Hawkeyes Host Second-Ranked Ohio State Tuesday

Jan. 3, 2011

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PARDON OUR PROGRESS! As friends of the UI and fans 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 of game day. If your schedule doesn’t allow for an advance purchase, we recommend you consider arriving at the Arena a little earlier than originally planned. Go Hawks!

THE SETTING
The Iowa Hawkeyes (7-6, 0-1) remain home to face their second straight ranked opponent as second-ranked, and undefeated, Ohio State (14-0, 1-0) visits Iowa City. Tip-off is slated for 8:06 p.m. (CT) in Carver-Hawkeye Arena (15,500).

The Hawkeyes have won four of their last six contests, but lost their conference opener, 87-77, to Illinois last Wednesday. Tuesday will conclude a stretch of playing six of seven home games for the Hawkeyes.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for youths and UI students.

IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,576 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Iowa’s overall record is 1,483-1,093 (.576). That includes a 939-342 (.733) record in home games, a 544-700 (.437) record in contests away from Iowa City, a 699-705 (.498) mark in Big Ten games and a 345-106 (.765) 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: Tuesday’s Big Ten opener game will be televised nationally on the Big Ten Network. Dave Revsine and Jim Jackson will call the action from Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

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).

IMPROVED STATISTICS
Comparing statistics through 13 games last year to this season, Iowa is putting up improved numbers. The Hawkeyes are averaging 7.3 more points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.8 steals and 1.0 blocks. Additionally, the Hawkeye defense is allowing 63.1 points this season, compared to 65.7 points a year ago.

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.

HOT SHOOTING PROPELS ILLINOIS OVER IOWA IN OPENER
Illinois shot 67% (32-48) from the field, including a staggering 72% (13-18) from long distance to lift the Illini to an 87-77 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes in the conference opener in Iowa City on Dec. 29. The game was played in front of a sellout crowd of 15,500 fans in Carver-Hawkeye Arena, marking Iowa’s first sellout since March 1, 2008.

The Illini made their first seven 3-pointers and scored 16 consecutive points midway through the first half to build a comfortable cushion. The Hawkeyes fought back in the second half cutting a 19-point deficit to six with 8:21 remaining but were unable to get any closer.

For the sixth time this year, four Hawkeye starters netted double figures, paced by Matt Gatens’ game-high 21 points. Bryce Cartwright scored 13, Eric May contributed 12 and Jarryd Cole 10. Cole was one rebound shy of another double-double, pulling down a game-high nine boards.

IOWA, ILLINOIS POSTGAME NOTES
? Matt Gatens scored 15 of his 21 points from 3-point territory. His five triples equaled a personal best. In fact, he has drained five triples in back-to-back contests (Louisiana Tech and Illinois). Gatens, who scored a season-high 22 points in Iowa’s last game, posted back-to-back 20-plus points for the first time in his career.
? Matt Gatens played all 40 minutes, the first Hawkeye to play an entire game this season. The junior has played 40 minutes or more 13 times in his career.
? Iowa entered the conference opener ranking third in the Big Ten in 3-point percentage defense (.292). Illinois shot a blistering 72.2% (13-18) from 3-point territory.
? Iowa struggled from the free throw line, making only 53% (8-15) of its attempts, including 5-10 (.500) the final nine minutes.
? Melsahn Basabe, who entered Wednesday’s game averaging 23 minutes, 8.5 points and 6.3 rebounds, was limited to just 12 minutes of action, four points and two rebounds. The freshman was still in the process of recovering from an illness.
? Iowa grabbed 15 offensive rebounds and converted second chance opportunities into 20 points.
? Five Illinois players’ scored double figures, paced by Demetri McCamey’s 20 points. He scored 14 of his 20 points in the second half and finished with a double-double, dishing out a game-high 10 assists.

ALL-TIME SERIES
Iowa holds a 75-72 advantage over Ohio State in the series that began with a 17-16 Ohio State win in 1915. The Buckeyes beat the Hawkeyes twice a year ago: 65-57 in Iowa City and 68-58 in Columbus. Ohio State has won four straight and six of the last seven meetings. Iowa’s last victory over the Buckeyes came on Feb. 2, 2008 (53-48) in Iowa City.

