Iowa Returns Home to Entertain Northwestern

Jan. 11, 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!

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THE SETTING
Iowa (7-8, 0-3) returns home to host the Northwestern Wildcats (10-4, 1-3) Wednesday night. Tip-off is slated for 7:36 p.m. in Carver-Hawkeye Arena (15,500). Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for UI students and youths.

Wednesday will be Iowa’s lone game against a non-ranked opponent in its first six contests in conference play.

PROMOTIONS
? Wednesday is “Jarryd Cole Bobblehead Night”. The first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a souvenir bobblehead of the senior center from Kansas City. Another 500 bobbleheads will be provided to fans with winning scratch-to-win cards.
? Wednesday is also the first of five “Family 4-Pack” nights at Carver where fans can purchase, in advance, a package of four game tickets, four hot dogs and four Cokes. 4-Pack packages – priced at $60 each – are available for Iowa men’s basketball games on Wednesday, against Northwestern and again on Feb. 9, when Fran McCaffery’s squad welcomes Wisconsin to Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,578 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Iowa’s overall record is 1,483-1,095 (.575). That includes a 939-343 (.732) record in home games, a 544-701 (.437) record in contests away from Iowa City, a 699-707 (.497) 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: Wednesday’s game will be televised nationally on the Big Ten Network. Eric Collins and former Hawkeye Kenyon Murray 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).

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 FALL AT 10TH-RANKED PURDUE
The 10th-ranked Purdue Boilermakers scored the first 11 points of the game and never looked back en route to a 75-52 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes Sunday afternoon at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette.

Matt Gatens was the only Hawkeye able to reach double figures, scoring 13 points. It marked the 50th time in his career he netted double digits. Devon Archie came off the bench to provide quality minutes, pulling gown a game-high eight rebounds. Iowa made a season-low two 3-pointers in defeat, while Purdue junior Ryne Smith sank six of the Boilermakers’ eight triples. Smith led all scorers with 18 points. Senior JaJuan Johnson added 16.

Purdue outrebounded the visitors by seven (36-29), which is the largest positive rebounding margin by a Hawkeye opponent this season.

IOWA, PURDUE POSTGAME NOTES
? Sunday was Iowa’s first conference road contest of the season. The Hawkeyes are 1-2 overall in true road games this season.
? Devon Archie led Iowa with eight rebounds. The redshirt junior has led Iowa in rebounding twice this season (Xavier and Purdue). Archie also rejected a career-high three shots.
? Iowa shot 12-16 (.750) from the charity stripe. Freshman Melsahn Basabe was a perfect 6-6 from the foul line. After struggling from the free throw line early in the season, Iowa has begun to find its stroke at the charity stripe. Iowa is shooting a combined 23-30 (.767) the last two games.
? Iowa has allowed a player from the opposing team to make at least four 3-pointers in each of its first three Big Ten games. Illinois’ D.J. Richardson (5), Bill Cole (4) and Demetri McCamey (4); Ohio State’s Jon Diebler (4) and Purdue’s Ryne Smith (6).
? After missing Iowa’s previous game (Ohio State) with a sore groin, sophomore forward Eric May returned to the lineup. May had three points and two rebounds.
? Sunday was Iowa’s third consecutive game against a ranked opponent. 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.

ALL-TIME SERIES
Iowa holds a 108-53 advantage over Northwestern in the series that began with a 24-23 Wildcat win in 1905. Each team defended its home court the last two seasons. Last season, Iowa won (78-65) in Iowa City, while Northwestern was victorious (74-57) in Evanston. Iowa has won five of the last seven meetings and 25 of the last 34.

Nine of the last 11 meetings have been decided by 10 points or less, with six of those decided by five points or less.

Iowa holds a commanding 63-16 advantage in games played in Iowa City, including a 23-2 record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Northwestern’s last victory in Iowa City came on Jan. 10, 2004 (77-68).

Iowa won the only neutral site meeting, winning 72-55 at the United Center in the first round of the 2001 Big Ten Tournament.

SCOUTING NORTHWESTERN
Northwestern ended a three-game losing skid with a 93-81 victory over Indiana Sunday night at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Ill. The 93-point outburst marked the fourth time this season the Wildcats scored at least 90 points. Northwestern led by as many as 24 against the Hoosiers. The Wildcats converted 27-38 (.711) from the foul line after Indiana was whistled for 29 fouls. Four starters netted double figures in the Northwestern victory: John Shurna (24), Luka Mirkovic (20), Michael Thompson (16) and JerShon Cobb (11). Shurna, who has been battling an ankle injury, averaged 9.7 points the previous three games.

The Wildcats boast a 7-1 home record, but are 2-3 on the road, including an 0-2 mark in conference road tilts.

Shurna ranks second in Big Ten scoring (20.4), second in 3-pointers made (2.86), first in 3-point percentage (.580) and fifth in field goal percentage (.559). Shurna’s 58% shooting from long distance is tops in the country. Thompson ranks second in team scoring (14.9), first in assists (63) and second in the Big Ten in steals (1.8). Crawford is Northwestern’s third player averaging double figures (13.2). Mirkovic is the team’s leading rebounder (6.8).

