Iowa to Play Conference Road Opener at Purdue

Jan. 7, 2011

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THE SETTING
Iowa (7-7, 0-2) hits the road this weekend for their its conference road game opener. The Hawkeyes travel to West Lafayette, Ind. Sunday to face the 10th-ranked Purdue Boilermakers (14-1, 3-0). Tip-off is slated for 11:01 a.m. (CT) in Mackey Arena (14,123).

Sunday begins a stretch of three of four road games for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Sunday will be Iowa’s first game out of the state of Iowa since playing at Wake Forest on Nov. 30, 2010. The Hawkeyes have had only one other road contest since then, at Drake in Des Moines.

IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,577 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Iowa’s overall record is 1,483-1,094 (.575). That includes a 939-343 (.732) record in home games, a 544-700 (.437) record in contests away from Iowa City, a 699-706 (.498) mark in Big Ten games and a 345-107 (.763) 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. 121) and XM (Ch. 141) Satellite Radio.
TV: Sunday’s game will be televised nationally on the Big Ten Network. Tom Hart and Tim Doyle will call the action from Mackey 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 14 games last year to this season, Iowa is putting up improved numbers. The Hawkeyes are averaging 6.4 more points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.6 steals and 1.2 blocks. Additionally, the Hawkeye defense is allowing 63.8 points this season, compared to 67.1 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.

HAWKEYES GIVE SECOND-RANKED OHIO STATE A FIGHT
Iowa gave No. 2 Ohio State all it could handle but came up short in a 73-68 loss to the Buckeyes Tuesday night in Iowa City. The five-point game was the smallest margin of victory this season for the undefeated Buckeyes.

The Hawkeyes played a solid first half, leading by as many as eight points and took a six-point advantage (35-29) into intermission after point guard Bryce Cartwright sank a 3-pointer at the buzzer.

Ohio State rallied in the second half and built a 13-point cushion after going on a 16-0 run midway through the half. The Hawkeyes chipped away at the lead and closed to within three points (71-68) with 28 seconds left but were unable to get any closer.

Two of the Big Ten’s top freshmen showcased their talents. Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger posted 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Iowa’s Melsahn Basabe totaled 22 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks.

Three other Hawkeyes netted double digits in defeat: Jarryd Cole (14), Matt Gatens (14) and Bryce Cartwright (10).

IOWA, OHIO STATE POSTGAME NOTES
? Iowa has had a player score 20-plus points the last three games. Basabe registered 22 points against the Buckeyes, while Matt Gatens collected 21 vs. No. 23 Illinois and a season-best 22 against Louisiana Tech.
? Matt Gatens has sank 14 triples the last three games. He matched a personal high with five treys vs. Louisiana Tech and No. 23 Illinois, while draining four against second-ranked Ohio State. Gatens is shooting 54% (14-26) from long distance the last three outings.
? Ohio State entered Tuesday’s game boasting a +8.5 rebounding margin. Iowa won the rebounding battle by four (34-30). The Hawkeyes have outrebounded their opponents in 12 of 14 games (Long Beach State and Illinois).
? Iowa was 11-14 (.786) from the foul line against the Buckeyes, which is a season best percentage. Melsahn Basabe was 8-11 from the free throw line.
? Bryce Cartwright dished out eight assists, matching a career high. The junior transfer has been credited with five assists or more in seven of the last eight contests.
? After 36 straight starts, including the first 13 contests this season, Eric May did not start or see any action due to an injured groin. Freshman Roy Devyn Marble started his first career game as a Hawkeye in place of May.

ALL-TIME SERIES
Purdue holds an 82-70 advantage in the series that began with a 17-11 Boilermaker win in 1909. Purdue has won seven straight games over Iowa. The Boilermakers have won eight of the last 14 meetings. Iowa’s last victory over Purdue came on Feb. 21, 2007 in Iowa City (78-59).

The Boilermakers hold a 54-21 advantage in games played in West Lafayette. Purdue has won the last three meetings in Mackey Arena. The Hawkeyes’ last victory at Mackey Arena came on Feb. 1, 2006 (77-68).

Iowa and Purdue have met four times at a neutral site, with three of the four meetings taking place in the Big Ten Tournament and two of the four taking place in Indianapolis. Iowa defeated the Boilermakers 71-52 in the 2005 Big Ten Tournament in Chicago and 87-72 in the 2002 Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis. Purdue defeated Iowa in the 2007 event in Chicago, 74-55.

In addition, the Hawkeyes and Boilermakers both advanced to the 1980 Final Four at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis where both lost in the semifinals. A consolation game was played, at that time, and Purdue defeated Iowa, 75-58.

