Hawkeyes Travel to Minnesota Sunday

Jan. 14, 2011

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THE SETTING
Iowa (7-9, 0-4) hits the road Sunday traveling to Minneapolis to face the 25th-ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers (13-4, 2-3). Tip-off is slated for 5:06 p.m. in Williams Arena (14,625).

Sunday will be Iowa’s fourth game in five contests against a ranked opponent. Sunday also begins a stretch of playing four of five road games for the Hawkeyes.

IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,579 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Iowa’s overall record is 1,483-1,096 (.575). That includes a 939-343 (.732) record in home games, a 544-702 (.437) record in contests away from Iowa City, a 699-708 (.497) mark in Big Ten games and a 345-108 (.762) 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 Shonn Morris will call the action from Williams 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.

HAWKEYE BACKCOURT SHINES IN LOSS TO NORTHWESTERN
Bryce Cartwright (25) and Matt Gatens (20) combined to score 45 points against Northwestern. Wednesday marked the first time two Hawkeyes scored 20 points or more in a game since Feb. 16, 2010, which was an 80-78 overtime loss to Michigan in Iowa City. Aaron Fuller netted 30 points and Matt Gatens scored 21. The last time two Iowa players accomplished the feat in a non-overtime contest was in a 68-60 triumph at Michigan on Jan. 19, 2008. Tony Freeman tallied 28 points and Cyrus Tate had 21.

NORTHWESTERN SINKS HAWKEYES IN IOWA CITY
Four Northwestern starters scored in double figures to lift the Wildcats to a 90-71 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes Wednesday night in Iowa City.

Northwestern used the long ball to jump on Iowa early and leave with its first win over the Hawkeyes in Iowa City since 2004. The Wildcats drained eight of their first 12 triples to build a comfortable 33-11 cushion. Northwestern finished the game sinking 14 treys, one shy of the Carver-Hawkeye Arena record.

Iowa was led by the backcourt tandem of Bryce Cartwright and Matt Gatens. The duo combined for 45 of Iowa’s 71 points. Cartwright led all scorers with a game-high 25 points. He also collected five assists and two steals. Gatens poured in 20 points, bolstered by 5-8 shooting from 3-point territory.

Both teams shot the ball well, Iowa made 52% of its field goals while Northwestern made 53%. However the difference in the game was the Wildcats’ ability to generate open looks from beyond the arc. Northwestern made seven more 3-pointers than the Hawkeyes.

IOWA, NORTHWESTERN POSTGAME NOTES
? Iowa has allowed a player from the opposing team to make at least four 3-pointers in each of its first four Big Ten games. Illinois’ D.J. Richardson (5), Bill Cole (4) and Demetri McCamey (4); Ohio State’s Jon Diebler (4); Purdue’s Ryne Smith (6) and Northwestern’s Drew Crawford (5).
? Eric May has been struggling since missing the Ohio State game (Jan. 4) with an injured groin. He was held scoreless and had no rebounds in 15 minutes of action vs. the Wildcats on Wednesday. A week ago Sunday, he was limited to three points and two rebounds in 17 minutes of action.
? Iowa made 52% (26-50) of its field goal attempts, marking only the second time this season the Hawkeyes shot 50% or better (SIU-Edwardsville).
? Matt Gatens (3-3) and Bryce Cartwright (7-8) combined to shoot 10-11 (.909) from the free throw line, while the rest of the team combined to shoot 2-11 (.182).
? Jordan Stoermer played 11 minutes, the most playing time since seeing 13 minutes on the court vs. Xavier (Nov. 19). Stoermer equaled a career high with eight points, draining two triples and a field goal.
? Devon Archie collected a career-high two steals and equaled a personal best with two assists.

ROAD HAWKEYES
Four of Iowa’s next five Big Ten contests will be played on the road. Iowa will play at Minnesota (Jan. 16), Ohio State (Jan. 19), Penn State (Jan. 26) and Michigan (Jan. 30). The Hawkeyes’ lone home date comes against Indiana (Jan. 23).

