Hawkeyes Return Home to Host Idaho State Saturday

Dec. 2, 2010

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THE SETTING
The Iowa Hawkeyes (3-4) return home Saturday to entertain Idaho State (2-3). Tip-off is slated for 12:32 p.m. at Carver-Hawkeye Arena (15,500). Saturday will be the first of three-straight home contests for the Hawkeyes. Tickets for Saturday’s game are $12 for adults and $5 for youths and UI students.

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.
TV: There will be no television coverage of Saturday’s game, but fans can watch the game online at video.bigtennetwork.com.

PARDON OUR PROGRESS
As friends of the Hawkeyes know, the UI Athletics Department is well into a multi-million dollar revitalization of Carver-Hawkeye Arena. This important and exciting project has reduced, for this season, the number of ticket windows that are operational on game nights. Fans attending the home events of the 2010-11 UI men’s basketball, women’s basketball and wrestling teams are invited to avoid game night delays by purchasing their event tickets online or in advance. If your schedule doesn’t allow for an advance purchase, we recommend you consider arriving at the Arena a little earlier than originally planned.

IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,570 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Iowa’s overall record is 1,479-1,091 (.575). That includes a 936-340 (.734) record in home games, a 543-700 (.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.

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).

BIG SECOND HALF LIFTS WAKE FOREST OVER HAWKEYES
Wake Forest overcame an early 18-point first-half deficit to rally and defeat Iowa, 76-73, Tuesday night in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge at Joel Coliseum in Winston-Salem, NC. J.T Terrell drained his seventh 3-pointer, from about 26 feet, with 2.7 seconds left to propel Wake Forest to the victory. Terrell scored 19 of his game-high 32 points in the second half, bolstered by 5-6 shooting from beyond the arc in the final 20 minutes.

Four Hawkeyes scored in double figures, led by Eric May’s 17 points. Melsahn Basabe and Bryce Cartwright each contributed 13, while Roy Devyn Marble added 11. Zach McCabe and Basabe led the Hawkeyes in rebounding, each pulling down eight, while May collected a game-high six steals. May has collected 13 steals the last two games. Cartwright dished out a game and season-high five assists.

After shooting at a 39% clip (10-26) in the first half, the Demon Deacons came out firing in the second stanza, making 70% (14-20) of their field goal attempts.

The Demon Deacons outscored Iowa 20-7 at the free throw line and blocked a Hawkeye opponent season-high 11 shots.

IOWA, WAKE FOREST GAME NOTES
? The Hawkeyes outrebounded Wake Forest by 10 (38-28). Furthermore, Iowa only allowed two offensive rebounds. Iowa boasts a +6.9 rebounding margin and have owned the glass in all but one game (Long Beach State).
? Tuesday was Iowa’s first true road game of the season.
? Melsahn Basabe has scored 13 points and corralled eight rebounds in each of his last two games.
? J.T. Terrell’s 32 points are the most an opponent has scored against Iowa since Evan Turner put up 32 on Feb. 7, 2010.
? Iowa shot a season-low 21.1% (4-19) from 3-point range.
? Eric May has accumulated 20 steals through seven contests. May was credited with 34 steals in 32 games a year ago.
? Tuesday was Iowa’s last road game out of the state of Iowa until Jan. 9 (at Purdue). The Hawkeyes play six of their next seven contests at home, with the one road game at Drake (Dec. 18) in Des Moines.

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 had successful surgery Tuesday afternoon.

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.

IMPROVED STATISTICS
Comparing statistics through seven games last year to this season, Iowa is putting up improved numbers. The Hawkeyes are averaging 14.1 more points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.7 rebounds and 1.0 blocks. The Hawkeyes are also shooting the ball with better accuracy, making 44.3% of their field goals in 2010, compared to 40.5% in 2009.

ALL-TIME SERIES
Iowa has played Idaho State just once before, beating the Bengals 58-43 on Nov. 9, 2007 in Iowa City.

Idaho State is a member of the Big Sky Conference. The Hawkeyes boast a perfect 6-0 mark against current members of the Big Sky.

SCOUTING IDAHO STATE
Idaho State is 2-3, notching wins over Great Falls (78-68) and Montana Tech (69-57). In their last contest against Montana Tech on Monday night, starting forward Abner Moreira posted a double-double (12 points, 13 rebounds), while reserve Kenny McGowen led all scorers with 21 points (6-9 FG, 4-7 3-PT FG, 5-6 FT) to go along with a game-high four assists. The Bengals scored 30 of their 69 points in the paint.

Idaho State is led by its only returning starter, Broderick Gilchrest. The senior guard averages a team-best 14.6 points and shoots at a 92% clip (12-13) from the foul line and 48% (11-23) from beyond the 3-point arc. Seven-foot center Deividas Busma averages 13.2 points and a team-best 7.4 rebounds.

The Bengals have attempted only 94 free throws this season, making 59 (.628). Only three players have made six triples or more: Gilchrest (11), McGowen (6) and Nick Mason (6). McGowen drained four of his six treys in the last game vs. Montana Tech.

Idaho State and Iowa have one common opponent: South Dakota State. Both teams lost to the Jackrabbits, with Iowa falling 79-69 in Iowa City, while the Bengals dropped a 79-47 decision in Brookings, SD. Busma was the only player to score in double figures (12 points) in the loss to South Dakota State.

Idaho State is coached by Joe O’Brien, who is in his 19th season as a college head coach and his sixth with the Bengals.