Northwestern does an excellent job of protecting and sharing the basketball. The Wildcats rank second in Big Ten assists (17.93) and assist/turnover ratio (1.68), and third in turnover margin (+4.5). Additionally, Northwestern ranks first in the league in 3-pointers (9.3), and third in scoring (77.0), 3-point field goal percentage (.394) and steals (8.29).

NORTHWESTERN COACH BILL CARMODY
Bill Carmody is in his 11th season at Northwestern and his 15th year as a college head coach. Carmody holds a career mark of 242-192 (.558), which includes a 150-167 (.473) mark at Northwestern. Carmody notched his 150th win on the sidelines at Evanston with a 93-81 win over Indiana this past Sunday.

Last season, Carmody guided the Wildcats to a 20-14 record and an appearance in the NIT. In fact, Carmody has led his last two Wildcat squads to the NIT.

Carmody posted a record of 92-25 in four seasons at Princeton University, where he was a member of the basketball staff for 18 seasons. His record in Ivy League games, as the head coach at Princeton, was 50-6. Carmody led Princeton to four straight post-season appearances. Carmody was the head coach at Fulton County (NY) Community College for one season, 1975-76, he was an assistant coach at Union College from 1976-80 and he was an assistant at Providence College for one season before joining the staff at Princeton in 1982.

Carmody is 8-10 vs. Iowa.

IOWA, NORTHWESTERN TIP-INS
? All four of Northwestern’s losses this season have come when they have scored 69 points or less. Iowa has won all seven of its games in which it has held its opponent under 70 points, compared to an 0-8 mark when giving up 70 or more.
? 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.
? Fran McCaffery, who was the head coach at Lehigh (1985-88), coached against Bill Carmody when Carmody was an assistant coach at Princeton. McCaffery’s Lehigh teams lost to Princeton all three seasons. McCaffery also played against Princeton when he was a guard at Penn (1979-82).
? Northwestern and Iowa are two of the best Big Ten teams when it comes to thefts. The Wildcats rank second in steals (8.29), while the Hawkeyes are fourth (7.73).
? After Wednesday’s home game, Iowa will play four of five games on the road. The Hawkeyes will play back-to-back road games at nationally-ranked foes Minnesota (Jan. 16) and Ohio State (Jan. 19). Iowa will return home to entertain Indiana (Jan. 23), then hit the road again for contests at Penn State (Jan. 26) and Michigan (Jan. 30).
? Iowa’s Matt Gatens averaged 15.5 points, seven rebounds and 3.5 assists, in two games, against Northwestern a year ago. John Shurna averaged 22.5 points and 4.5 rebounds against the Hawkeyes a year ago, including 29 points in Northwestern’s win at Evanston. Michael Thompson averaged 16 points and 3.5 assists, in two games, against Iowa last year.
? 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). This is Iowa’s most difficult stretch of games against ranked opponents since playing six ranked foes in eight contests during the 2005-06 campaign. Iowa has won 10 of its last 20 home games against ranked opponents.
? Iowa ranks 24th in the country in fewest fouls per game (15.9), 64th in rebounding margin (5.3) and 81st in steals (7.7). Individually, Matt Gatens ranks 20th in free throw percentage (.895). Northwestern ranks third in the nation in assist/turnover ratio (1.7) and fewest turnovers per contest (10.6), 11th in 3-pointers (9.3) and assists (17.9), and 17th in turnover margin (+4.5). Individually, John Shurna ranks first in the country in 3-point percentage (.580, 40-69), 21st in scoring (20.4) and 30th in 3-pointers made (2.9).
? Northwestern’s roster is comprised of 13 student-athletes. The roster consists of four seniors, four juniors, four sophomores and one freshman. Six players hail from Illinois, three from Michigan and one from Indiana, Georgia, Croatia and Serbia.
? Iowa’s two victories over Northwestern in 2008 gave the Hawkeyes their first season sweep of Northwestern since the 2002-03 season. Nine of the last 11 meetings have been decided by 10 points or less, with six of those decided by five points or less.
? The Iowa roster includes one player from Illinois: sophomore Cully Payne (Schaumburg).
? Along with its 81 games against Northwestern in Welsh-Ryan Arena, Iowa has played four NCAA Tournament games in the facility. Iowa won two games in Evanston to advance to the 1955 Final Four. The following season Iowa advanced to the Final Four in Evanston, losing to San Francisco in its only appearance in the national championship game.

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.

BASABE MAKES HIS MARK
Melsahn Basabe recorded 22 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks vs. No. 2 Ohio State on Jan. 4. Basabe became the first freshman this season to post 20-10-5 in a single-game. Furthermore, he is the first Big Ten player — regardless of class — to accomplish the feat the last 15 years.