SCOUTING PURDUE
Purdue enters Sunday with a 14-1 record and ranked 10th in the country in the RPI and ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll. The Boilermakers’ lone setback came via Richmond (65-54), a game played in Hoffman Estates, Ill.

Purdue is coming off an 83-68 victory at Penn State Wednesday night. Four starters scored in double figures for the Boilermakers: Ryne Smith (20), Lewis Jackson (17), JaJuan Johnson (15) and Kelsey Barlow (10). Smith scored 15 of his game-high 20 points making all five 3-point attempts. The Boilermakers outrebounded the Nittany Lions by 15 (46-31) and attempted 21 more free throws, making 25 of their 41 attempts (61%).

Purdue has scored 80 points or more six times, including its last three league games (at Michigan, vs. Northwestern and at Penn State). The Boilermakers rank in the top five in 13 Big Ten statistical categories, including first in field goal percentage defense (.389) and 3-point field goal percentage defense (.297). Purdue does an excellent job sharing the basketball, ranking third in Big Ten assists (17.53). In fact, six players have 26 or m­ore helpers, led by Jackson’s 60.

The duo of Johnson (19.6) and E’Twaun Moore (19.3) average 38.9 points per game. Johnson ranks third in the Big Ten, while Moore is fifth. Johnson also ranks second in the league in blocked shots (2.4), and fourth in rebounding (8.5) and minutes played (33.93).

IOWA, PURDUE TIP-INS
? Fran McCaffery’s last game as head coach at Siena was against Purdue in the 2010 NCAA Tournament. The Boilermakers beat the Saints (72-64) in the first round at Spokane, Wash.
? Iowa will play its third consecutive game against a ranked opponent Sunday. The last time the Hawkeyes played back-to-back-to-back contests against ranked opponents was the 2007-08 season when they played consecutive games against #11 Indiana, #24 Wisconsin, #23 Ohio State and #6 Michigan State. Iowa beat the Spartans, but fell to the Hoosiers, Badgers and Buckeyes.
? The last time Iowa played back-to-back top-ten ranked opponents was in November 2005. The Hawkeyes beat #7 Kentucky and lost to #2 Texas at the Guardians Classic in Kansas City.
? Purdue averages 13,709 fans in eight home games. The Boilermakers sold out (14,123) their first six games of the season. Purdue boasts a perfect 8-0 home record in 2010-11.
? 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.
? Purdue and Iowa are two of the best rebounding teams in the Big Ten so far. The Hawkeyes rank third in rebounding margin (+5.7) and the Boilermakers are fourth (+5.3).
? Purdue’s JaJuan Johnson and Iowa’s Melsahn Basabe are tied for first in blocks per Big Ten game (3.0).
? Three of Iowa’s next four games will be away from Iowa City with road games at Purdue (Jan. 9), Minnesota (Jan. 16) and Ohio State (Jan. 19). Iowa will play Northwestern (Jan. 12) at home.
? Jarryd Cole averaged 9.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in two games against Purdue a year ago. E’Twaun Moore scored 21 points vs. Iowa in Iowa City, while JaJuan Johnson had 21 points against the Hawkeyes in West Lafayette in 2010.
? 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 (10), Minnesota (21) and twice against Ohio State (2). Iowa has won 10 of its last 20 home games against ranked opponents.
? Purdue’s roster is comprised of 15 student-athletes. The roster consists of three seniors, three juniors, five sophomores and four freshmen. Eleven players hail from Indiana, two from Illinois and one from Ohio and Croatia.
? Purdue posted a 4-3 record vs. Iowa during the playing career of Boilermaker Coach Matt Painter (1990-93).
? Purdue Associate Head Coach Paul Lusk began his college career at Iowa. Lusk, who had followed his uncle’s footsteps to Iowa, suffered a broken leg early in his Iowa career and completed his playing days at Southern Illinois. Lusk scored over 1,000 points in his three seasons at Southern Illinois. Lusk was also the head coach at the University of Dubuque for one season (2002-03).

PURDUE COACH MATT PAINTER
Matt Painter, a former Boilermaker player under Gene Keady, is in his sixth season as the head coach at Purdue after serving as associate head coach for one season. Painter has a record of 126-57 (.689) at Purdue. He is in his seventh season as a head coach with a 151-62 (.709) record. Painter guided the Boilermakers to their first-ever Big Ten Tournament title, an NCAA Tournament “Sweet 16” appearance and a 27-10 overall record in 2009. Last season, he mentored Purdue to its second straight NCAA Tournament “Sweet 16” appearance, a co-Big Ten regular season championship and a 29-6 record.

