Iowa Opens Conference Play Wednesday vs. Illinois

Dec. 26, 2010

THE SETTING
The Iowa Hawkeyes (7-5, 0-0) open Big Ten Conference play at home Wednesday against 21st-ranked Illinois (10-3, 0-0). Tip-off is slated for 8:06 p.m. in Carver-Hawkeye Arena (15,500). The Hawkeyes have won four of their last five contests, while the Fighting Illini have lost two straight after winning 10 of its first 11 to start the season.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for youths and UI students. Wednesday is “Dollar Hot Dog Night” and “Men’s Basketball Trading Card Night”.

IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,575 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Iowa’s overall record is 1,483-1,092 (.576). That includes a 939-341 (.733) record in home games, a 544-700 (.437) record in contests away from Iowa City, a 699-704 (.498) mark in Big Ten games and a 345-105 (.767) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa is one win from notching Big Ten victory No. 700.

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 Sirius (Ch. 122) and XM (Ch. 143) Satellite Radio.
TV: Wednesday’s Big Ten opener game will be televised nationally on the Big Ten Network. Gus Johnson and former Hawkeye Kenyon Murray will call the action from Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

OPENING THE CONFERENCE SEASON
Iowa is 8-5 in Big Ten Conference opening games over the last 13 years, but 1-5 the last six. The Hawkeyes began Big Ten play a year ago with a 67-56 loss to fourth-ranked Purdue.

Fran McCaffery coached teams are 9-5, including winning the last six, in the first conference game of the season. Furthermore, McCaffery coached teams (Lehigh, UNC Greensboro and Siena) are a perfect 6-0 in league home openers.

IMPROVED STATISTICS
Comparing statistics through 12 games last year to this season, Iowa is putting up improved numbers. The Hawkeyes are averaging 6.1 more points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. Additionally, the Hawkeye defense is allowing 61.1 points this season, compared to 65.6 points a year ago.

PAINT JOB
Iowa has taken advantage of strong post play through 12 games in 2010. The Hawkeyes are averaging 30 points per game in the paint. Iowa has scored 30 or more paint points seven times this season, including five of the last eight contests. The Black and Gold were credited with 38 points in the paint in three consecutive contests (SIUE, Wake Forest and Idaho State). A year ago, the Hawkeyes averaged 23.9 points in the paint through its first 12 games.

DEFENSE STEPS UP IN VICTORIES
Defense has been key in Iowa’s seven victories this season. Hawkeye opponents average only 48.4 points, shooting 34% from the field, including 22% from 3-point territory, in the seven Iowa wins. Furthermore, Iowa averages 10 steals in victories.

HAWKEYES CRUISE TO FINAL NON-CONFERENCE VICTORY
A strong second half lifted the Iowa Hawkeyes to a 77-58 non-conference win over Louisiana Tech in Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Dec. 21. The win was Iowa’s fourth in five games.

Four Hawkeye starters scored in double figures, led by junior Matt Gatens’ season-high 22 points. Junior point guard Bryce Cartwright netted a season-high 19 points, while senior Jarryd Cole and sophomore Eric May each contributed 10. Cole also pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds to post his fifth career double-double and second of the season.

Iowa knocked down nine 3-pointers, one shy of a season high. The Hawkeyes also made their free throws, sinking a season-best 78.3% (18-23), including their last 10 with under five minutes remaining in the game.

IOWA, LOUISIANA TECH POSTGAME NOTES
? Jarryd Cole pulled down 12 rebounds, marking the fourth straight game a Hawkeye grabbed double-digit rebounds. Cole corralled 15 boards in Iowa’s victory over UNI Dec. 7 and 11 at Drake Dec. 18, while Melsahn Basabe snagged 14 vs. Iowa State Dec. 10.
? Matt Gatens scored 15 of his 22 points from 3-point territory. His five triples equaled a personal best (five vs. Michigan last season). Gatens scored his other seven points from the free throw line (7-8).
? Bryce Cartwright’s 19 points was one point from tying a career high (20 vs. Cal Poly in 2008). Also, he pulled down six rebounds matching a career high, which coincidentally was previously accomplished vs. Louisiana Tech in 2009 when he was a freshman at Fresno State.
? In addition to posting a double-double, Jarryd Cole matched a career high with three steals.
? Despite being outrebounded by six at halftime (23-17), Iowa ultimately outrebounded Louisiana Tech by two (34-28). The Hawkeyes have owned the glass in all but one game this season (Long Beach State).
? Louisiana Tech also shot the ball well from the charity stripe. The Bulldogs made their first 10 attempts and finished 11-14 (.786) from the foul line.