Seventeen of the last 24 meetings have been decided by 10 points or less, with 11 decisions by five points or less.

Iowa holds a 47-24 overall advantage in Iowa City and a 17-9 record vs. the Buckeyes in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa had won four straight at Iowa City before the Buckeyes won 60-58 in 2009.

Ohio State has won three of five neutral site meetings, with the teams splitting four meetings in the Big Ten Conference Tournament. The Buckeyes won a conference playoff game at the conclusion of the 1968 season at West Lafayette, IN.

SCOUTING OHIO STATE
Ohio State comes to Iowa City undefeated and ranked second in the nation. The Buckeyes are coming off an 85-67 victory at Indiana on Dec. 31. Four Buckeyes scored in double figures, led by junior William Buford (24 points) and freshman Jared Sullinger (19 points, 9 rebounds). Ohio State shot a blistering 60.5% (23-38) from the field, including 68.4% (13-19) from 3-point territory. Buford was 5-7 (.714) while senior Jon Diebler was a perfect 5-5 (1.000) from distance against the Hoosiers.

Ohio State has yet to play a close game this season. The Buckeyes’ closest contest was an 11-point win (75-64) over IUPUI on Dec. 9.

The Buckeyes will be playing only their third road game Tuesday after starting the season with a home-dominated schedule. Ohio State played twice in the state of Florida, beating the Gators (93-75) in Gainesville Nov. 16 and Florida State (58-44) in Tallahassee Nov. 30. The Buckeyes will be playing their second straight road game, after winning at Indiana Friday afternoon.

Five Buckeyes average double figures. Sullinger averages a double-double, 17.6 points and 10.1 rebounds, ranking sixth and first in the Big Ten, respectively. He has six double-doubles this season, ranking 23rd in the country. Buford averages 14.2 points, followed by senior David Lighty (12.8), Diebler (12.4) and rookie Deshaun Thomas (11.4). Diebler is the Buckeyes’ main 3-point threat, ranking eighth in the nation (.512, 44-86). Senior center Dallas Lauderdale averages a Big Ten-best 2.36 blocks to go along with 5.2 points and 5.1 rebounds. His 2.36 blocks rank 25th-best in the country.

Ohio State averages 82.8 points, while allowing only 54.7. Their scoring defense ranks fourth-best in the country. The Buckeyes shoot 50% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. Ohio State boasts a 1.7 assist/turnover ratio that is sixth-best nationally.

OHIO STATE COACH THAD MATTA
Thad Matta is in his seventh season as the head coach at Ohio State and his 11th year overall as a college head coach. Ohio State posted a 29-8 mark a year ago, shared the regular season conference championship, won the Big Ten Tournament and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16. In 2009, the Buckeyes went 22-11 and competed in the NCAA Tournament, falling to Coach McCaffery and Siena in the first round (74-72). The Buckeyes were 35-4 in 2007, advancing to the title game in the NCAA Tournament before falling to Florida (84-75). The Buckeyes posted a 26-6 record in 2006, winning the Big Ten title (12-4) by one game over Iowa and Illinois. After a loss to Iowa in the 2006 Big Ten Tournament championship game the Buckeyes claimed both the regular season and tournament titles in 2007.

Matta led Ohio State to a 20-12 record in his first season in Columbus in 2005. He has won 20 games in each of his 10 seasons as a head coach. His career mark stands at 272-85 (.762) and he is 170-54 (.759) at Ohio State.

Matta joined the Ohio State staff after serving as the head coach at Xavier for three seasons. He posted a 78-23 record in three seasons at Xavier (2002-04) and had a one-year record of 24-8 as Butler’s head coach in 2000-01, taking his alma mater to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Matta was the 2006 and 2007 Big Ten Coach of the Year. He was also the 2001 Midwestern Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year as Butler won regular season and post-season tournament titles. In 2002 he led Xavier to regular season and post-season tournament titles in the Atlantic 10 Conference and was named Coach of the Year. He was a 2003 Naismith National Coach of the Year finalist and he was the 2004 Ohio Coach of the Year.

Matta is 7-4 vs. Iowa and 1-1 vs. Coach Fran McCaffery.