ALL-TIME SERIES
Minnesota holds a 98-88 advantage over Iowa in the series that began with a 47-10 Gopher win in 1902. The Gophers have won five of the last eight meetings, including the last four.

The Gophers hold a 59-33 advantage in games played at Minnesota. Minnesota has won four of the last five meetings in Williams Arena, including two straight. Iowa’s last victory over the Golden Gophers came on Feb. 7, 2007 (91-78) in Minneapolis.

The teams have met twice in the Big Ten Tournament. Along with the 2006 win in Indianapolis, Iowa defeated the Gophers 81-78 in the 2000 event at the United Center in Chicago. Iowa also defeated the Gophers at a neutral site (Los Angeles) early in the 1964-65 season.

SCOUTING MINNESOTA
One can argue that Minnesota has had the toughest schedule to start the Big Ten season. The Gophers played four of their first five against ranked opponents, losing three of them on the road.

Minnesota, who is ranked 35th in the RPI, is fresh off a 70-67 victory over No. 8 Purdue Thursday night in front of its first home sellout crowd of the season in Williams Arena. Senior Blake Hoffarber netted a team-high 26 points, bolstered by 10-15 shooting from the field, while senior Al Nolen contributed 13 points and eight assists. The Gophers shot 53% (27-51) from the field and held Purdue without a field goal the last 9:20. The Boilermakers did outrebound Minnesota by 10 (38-28).

The Gophers boast a 12-1 home record with its lone setback coming to Virginia (87-79) in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge on Nov. 29.

Hoffarber is the team’s leading scorer (14.1) and 3-point shooter (48-117, .410). He is the only Gopher on the team who has made more than nine triples. Al Nolen, who averages 8.8 points, ranks second with eight. Trevor Mbakwe averages a double-double (13 points and 10.4 rebounds). He has collected a Big Ten-best 10 double-doubles. Ralph Sampson also averages double figures in scoring (10.4).

Minnesota averages 73.4 points and shoots 46% from the field and 65% from the free throw line.

MINNESOTA COACH TUBBY SMITH
Tubby Smith is in his fourth year at Minnesota and his 20th season as a college head coach. Smith has led Minnesota to a 76-43 (.639) record and his career mark stands at 463-188 (.711). Smith posted a 79-43 mark in four seasons at Tulsa (1991-95), a 45-19 mark in two seasons at Georgia (1995-97) and a 263-83 record in 10 years at Kentucky (1997-07). He has also served as an assistant coach at Virginia Commonwealth, South Carolina and Kentucky.

Smith led the Gophers to a 21-14 finish a year ago and a second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. Also, Minnesota, as a six seed, advanced to the 2010 Big Ten Tournament championship game before falling to champion Ohio State. Smith guided Minnesota to a 22-11 finish and an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2009. He led his first Minnesota team to an appearance in the 2008 NIT, after coaching his team in the NCAA Tournament for 14 consecutive years while at Kentucky and Georgia. He is one of four active Division I coaches to take three different teams to the Sweet 16. He was national Coach of the Year in 1998, 2003 and 2005. His Kentucky teams won five SEC regular season titles and five SEC Tournament championships. Smith boasts a 29-13 record in the NCAA Tournament.

Smith is 5-1 vs. the Iowa Hawkeyes.