McCAFFERY AFTER THE LOUISIANA TECH GAME
“I’m very proud of my team right now. We just beat a very good basketball team. A team that came in here with nine wins. I will tell you this, Jarryd Cole’s performance was one of the gutsiest that I’ve been around. He was sick all night. We had to put an IV in him at noon. Has not eaten anything in about a day and a half and he gives us a double-double.

And we were down six on the glass at half and end up, up eight. Melsahn is sick, as well. You can kind of tell that by how he played in the first half. But in the second half three big hoops, some rebounds, two blocks. I’m proud of him, as well.”

ALL-TIME SERIES
Illinois holds a 78-66 advantage in the series that began with a 46-36 Iowa win in 1908. The Illini have won six of the last seven against the Hawkeyes, including four straight. Iowa’s last victory over Illinois came on March 3, 2007, (60-53) in Iowa City.

Iowa holds a 52-19 advantage in games played in Iowa City, including a 17-9 margin in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The teams have split the last four meetings in Iowa City.

The teams have never met at a neutral site.

SCOUTING ILLINOIS
After starting the season 10-1, Illinois has lost its last two games, both away from Champaign, played on on neutral courts. The Illini lost to Illinois-Chicago (57-54) in a contest played at the United Center, in Chicago, on Dec. 18 and 75-64 to Missouri in a game played at the Scottrade Center, in St. Louis, on Dec. 22.

In their last contest, senior Mike Davis netted a game-high 17 points, while senior Demetri McCamey added 14. Senior Mike Tisdale was one point from recording a double-double with nine points and 13 rebounds. The Tigers outscored the Illini 19-5 at the foul line, while Illinois outrebounded Missouri by nine (46-37).

Illinois ranks second in the Big Ten in blocked shots (5.54), third in 3-point percentage (.397), fourth in assists (17.23) and 3-point field goal percentage defense (.299), and fifth in scoring (76.4).

McCamey ranks second in conference assists (7.08), fourth in 3-point percentage (.492, 29-59) and assist/turnover ratio (2.71), and ninth in scoring (15.7). Tisdale ranks sixth in the Big Ten in free throw percentage (.816, 31-38) and seventh in rebounding (7.5). Sophomore D.J. Richardson ranks seventh in the league in 3-pointers made (2.31). Four of Illinois’ starters average double digits in scoring: McCamey (15.7), Richardson (11.6), Davis (10.8) and Tisdale (10.2). Freshman Jereme Richmond averages 7.6 points and started his first career game in Illinois’ last outing vs. Missouri.

Illinois, who will be playing its third consecutive game away from home Wednesday, has played six games away from Champaign, five of which have been played on neutral courts. The Illini are 1-0 in true road contests this season, beating Western Michigan (78-63) on Nov. 27.

ILLINOIS COACH BRUCE WEBER
Bruce Weber is in his eighth season as the head coach at Illinois, but he was no stranger to Big Ten basketball when he accepted the position. Weber was an assistant coach at Purdue from 1981-98 before taking over as the head coach at Southern Illinois prior to the 1998-99 season. Weber is in his 13th year as a head coach and his career mark stands at 286-129 (.689), including a 183-75 (.709) record at Illinois and a 103-54 mark in his five seasons at Southern Illinois. Weber also served as an assistant coach for one season at Western Kentucky (under Gene Keady) before his stint at Purdue.