He led Purdue to a 9-18 mark in his first season after posting a 25-5 record in one season at Southern Illinois. Painter was the Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year in 2004, leading the Salukis to a 17-1 league record and a No. 15 national ranking. He previously served as an assistant coach at Eastern Illinois (1995-98) and Southern Illinois (1998-2003).

Painter was a four-year (1990-93) letterman at Purdue and was a team captain as a senior. He earned all-Big Ten honorable mention recognition and helped Purdue earn four straight post-season invitations, including three NCAA Tournament invitations.

Painter is 7-2 vs. Iowa and 1-0 vs. Hawkeye Coach Fran McCaffery.

IOWA VS. RANKED TEAMS
Sunday will be Iowa’s third straight contest against a ranked opponent. Iowa fell to No. 23 Illinois (87-77) Dec. 29 and to second-ranked Ohio State (73-68) Jan. 4, both at home. In fact, the Hawkeyes will play five of their first six league games against ranked foes.

Iowa has lost 20 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.

DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE
Iowa has had three players post double-doubles: Devon Archie, Jarryd Cole (2) and Melsahn Basabe (2). 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.

Basabe and Cole are two of 12 Big Ten players with multiple double-doubles.

Archie was credited with 10 points and 11 rebounds vs. Xavier (Nov. 19). Basabe collected 12 points and 14 rebounds against Iowa State (Dec. 10) and a season-high 22 points and 13 rebounds vs. No. 2 Ohio State (Jan. 4). 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.

BENCH SUCCESS
Iowa’s bench has provided a spark the first 14 games. The Hawkeye reserves have outscored opponent bench players, 322-163. Iowa’s bench averages 23 points per contest, compared to only 11.6 for the opposition. The Hawkeye bench production ranks tops in the Big Ten. Furthermore, the +11.4 differential in bench points ranks first in the league.

Iowa has a balanced offensive attack with seven players averaging 5.8 points or more per contest. Iowa has the most balanced attack since the 2003-04 season when six players averaged eight points or more.

SHARM SCHEUERMAN DAY
The Iowa basketball program will recognize former head basketball coach and player Sharm Scheuerman during the Indiana-Iowa basketball game on Sunday, Jan. 23. Scheuerman passed away last summer.

The Iowa Hawkeyes will wear an “SS” patch on their uniform top in his honor. There will be a halftime ceremony recognizing the teammates and players who played for/with him that are present. His wife Kathy will also be in attendance.

Scheuerman, a Rock Island, Ill., native was a member of Iowa’s legendary “Fabulous Five” team in 1956 that ultimately finished as the NCAA runners-up. Iowa won 17 straight games that year, the second-longest streak in school history. The 1955 team also reached the Final Four. A two-sport student-athlete, Scheuerman was also a three-year letterman in baseball.

Under basketball coach Bucky O’Connor, Scheuerman was part of the Iowa Hawkeyes’ “Fabulous Five,” an all-sophomore group of starters who finished second in the Big Ten in 1953-54, then swept the conference to win consecutive Big Ten championships in 1954-55 and 1955-56. The Hawkeyes finished second in the nation in 1956, falling in the NCAA championship game to Bill Russell and the San Francisco Dons. Scheuerman averaged 6.8 points as a sophomore and 8.2 and 10.1 points his junior and senior campaigns, respectively. The 1955 team was the first Iowa team to average over 80 points per contest.

Scheuerman’s number was retired in 1980, along with the numbers of his “Fab Five” teammates: Carl Cain, Bill Logan, Bill Seaberg, and Bill Schoof. He is one of nine Hawkeyes to have his uniform number (No. 46) retired. He was a three-year letterman.

Upon graduation in 1956, Scheuerman took a position as an assistant baseball and basketball coach at Iowa. When Coach O’Connor was tragically killed in a car accident in 1958, Scheuerman was promoted. At 24, he became the youngest head basketball coach in NCAA Division I history. In 1960, Scheuerman placed third in the NCAA National Coach of the Year voting.

BUZZER BEATER
Junior point guard Bryce Cartwright has given his team some excitement and momentum heading into the locker room in four games this season. Cartwright drained first-half buzzer-beater shots against Iowa State, Drake, Illinois and Ohio State.

PAINT JOB
Iowa has taken advantage of strong post play through 14 games. The Hawkeyes are averaging 29.6 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 24.6 points in the paint through its first 14 games.

BASABE COMING ON STRONG
Melsahn Basabe has had a strong showing as of late. The freshman from Glen Cove, NY, is averaging 11.3 points and 7.1 rebounds the last nine contests. Basabe is shooting 38-68 (.559) from the field during the nine-game span. Basabe had a career night in Iowa’s last outing vs. No. 2 Ohio State, collecting 22 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks.