IOWA, MINNESOTA TIP-INS
? Iowa has won all seven of its games in which it has held its opponent under 70 points, compared to an 0-9 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.
? Iowa ranks third in the Big Ten in steals (7.88) in overall games, and second (6.75) in conference only games.
? Coach McCaffery took two of his UNC Greensboro teams to Minneapolis to play Minnesota. The first time was in the 2000-01 season opener (L, 81-61) and the second visit was during the 2004-05 campaign (L, 94-59).
? Iowa’s Matt Gatens averaged 12 points and Eric May averaged 11.5 points, in two games, against Minnesota a year ago. Blake Hoffarber averaged 16.5 points against the Black and Gold last season. Hoffarber tallied 24 points, bolstered by 5-7 shooting from distance, in Iowa City 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 (25) 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) and 81st in steals (7.9). Individually, Matt Gatens ranks 20th in free throw percentage (.902). Minnesota ranks 15th in the country in blocks (5.9), 35th in assists (16.0) and 36th in field goal percentage defense (.392). Trevor Mbakwe ranks 14th in the nation in rebounding (10.4).
? Minnesota and Iowa share one common non-conference opponent: South Dakota State. Iowa lost to the Jackrabbits (79-69), while the Gophers won (85-73).
? Minnesota played Coach McCaffery’s former team, Siena, on Nov. 15 in Minneapolis. The Gophers beat the Saints, 76-69.
? Minnesota’s roster is comprised of 14 student-athletes. The roster consists of two seniors, three juniors, three sophomores and six freshmen. Six players hail from Minnesota, and one from California, Georgia, Louisiana, Nebraska, Tennessee, South Dakota, Ontario and Latvia.
? Iowa’s roster includes one player from the state of Minnesota: sophomore Andrew Brommer (Rosemount).
? Minnesota Associate Head Coach Ron Jirsa was the head coach at Georgia in 1998 when the Bulldogs scored a 100-93 win over Iowa in the first round of the NIT in Iowa City.
? Minnesota Assistant Coach Vince Taylor previously served as an assistant Coach at Louisville (1999-05). During that time Iowa defeated the Cardinals on two occasions. Iowa won 70-69 in overtime in the John Wooden Tradition in Indianapolis in 2003-04. The following season the Hawkeyes defeated Louisville 76-71 in the first round of the Maui Classic. Iowa placed second in that event, falling in the final to eventual national champion North Carolina.
? Minnesota Assistant Coach Saul Smith played for his father, Tubby, at Kentucky during his college career. Smith was a member of the 2001 Wildcat team that defeated Iowa 92-79 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in Long Island, NY. Smith contributed eight points, five assists and three rebounds in 35 minutes of action.

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.

Basabe has a team-best 26 blocks this season, a total that ties teammate Eric May for sixth, who blocked 26 shots a year ago as a freshman.

IOWA VS. RANKED TEAMS
Sunday will be Iowa’s fourth game in five contests against a ranked opponent. Iowa lost at home to No. 23 Illinois (87-77) on Dec. 29 and to second-ranked Ohio State (73-68) on Jan. 4, while falling on the road to No. 10 Purdue (75-52) on Jan. 9. The Hawkeyes will play five of their first six league games against ranked foes; Iowa will play at No. 2 Ohio State on Jan. 19.

Iowa has lost 21 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.

IMPROVED STATISTICS
Comparing statistics through 16 games last year to this season, Iowa is putting up improved numbers. The Hawkeyes are averaging 7.3 more points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.8 steals and 1.5 blocks.

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 (222) more free throws than its opponents have attempted (217), 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 14 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 16 games. The Hawkeye reserves have outscored opponent bench players, 357-201. Iowa’s bench averages 22.3 points per contest, compared to only 12.6 for the opposition.

Iowa has a balanced offensive attack with seven players averaging 5.9 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, and was promoted to head coach in 1958 at the age of 24. He is the fourth-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 10.5 points and 7.2 rebounds the last 11 contests. Basabe is shooting 42-76 (.553) from the field during the 11-game span.

Basabe had a career night vs. No. 2 Ohio State (Jan. 4), 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 was credited with a game-high 12 rebounds and two blocks, to go along with six points in Iowa’s last contest vs. Northwestern Wednesday night.

Basabe, who is one of five Big Ten freshmen to start every game, is Iowa’s leading shot blocker (26) and rebounder (6.6). He has led the team in rebounding a team-best seven times (South Dakota State, UL Monroe, SIUE, Wake Forest, Iowa State, Ohio State and Northwestern).

Basabe is responsible for 52% of Iowa’s blocked shots, rejecting 26 of the team’s 50 blocked shots.

HAWKEYE FRESHMEN AMONG LEAGUE’S ROOKIE BEST
Melsahn Basabe ranks first among conference rookies in blocks (1.6), second in rebounding (6.6) and fourth in scoring (8.9). Zach McCabe ranks sixth in rebounding (4.5) and eighth in scoring (7.6). Basabe has 26 blocks, while Michigan State’s Adreian Payne ranks second with 15 rejections.