Weber guided Illinois to the Big Ten regular season title in his first year in Champaign in 2004. Illinois swept the Big Ten regular season and tournament titles in 2005 while advancing to the NCAA championship game, concluding the year with a 37-2 record. The Fighting Illini reached the championship game of the 2008 Big Ten Tournament. In 2009, Illinois posted a 24-10 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance, falling to Western Kentucky in the first round. Illinois reached the NIT Quarterfinals a year ago, finishing with a 21-15 record.

Weber led Southern Illinois to three post-season appearances in his five years, including NCAA Tournament invitations in 2002 and 2003. The Salukis earned Missouri Valley Conference titles in both 2002 and 2003 and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2002.

IOWA, ILLINOIS TIP-INS
? Five of Iowa’s seven wins have come by margins of 10 points or more, while three of its defeats have come by six points or less, including two by three points.
? After not playing a non-conference ranked opponent, five of Iowa’s first six Big Ten games will come against ranked opponents: Illinois (21), Purdue (13), Minnesota (16) and twice against Ohio State (2). Iowa has won 10 of its last 19 home games against ranked opponents.
? Iowa ranks 35th in the country in fewest fouls per game (16.25), 36th in rebounding margin (6.4) and 46th in 3-point field goal percentage defense (.292). Illinois ranks 17th in assists (17.2), 18th in 3-point field goal percentage (.397), 23rd in blocks (5.5), 24th in assist/turnover ratio (1.3) and 33rd in turnover margin (3.7). Illinois senior Demetri McCamey ranks fourth nationally in assists per contest (7.1) and 23rd in assist/turnover ratio (2.71).
? Illinois’ roster is comprised of 13 student-athletes. The 13-player roster consists of four seniors, one junior, three sophomores, two redshirt freshmen and three true freshmen. Ten players hail from Illinois, and one each from Virginia, Missouri and Montreal, Canada.
? Illinois is the only team Iowa has not played at least once in the Big Ten Conference post-season tournament.
? Iowa and Illinois are two of the five Big Ten teams that have won more than one Big Ten Conference Tournament. Iowa claimed the title in 2001 and 2006, and lost in the title game in 2002. Illinois earned the title in 2003 and 2005. The fighting Illini were also in the title game in 1999, 2000, 2004 and 2008.

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).

DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE
Iowa has had three players post double-doubles: Jarryd Cole (2), Devon Archie and Melsahn Basabe. Iowa and Minnesota are the only Big Ten teams to accomplish that feat. Illinois, Ohio State, Wisconsin and Michigan have had two players collect double-doubles.

Archie and Basabe each recorded their first double-double this season. Archie was credited with 10 points and 11 rebounds vs. Xavier (Nov. 19), while Basabe collected 12 points and 14 rebounds against Iowa State (Dec. 10). Cole notched his double-doubles vs. Northern Iowa (Dec. 7) with 10 points and 15 boards and against Louisiana Tech (Dec. 21) with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Cole is one of 10 Big Ten players with multiple double-doubles.

IOWA IN CARVER-HAWKEYE ARENA
Iowa has compiled a 345-105 (.767) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena since the facility opened in January, 1983. Iowa is 159-83 (.657) in Big Ten games and 186-22 (.894) in non-Big Ten contests.

HAWKEYES ARE TOUGH AT HOME
Iowa has won 69 of its 93 games (.742) in Carver-Hawkeye Arena (15,500) over the last seven 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.

BENCH SUCCESS
Iowa’s bench has provided a spark the first 12 games. The Hawkeye reserves have outscored opponent bench players, 297-136. Iowa’s bench averages 24.8 points per contest, compared to only 11.3 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.

BASABE COMING ON STRONG
Melsahn Basabe has had a strong showing in Iowa’s last five games. The freshman from Glen Cove, NY, is averaging 10 points and 6.6 rebounds the last five contests. Basabe is shooting 20-36 (.556) from the field during the five-game span.