IOWA, OHIO STATE TIP-INS
? The last time an Iowa team defeated a team ranked as high as second in the nation was in 2001. The Hawkeyes beat second-ranked Missouri, 83-65, in Columbia on Dec. 15, 2001. The last time Iowa beat the top-ranked team in the country was in 1999. The Hawkeyes clipped Connecticut, 70-68, on Nov. 11, 1999 in Steve Alford’s first game as Iowa’s head coach.
? At the same time of Tuesday night’s basketball game between Iowa and Ohio State, the Buckeye football team will be playing Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl.
? Iowa’s last opponent, Illinois, was 13-18 (.722) from 3-point territory. The Hawkeyes’ next opponent, Ohio State, sank 13-19 (.684) at Indiana in its last contest.
? 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 (23), Purdue (13), Minnesota (16) and twice against Ohio State (2). Iowa has won 10 of its last 20 home games against ranked opponents.
? Both teams do not get whistled for many personal fouls. Ohio State ranks second (13.8) in the nation, while Iowa ranks 35th (16.2).
? Coach McCaffery has coached against Ohio State twice before. Coach McCaffery took his UNC Greensboro team to Columbus in 2001, falling 85-54. Just two seasons ago, Coach McCaffery’s Siena team edged the Buckeyes (74-72) in the first round of the 2009 NCAA Tournament.
? Ohio State’s roster is comprised of 13 student-athletes. The roster consists of four seniors, three juniors and six freshmen. Nine players hail from Ohio, and one each from Florida, Illinois, Indiana and Serbia.
? Seven teams already have at least one loss in Big Ten play (Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Northwestern, Penn State and Wisconsin).

IOWA VS. RANKED TEAMS
Tuesday will be Iowa’s second contest against a ranked opponent this year. Iowa fell, 87-77, to No. 23 Illinois last Wednesday in Iowa City. In fact, the Hawkeyes will play their first three league games against ranked foes.

Iowa has lost 19 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.

ACTION AT THE END
Seven recent games between Iowa and Ohio State have been decided in the final seconds. Here is how those games ended: ? Ohio State held on at the end for a 60-58 win at Iowa City March 3, 2009. The game featured 10 ties and 14 lead changes. OSU scored the winning basket with 2:09 remaining on a jumper by Evan Turner. The teams traded turnovers before Iowa missed a three-point shot with 55 seconds remaining. Iowa had a chance to tie in the closing seconds, but OSU’s Dallas Lauderdale blocked a lay-up attempt with seven seconds remaining. Iowa had one final shot after OSU missed a free throw, but a final 3-point shot was off target at time expired.
? Ohio State won 68-65 when the teams met Dec. 31 in Columbus. Jake Kelly gave Iowa a 65-64 advantage with a 3-point basket with 3:31 remaining, before OSU reclaimed the lead on two Evan Turner free throws with 3:17 to play. Iowa missed the first of a one-and-one free throw opportunity with 1:27 left and OSU leading 67-65, then missed 3-point shots in the final minute that could have forced an overtime period.
? Iowa won 67-62 in Iowa City in 2006, hitting four free throws in the final 24 seconds. OSU did not score a field goal in the final six minutes and had a costly turnover when trailing by three points in the last minute.
? Iowa won 74-72 in Iowa City in 2005 on a Jeff Horner basket with 3.4 seconds remaining.
? OSU won 66-64 on March 13, 2003 when Brent Darby scored in the final seconds at the Big Ten Tournament in Chicago.
? OSU won 69-68 on Feb. 7, 2001 in Iowa City. OSU’s Sean Connolly made two free throws with 25 seconds remaining to give his team a 68-65 lead and Brent Darby added one free throw with four seconds left before Iowa closed the final margin on a 3-point basket by Dean Oliver at the buzzer.
? Iowa won 67-64 on Feb. 9, 2000 in Columbus when Kyle Galloway hit a 3-pointer from deep in the corner in the final seconds as Iowa held off a furious Buckeye rally.

DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE
Iowa has had three players post double-doubles: Jarryd Cole (2), Devon Archie and Melsahn Basabe. Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota are the only Big Ten teams to accomplish that feat. 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 345-106 (.765) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena since the facility opened in January, 1983. Iowa is 159-84 (.654) in Big Ten games and 186-22 (.894) in non-Big Ten contests.