ATTACKING THE BASKET
Iowa has taken advantage of strong post play and attacking the basket more this season. The Hawkeyes are averaging 28.9 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 23.6 points in the paint through its first 16 games.

GATENS RETURNS 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 and played without any type of cast or brace on his left hand for the first time since the injury against Illinois (Dec. 29).

Gatens looks to have regained his shooting touch. In his last seven games, he is averaging 17.7 points and 2.1 rebounds. He is 20-22 (.909) from the free throw line and 50% (26-52) from distance during the seven-game stretch.

In league play, he is averaging 17 points while shooting 52% from the field and 54% from distance, compared to an 11.7 average while shooting 38% from the field and 29% from 3-point range in non-conference games.

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. No. 23 Illinois. After scoring 14 and 13 against Ohio State and Purdue, respectively, he returned to the 20-point club in Iowa’s last outing vs. Northwestern. Gatens tallied 20 points, bolstered by 5-8 shooting from distance against the Wildcats. He has eclipsed the 20-point plateau nine times in his career.

Gatens, who has made at least one trey in 11 straight games, has sank 20 triples the last five games. He matched a personal high with five treys vs. Louisiana Tech, No. 23 Illinois and Northwestern, while draining four against second-ranked Ohio State. Gatens is shooting 54% (20-37) from long distance the last four outings.

Despite the slow start, he ranks first in team scoring (13.2) and free throw percentage (.902, 37-41), 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.

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 227 straight games.

CARTWRIGHT ON POINT
Bryce Cartwright has started the last 11 games at point guard.

The 6-1 guard ranks second in team scoring (11.0), first in assists (74) and third in steals (19). As a starter, he is averaging 11.9 points, 5.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds. Cartwright has been credited with five assists or more in eight of Iowa’s last 10 games. He ranks fifth in the Big Ten in assists (4.63).

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 a stellar game against Louisiana Tech (Dec. 21) with his father in the stands. Cartwright scored 19 points, 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.

Cartwright had one of his best games in a Hawkeye uniform in Iowa’s last outing vs. Northwestern (Jan. 12). He led all scorers with a career-high 25 points and also was credited with five assists and two steals.

Cartwright started his first career game as a Hawkeye vs. SIUE (Nov. 26). The native of Compton, Calif., had 11 points, four assists and two steals. 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 10 home games of 2009-10, the Hawkeyes are averaging 1,978 more fans than a year ago. Iowa averaged 9,154 fans the first 10 home games last season, compared to 11,132 this year.
? Iowa has outrebounded their opponents in 12 of 16 games. Long Beach State, Illinois, Purdue and Northwestern are the only opponents to pull down more boards than the Hawkeyes.
? Iowa’s six freshmen average a combined 23.1 points per game, an average that ranks third best in the Big Ten behind Ohio State (36.6) and Michigan (31.0). Two of Michigan’s freshmen are redshirts.
? Iowa has had a player score 20-plus points in four of the last five 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). Gatens (20) and Bryce Cartwright (25) each scored 20 points or more in Iowa’s last outing vs. Northwestern.
? Matt Gatens has made 20 triples the last five games. He matched a personal high with five treys vs. Louisiana Tech, No. 23 Illinois and Northwestern, while draining four against second-ranked Ohio State. Gatens is shooting 54% (20-37) from long distance the last four outings.
? Bryce Cartwright has been credited with five assists or more in eight of the last 10 contests.
? Iowa has had a player post double-digit rebounds in six of its last eight 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), 13 against No. 2 Ohio State (Jan. 4) and 12 vs. Northwestern (Jan. 12).
? 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 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.

COLE CLEANING THE BOARDS
Jarryd Cole ranks second on the team in rebounding (6.4).

Cole has posted double-doubles twice this year, 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.

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

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.

“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 will remain on the road when they travel to Columbus to face the second-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes Wednesday, Jan. 19. Tip-off is slated for 5:36 p.m. at Value City Arena.

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