Basabe had three solid performances against in-state competition (Northern Iowa, Iowa State and Drake). The rookie averaged 11.7 points and 8.7 rebounds in those three contests. He shot 54.5% (12-22) from the field and blocked a career-high seven shots against Iowa State, which is the third-most total by a Hawkeye in a single game. He had 14 points and seven rebounds vs. Northern Iowa and nine points and five boards at Drake.

Basabe is Iowa’s overall leading rebounder (6.3) and shot blocker (18).

MCCABE SOLID OUT OF THE GATES
Zach McCabe has looked good in his first 12 games in a Hawkeye uniform. The rookie, who is averaging 22 minutes, ranks fourth in team scoring (8.6) and third in rebounding (4.8) off the bench. McCabe is Iowa’s second-best free throw shooter, making 80% (24-30) of his attempts. He led the team in scoring three times (UL Monroe, Alabama and SIUE) and rebounding three times (Alabama, Long Beach State and Wake Forest).

IOWA VS. RANKED TEAMS
Wednesday will be Iowa’s first contest this season against a ranked opponent. In fact, the Hawkeyes will play their first three league games against ranked foes.

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.

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 has attempted over seven 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 (179) more free throws than its opponents have attempted (173), which is a staple of a Fran McCaffery coached team.

HAWKEYE FRESHMEN MAKING THEIR MARK
Zach McCabe and Melsahn Basabe are two of five Big Ten rookies to amass at least 100 points and 55 rebounds. McCabe has accumulated 103 points and 58 rebounds, while Basabe has 102 points and 76 boards. Others on the list include: Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger with 210 points and 121 rebounds and Deshaun Thomas with 132 points and 76 boards, and Michigan Jordan Morgan, who has 115 points and 82 boards.

Basabe ranks first among conference rookies in blocks (1.5), third in rebounding (6.3) and sixth in scoring (8.5). McCabe ranks sixth in rebounding (4.8) and fifth in scoring (8.6).

GATENS RETURNING TO FORM
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 missed Iowa’s first two games (South Dakota State and UL Monroe), but returned to the lineup on Nov. 19.

Gatens looks to have regained his shooting touch. In his last three games, he is averaging 18.7 points and three rebounds. He is 11-13 (.846) from the free throw line and 46% (11-24) from distance during the three-game stretch.

Gatens netted a team-high 15 points against Iowa State (Dec. 10). He sank his first four field goals, including three triples against the Cyclones. At Drake (Dec. 18), he scored a game-high 19 points. He followed up that game with an even better performance, netting a game and season-high 22 points, which marked the seventh time in his career he eclipsed the 20-point plateau.

Despite his slow start, he now ranks first in team scoring (11.7) and free throw percentage (.875, 28-32), and second in assists (25). Furthermore, Gatens ranks second in the league in free throw shooting.

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.

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 223 straight games.

HAWKEYES IN BIG TEN RANKINGS
Iowa ranks third in Big Ten rebounding (39.8), rebounding margin (+6.4) and 3-point field goal percentage defense (.292), second in offensive rebounding (13.42), and fourth in steals (8.25).

Individually, Eric May ranks first in steals (2.0) and seventh in 3-point accuracy (.455, 15-33). Matt Gatens ranks first in free throw accuracy (.875, 28-32). Melsahn Basabe ranks sixth in field goal percentage (.549, 39-71) and blocks (1.5), and 13th in rebounding (6.3). Bryce Cartwright ranks seventh in assists (4.42).

MAY DAY
After a fantastic rookie season, Eric May has carried his strong play into his sophomore campaign. May ranks second in team scoring (11.2), first in steals (2.0) and fourth in rebounding (4.3).

May has been shooting the ball extremely well, making 46% (53-116) of his field goal attempts, including 45.5% (15-33) from 3-point range. 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 steals and seventh in 3-point percentage. Furthermore, he ranks 44th in the country in steals.

The native of Dubuque, Iowa, scored 13 points and amassed a game and personal-high seven steals in Iowa’s 111-50 win 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 24 steals, 10 shy of his season total in 32 games a year ago.

