roster of 15 players includes three who won four state titles. Matt Gatens won a state title for Iowa City HS in 2008. Eric May won a state title for Dubuque Wahlert in 2008, while Zach McCabe’s Bishop Heelan captured the state title in 2009 and 2010.

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 218 straight games.

HAWKEYE HOOPS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Iowa Hawkeye fans can get even more information, photos and video about the men’s basketball team on social media sites facebook (facebook.com/hawkeyehoops) and twitter (twitter.com/iowahoops).

Exclusive video, ticket specials and more will be available on facebook throughout the season.

BIG TEN TOURNAMENT ALL-SESSION TICKETS ON SALE
All-session tickets for the 2011 Big Ten Basketball Tournament (March 10-13) are now 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.

All-session tickets for the lower and club level are available for $300 through the 11 Big Ten universities only. All-session tickets for the upper level are available for $220 or $165 (depending on seat location) through Ticketmaster or the Conseco Fieldhouse box office only. Orders will be limited to 12 all-session tickets.

In addition, the men’s basketball tournament will continue to feature a special discounted rate of $50 for all-session tickets available only to students of the 11 Big Ten universities. All students must have a valid student ID for entry. Student section seating will be available in eight balcony sections and orders will be limited to one all-session ticket. Details on the student ticket program will be sent to the university ticket offices for distribution directly to students.

ON THE HORIZON
Iowa returns home for three consecutive home games. The Hawkeyes will first face Idaho State Dec. 4 (12:30 p.m.), followed by in-state contests against Northern Iowa (Dec. 7) and Iowa State (Dec. 10).