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 (24) and ranks second in rebounding (6.5). He has led the team in rebounding a team-best six games (South Dakota State, UL Monroe, SIUE, Wake Forest, Iowa State and Ohio State).

Basabe is responsible for 63% of Iowa’s blocked shots, rejecting 24 of the team’s 38 blocked shots.

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 (198) more free throws than its opponents have attempted (195), which is a staple of a Fran McCaffery coached team.

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 cast or brace on his left hand for the first time since the injury vs. Illinois (Dec. 29).

Gatens looks to have regained his shooting touch. In his last five games, he is averaging 18.2 points and 2.2 rebounds. He is 13-15 (.867) from the free throw line and 49% (20-41) from distance during the five-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 against Louisiana Tech. Gatens posted back-to-back 20-plus points for the first time in his career when he poured in 21 points vs. 23rd-ranked Illinois. He has eclipsed the 20-point plateau eight times in his career. Gatens has sank 14 triples the last three games. He matched a personal high with five treys vs. Louisiana Tech and Illinois, while draining four against second-ranked Ohio State. Gatens is shooting 54% (14-26) from long distance the last three outings.

Despite the slow start, he ranks first in team scoring (12.7) and free throw percentage (.882, 30-34), and second in assists (31). Furthermore, Gatens ranks first 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.

HAWKEYE FRESHMEN MAKING THEIR MARK
Melsahn Basabe ranks first among conference rookies in blocks (1.71), second in rebounding (6.5) and fourth in scoring (9.1). Zach McCabe ranks sixth in rebounding (4.5) and seventh in scoring (8.4).

Basabe has 24 blocks, while Michigan State’s Adreian Payne ranks second with 15 rejections.

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).

However after 36 straight starts, including the first 13 contests this season, May did not start or see any action in Iowa’s last game vs. No. 2 Ohio State (Jan. 4) due to an injured groin. It is hopeful he will be able to return to action Sunday at No. 10 Purdue.

Before the injury, May was 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 currently ranks second in the Big Ten in steals and eighth 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.

COLE CLEANING THE BOARDS
Jarryd Cole has improved his play the last six games, averaging nine points and 10.3 rebounds. 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 11.3 points and 9.3 rebounds the last three contests.

Cole has led the Hawkeyes in rebounding in five of Iowa’s last seven 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 nine 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 (66) and third in steals (16). As a starter, he is averaging 11.3 points, 5.8 assists and 2.8 rebounds. Cartwright has been credited with five assists or more in seven of Iowa’s last eight games. He ranks fifth in the Big Ten in assists (4.71).

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. He posted 10 points and equaled a personal best with eight dimes in Iowa’s last contest vs. No. 2 Ohio State.

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 to also see minutes at point guard during Payne’s absence.

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 225 straight games.

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.

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.

HAWKEYE FAST BREAKS
? Iowa has seen an increase in its attendance numbers compared to last year. Compared to the first nine home games a year ago, the Hawkeyes are averaging 2,202 more fans than a year ago. Iowa averaged 9,106 fans the first nine home games last season, compared to 11,308 this year.
? Seven teams already have at least one loss in Big Ten play (Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Northwestern, Penn State and Wisconsin).
? Iowa has had a player post double-digit rebounds in five of its last six 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) and 13 against No. 2 Ohio State (Jan. 4). The one game Iowa did not have a double-digit rebounder during that span was Dec. 29 vs. No. 23 Illinois where Cole had nine boards.
? Iowa has won all seven of its games in which it has held its opponents under 70 points, compared to a 0-7 mark when giving up 70 or more. Furthermore, Iowa is 7-1 when having a better field goal percentage than the opposition, 6-2 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 24.1 points per game, an average that ranks third best in the Big Ten behind Ohio State (39.3) and Michigan (31.5). 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. Basabe blocked six shots against No. 2 Ohio State on Jan. 4.
? All 11 Big Ten teams finished with a non-conference record of .500 or better for the first time since the 2005-06 season.

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.

Each Monday, one lucky fan will have an opportunity to have his or her question and name read on their air. Submit your question on the team’s facebook page at: facebook.com/hawkeyehoops.

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
The Hawkeyes return to Iowa City on Wednesday, Jan. 12 to host Northwestern (7:30 p.m.). The game against Northwestern is “Jarryd Cole Bobblehead Night”.

Iowa will then hit the road for a two-game road trip at Minnesota (Jan. 16) and Ohio State (Jan. 19).