HAWKEYES ARE TOUGH AT HOME
Iowa has won 69 of its 94 games (.734) 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 13 games. The Hawkeye reserves have outscored opponent bench players, 314-153. Iowa’s bench averages 24.2 points per contest, compared to only 11.8 for the opposition. The Hawkeyes’ bench production ranks second best in the Big Ten behind Michigan State (25.8).

Iowa has a balanced offensive attack with seven players averaging 6.2 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.

PAINT JOB
Iowa has taken advantage of strong post play through 13 games in 2010. The Hawkeyes are averaging 29.8 points per game in the paint. Iowa has scored 30 or more paint points seven times this season. 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 24.2 points in the paint through its first 13 games.

BASABE COMING ON STRONG
Melsahn Basabe has had a strong showing as of late. The freshman from Glen Cove, NY, is averaging 10 points and 6.4 rebounds the last eight contests. Basabe is shooting 31-55 (.564) from the field during the eight-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 leading shot blocker (18) and ranks second in rebounding (6.0).

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 nearly seven more 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 (187) more free throws than its opponents have attempted (186), which is a staple of a Fran McCaffery coached team.

HAWKEYE FRESHMEN MAKING THEIR MARK
Melsahn Basabe ranks first among conference rookies in blocks (1.4), third in rebounding (6.0) and sixth in scoring (8.2). Zach McCabe ranks sixth in rebounding (4.7) and fifth in scoring (8.4).

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.

The Iowa City native played without any type of soft cast or brace on his left hand for the first time since the injury in Iowa’s last game vs. Illinois (Dec. 29).

Gatens looks to have regained his shooting touch. In his last four games, he is averaging 19.3 points and 2.5 rebounds. He is 13-15 (.867) from the free throw line and 47% (16-34) 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. Gatens posted back-to-back 20-plus points for the first time in his career when he poured in 21 points in Iowa’s last contest vs. Illinois. He has eclipsed the 20-point plateau eight times in his career.

Despite his slow start, he now ranks first in team scoring (12.5) and free throw percentage (.882, 30-34), and second in assists (29). 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.

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 (1.8) and fourth in rebounding (4.2).

May has been shooting the ball extremely well, making 46% (56-124) of his field goal attempts, including 45.9% (17-37) from 3-point range. May missed only two 3-point attempts in three games at the Paradise Jam (6-8, .750). He ranks second in the Big Ten in steals and sixth in 3-point percentage.

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.

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 224 straight games.

COLE CLEANING THE BOARDS
Jarryd Cole has improved his play the last five 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 averaged 8.3 points and 10.7 rebounds the last three contests.

Cole has led the Hawkeyes in rebounding in five of Iowa’s last six 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.

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

The 6-1 guard ranks third in team scoring (10.5), first in assists (58) and third in steals (14). As a starter, he is averaging 11.5 points, 5.5 assists and 3.0 rebounds. Cartwright has been credited with five assists or more in six of Iowa’s last seven games. He ranks seventh in the Big Ten in assists (4.5).

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 and a team-high five vs. 23rd-ranked Illinois.

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.

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 FAST BREAKS
? Iowa has seen an increase in its attendance numbers compared to last year. Compared to the first eight home games a year ago, the Hawkeyes are averaging 2,217 more fans than a year ago. Iowa averaged 9,278 fans the first eight home games last season, compared to 11,495 this year.
? Iowa has had a player post double-digit rebounds in four of its last five contests. Jarryd Cole pulled down 12 rebounds against Louisiana Tech (Dec. 21). 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). Cole had nine boards in Iowa’s last game vs. Illinois (Dec. 29).
? 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 and 5-1 when dishing out more assists.
? 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 23.7 points per game, an average that ranks third best in the Big Ten behind Ohio State (39.3) 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.
? All 11 Big Ten teams finished with a non-conference record of .500 or better for the first time since the 2005-06 season.

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.

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).

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.

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 hit the road and play its first conference road game Sunday, Jan. 9 at Purdue (11 a.m., CT). The Hawkeyes will return to Iowa City on Wednesday, Jan. 12 to host Northwestern (7:30 p.m.). The game against Northwestern is “Jarryd Cole Bobblehead Night”.