COLE CLEANING THE BOARDS
Jarryd Cole has improved his play the last four games. Cole posted double-doubles twice during that span, collecting 10 points and 15 rebounds vs. Northern Iowa (Dec. 7) and 10 points and 12 boards against Louisiana Tech (Dec. 21). The Kansas City, Mo., native snagged a game-high 11 boards at Drake (Dec. 18). Cole has five career double-doubles, two this season.

Cole has led the Hawkeyes in rebounding in four of Iowa’s last five contests. In fact, his 15 rebounds vs. Northern Iowa are the fourth most by a Big Ten student-athlete this season (19 by Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger vs. South Carolina and 16 vs. UNC-Asheville; 16 by Minnesota’s Trevore Mbakwe vs. Cornell and St. Joseph’s). Furthermore, the 15 boards are the most by a Hawkeye since Greg Brunner snagged 23 vs. Minnesota on Jan. 18, 2006.

PAYNE SIDELINED DUE TO INJURY
Cully Payne, who started his first 37 games as a Hawkeye at point guard, is out indefinitely due to a sports hernia. Payne had successful surgery Nov. 30. 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 has taken over the starting spot at point guard. Expect Roy Devyn Marble and Jordan Stoermer to also see minutes at point guard during Payne’s absence.

HAWKEYE FAST BREAKS
? Iowa has seen an increase in its attendance numbers compared to last year. Compared to the first seven home games a year ago, the Hawkeyes are averaging 2,220 more fans than a year ago. Iowa averaged 8,703 fans the first seven home games last season, compared to 10,923 this year.
? Iowa is a perfect 7-0 when holding opponents to 60 points or less, 7-1 when having a better field goal percentage than the opposition, 6-1 when having a better 3-point percentage, 6-2 when having more steals and 5-1 when dishing out more assists.
? Eric May and Zach McCabe have been Iowa’s most accurate shooters through 11 games. The duo have combined to shoot 42.3% (30-71) from beyond the arc. The rest of the Hawkeyes are shooting a combined 27.6% (37-134).
? Zach McCabe is the only Hawkeye to have fouled out of a contest this season. He has fouled out of three games (Xavier, Iowa State and Louisiana Tech).
? Iowa’s six freshmen average a combined 25.8 points per game, an average that ranks third best in the Big Ten behind Ohio State (37.9) and Michigan (33.3). Two of Michigan’s freshmen are redshirts.
? Iowa’s 111 points and 19 steals against SIU-Edwardsville (SIUE) are the most by a Big Ten team this season. Additionally, Iowa’s free throws made (27) against SIUE rank second most in a single-game by a Big Ten team this season.
? 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 win 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.
? Melsahn Basabe rejected seven shots vs. Iowa State, a total that equals the third most in a game by a Hawkeye.

CARTWRIGHT ON POINT
Bryce Cartwright has started the last seven games at point guard since starter Cully Payne had surgery to repair a sports hernia.

The 6-1 guard ranks third in team scoring (10.3), first in assists (53) and third in steals (13). As a starter, he is averaging 11.3 points, 5.6 assists and 3.o rebounds.

Cartwright’s talents began to emerge in Iowa’s last game of the Paradise Jam (Nov. 22) against Long Beach State. 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.

The point guard had one of his best games as a Hawkeye Dec. 21 against Louisiana Tech with his father in the stands. Cartwright scored a season-high 19 points, one shy of a career high, dished out a game-high seven assists and matched a personal best with six rebounds.

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. At Wake Forest, he scored 10 of his 13 points in the second half and dished out a game-high five assists. Against Idaho State, Cartwright posted game highs in points (15) and assists (8). The eight helpers matched a personal best. He followed up that performance with six dimes in Iowa’s victory over in-state rival Northern Iowa. Cartwright dished out a game-high seven assists against Iowa State.

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).

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.

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 will receive its first of two “byes” this weekend before returning to action Jan. 4 against Ohio State. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. (CT) inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The game against the Buckeyes will conclude a stretch of playing six of seven home games.