IOWA IN CARVER-HAWKEYE ARENA
Iowa has compiled a 345-107 (.763) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena since the facility opened in January, 1983. Iowa is 159-85 (.652) in Big Ten games and 186-22 (.894) in non-Big Ten contests.

HAWKEYES ARE TOUGH AT HOME
Iowa has won 69 of its 95 games (.726) 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.

IMPROVED STATISTICS
Comparing statistics through 15 games last year to this season, Iowa is putting up improved numbers. The Hawkeyes are averaging 6.6 more points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.6 steals and 1.3 blocks. Additionally, the Hawkeye defense is allowing 64.5 points this season, compared to 66.6 points a year ago.

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 six 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 (210) more free throws than its opponents have attempted (204), which is a staple of a Fran McCaffery coached team.

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 13 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 15 games. The Hawkeye reserves have outscored opponent bench players, 340-183. Iowa’s bench averages 22.7 points per contest, compared to only 12.2 for the opposition. The Hawkeye bench production ranks tops in the Big Ten. Furthermore, the +10.5 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.

BASABE COMING ON STRONG
Melsahn Basabe has had a strong showing as of late. The freshman from Glen Cove, NY, is averaging 11 points and 6.7 rebounds the last 10 contests. Basabe is shooting 39-73 (.534) from the field during the 10-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. He became the first freshman this season to post 20-10-5 in a single-game. Furthermore, he is the first Big Ten player — regardless of class — to accomplish the feat the last 15 years.

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 (6.3). 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 55% of Iowa’s blocked shots, rejecting 24 of the team’s 44 blocked shots.

HAWKEYE FRESHMEN AMONG LEAGUE’S ROOKIE BEST
Melsahn Basabe ranks first among conference rookies in blocks (1.6), third in rebounding (6.3) and fourth in scoring (9.1). Zach McCabe ranks sixth in rebounding (4.5) and seventh in scoring (8.1).

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

PAINT JOB
Iowa has taken advantage of strong post play through 15 games. The Hawkeyes are averaging 29.1 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 23.4 points in the paint through its first 15 games.

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 226 straight games.

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 six games, he is averaging 17.3 points and 2.2 rebounds. He is 17-19 (.895) from the free throw line and 47.7% (21-44) from distance during the six-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 15 triples the last four 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 51.7% (15-29) from long distance the last three outings.

Despite the slow start, he ranks first in team scoring (12.7) and free throw percentage (.895, 34-38), and second in assists (34). Gatens ranks first in the league and 20th nationally 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.

CARTWRIGHT ON POINT
Bryce Cartwright has started the last 10 games at point guard since starter Cully Payne had surgery to repair a sports hernia.

The 6-1 guard ranks third in team scoring (10.1), first in assists (69) and third in steals (17). As a starter, he is averaging 10.6 points, 5.5 assists and 2.7 rebounds. Cartwright has been credited with five assists or more in seven of Iowa’s last nine games. He ranks fifth in the Big Ten in assists (4.6).

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 vs. No. 2 Ohio State (Jan. 4). 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.

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.
? Iowa has outrebounded their opponents in 12 of 15 games. Long Beach State, Illinois and Purdue are the only opponents to pull down more boards than the Hawkeyes.
? 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 (37.3) and Michigan (31.3). Two of Michigan’s freshmen are redshirts.
? Iowa has had a player score 20-plus points three of the last four games. Basabe registered 22 points against No. 2 Ohio State (Jan. 4), while Matt Gatens collected 21 vs. No. 23 Illinois (Dec. 29) and a season-best 22 against Louisiana Tech (Dec. 21).
? Matt Gatens has sank 15 triples the last four 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 51.7% (15-29) from long distance the last four outings.
? Bryce Cartwright has been credited with five assists or more in seven of the last nine contests.
? Iowa has had a player post double-digit rebounds in five of its last seven 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).
? 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.
? Eight teams already have at least one loss in Big Ten play (Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Penn State and Wisconsin).
? 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 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 (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.

MAY DAY
After a fantastic rookie season, Eric May has carried his strong play into his sophomore campaign. May ranks second in team scoring (10.6), first in steals (1.7) and fourth in rebounding (4.0).

After 36 straight starts, including the first 13 contests this season, May did not start or see any action vs. No. 2 Ohio State (Jan. 4) due to a sore groin. However, May returned to the starting lineup in Iowa’s last contest at No. 10 Purdue (Jan. 9) playing only 17 minutes, posting three points and two rebounds.

May ranks fourth in the Big Ten in steals (1.7) and eighth in 3-point percentage (.462).

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 (Nov. 26). 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 (Nov. 30). 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 seven games, averaging 8.6 points and 8.9 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 has led the Hawkeyes in rebounding in five of Iowa’s last eight contests. In fact, his 15 rebounds vs. Northern Iowa 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 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.

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.

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

Iowa’s next home game will be against Indiana on Sunday, Jan. 23 (2 p.m.).