IOWA, IDAHO STATE TIP-INS
? Iowa boasts a 19-5 record in games played on Dec. 4.
? Iowa is 2-1 in home games, while Idaho State is 0-3 on the road.
? Idaho State Director of Basketball Operations Cody VanFleet is a 2003 University of Iowa graduate. VanFleet was as an Iowa basketball manager from 1999-02.
? Idaho State’s 16-player roster features four seniors, six juniors, one sophomore and five freshmen. The Bengals have two seven-footers on their roster, Deividas Busma (7-0) and Jakub Kusmieruk (7-4).

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).

HAWKEYE FAST BREAKS
? Eric May and Zach McCabe have been Iowa’s most accurate shooters through seven games. The duo have combined to shoot 48.8% (20-41) from beyond the arc. The rest of the Hawkeyes are shooting a combined 25% (19-76).
? Iowa’s six freshmen average a combined 26.4 points per game, an average that ranks third best in the Big Ten behind Ohio State (37.5) and Michigan (34.6).
? Zach McCabe is one of only two Big Ten rookies to amass at least 70 points and 40 rebounds. McCabe has accumulated 72 points and 40 rebounds, while Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger has totaled 87 points and 56 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 first in the Big Ten in rebounding (40.3) and steals (8.43), and fourth in rebounding margin (+6.9).
? Iowa’s 61-point margin of victory (111-50) over SIUE 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. Additionally, the 61-point triumph marks the ninth time in school history Iowa won by 60 points or more.
? Iowa’s 111 points vs. SIUE are the most it has scored since posting 112 vs. North Texas (112-64) on Nov. 16, 1998.
? Iowa collected 19 steals against SIUE, 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

BENCH SUCCESS
Iowa’s bench has provided a spark the first seven games. The Hawkeye reserves have outscored opponent bench players, 223-84. Iowa’s bench averages 31.9 points per contest, compared to 12 for the opposition.

Iowa has a balanced offensive attack with seven players averaging six points or more per contest. So far this year, Iowa has the most balanced attack since the 2003-04 season when six players averaged eight points or more.

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 (13.9) and steals (2.86) and fifth in rebounding (4.0).

May has been shooting the ball extremely well, making 54.2% (39-72) 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. He followed up that performance with six steals at Wake Forest. For the season, he has accumulated 20 steals, 14 shy of his season total in 32 games a year ago.

MCCABE SOLID OUT OF THE GATES
Zach McCabe has looked good in his first seven games in a Hawkeye uniform. The freshman, who is averaging over 24 minutes per contest, ranks second in team scoring (10.3) and rebounding (5.7). He led the team in scoring three times (UL Monroe, Alabama and SIUE) and rebounding three times (Alabama, Long Beach State and Wake Forest). McCabe was credited with nine points and eight rebounds in Iowa’s last game at Wake Forest.

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 seven free throws a game more than last year’s average, a differential that ranks second best in the Big Ten.

CRUNCH TIME FREE THROWS
Iowa has had improved free throw shooting down the stretch. The Hawkeyes shoot at a 77% clip (17-22) with under five minutes remaining in games. Overall, Iowa shoots 67% (108-161) 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 vs. SIUE (Nov. 26). The native of Compton, Calif., had 11 points, four assists and two steals. In Iowa’s last contest at Wake Forest, he scored 10 of his 13 points in the second half and dished out a game-high five assists.

Cartwright, now a starter in Cully Payne’s absence, ranks third in team scoring (9.9), first in assists (23) and second in steals (8).

MARBLE FINDING HIS TOUCH
Roy Devyn Marble, who is averaging 18 minutes off the bench, has found his shooting touch. The freshman is averaging 9.7 points and 3.7 rebounds the last three games. During that stretch, he is shooting 50% (10-20) from the field and 82% (9-11) from the foul line.

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 five 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. Against SIUE, he totaled 12 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Gatens collected six points and four assists at Wake Forest.

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.

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 219 straight games.

BIG TEN WINS ACC/BIG TEN CHALLENGE
For the second straight season, the Big Ten won the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, 6-5. Michigan, Wisconsin, Northwestern, Illinois, Ohio State and Purdue notched victories for the Big Ten. Wake Forest, Duke, Boston College, Virginia and Maryland recorded wins for the ACC.

IOWA IN CARVER-HAWKEYE ARENA
Iowa has compiled a 342-104 (.766) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena since the facility opened in January, 1983. Iowa is 159-83 (.657) in Big Ten games and 183-21 (.897) in non-Big Ten contests.

HAWKEYES ARE TOUGH AT HOME
Iowa has won 66 of its 89 games (.742) in Carver-Hawkeye Arena (15,500) over the last six 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. Iowa was a perfect 17-0 at home in 2006, 14-2 in 2007, 10-8 in 2008, 13-4 in 2009 and 9-9 a year ago.

IOWA IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT
Iowa made its 22nd appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2006. Iowa earned the Big Ten Conference’s automatic bid by virtue of claiming the league’s tournament title. The Hawkeyes hold an overall record of 27-24 in the tournament, advancing to the Final Four in 1955 (fourth), 1956 (second) and 1980 (fourth). Iowa reached the regional championship in 1987 and lost in the regional semi-final in 1988 and 1999.

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.

“HAWK TALK WITH Fran McCaffery”
University of Iowa basketball fans may join Iowa Coach Fran McCaffery and radio announcer Gary Dolphin during the season for the “Hawk Talk with Fran McCaffery” radio call-in show. The show takes place each Monday at Carlos O’Kelly’s Mexican Cafe in Iowa City from 7-8:30 p.m. The first show is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 6.

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 remains home for consecutive in-state contests against Northern Iowa (Dec. 7) and Iowa State (Dec. 10). The Hawkeyes will then play its final non-conference road game at Drake (Dec. 18).