Jan. 18, 2011
- Purchase Iowa Men’s Basketball Tickets
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye iPhone app!
- Take the Hawkeyes With You: Iowa Podcasts
- Iowa and the Big Ten Network
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
Complete Release in PDF Format
THE SETTING
Iowa (7-10, 0-5) remains on the road for its second straight contest against a ranked opponent when it visits top-ranked and undefeated Ohio State (18-0, 5-0). Tip-off is slated for 5:36 p.m. (CST) at Value City Arena (19,049) in Columbus, Ohio.
Wednesday will be Iowa’s fifth game in six contests against a ranked opponent. The Hawkeyes are in the midst of playing four of five games away from home.
IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,580 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Iowa’s overall record is 1,483-1,097 (.575). That includes a 939-343 (.732) record in home games, a 544-703 (.436) record in contests away from Iowa City, a 699-709 (.496) 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: Wednesday’s game will be televised nationally on the Big Ten Network. Gus Johnson and Shonn Morris will call the action from Value City Arena.
HAWKEYES AGAINST TOP-RANKED TEAMS
Wednesday will be Iowa’s 21st game against the No. 1 team in the country. The Hawkeyes are 2-18 all-time against top-ranked teams. The last time Iowa beat the top-ranked team in the country was in 1999. The Hawkeyes clipped Connecticut, 70-68, on Nov. 11, 1999 in Steve Alford’s first game as Iowa’s head coach. Iowa’s other victory over a No. 1 came on Jan. 29, 1965 against UCLA (87-82) at Chicago Stadium in Chicago. The last time Iowa played a No. 1 ranked team was Feb. 19, 2005 vs. Illinois (L, 75-65) in Iowa City.
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 NO. 25 MINNESOTA SUNDAY
Four Hawkeye starters were responsible for all 59 points in a 69-59 loss at No. 25 Minnesota Sunday night in front of a sellout crowd at Williams Arena. It marked the first time this season Iowa limited its opponent to 69 points or less and lost the game (1-7).
The Hawkeyes trailed by 11 (30-19) at halftime, but had a strong start to the second half, going on a 13-2 run to tie the game (32-32) four minutes into the second stanza. With the contest tied at 42 moments later, Minnesota went on a 10-0 surge to grab a double digit advantage. Iowa cut the deficit to six (65-59) with 1:21 remaining, but was unable to get any closer.
Melsahn Basabe registered his third double-double of the season posting 20 points and 13 rebounds. Eric May netted 16, while Matt Gatens contributed 13 and Bryce Cartwright 10. Cartwright also dished out a game-high five assists.
Minnesota had a considerable advantage at the charity stripe. The Gophers made 27 of their 37 free-throw attempts (.730), compared to only 9-11 (.818) for the Hawkeyes. The 81.8% is a season high for Iowa.
Trevor Mbakwe paced the Gophers with 16 points and 12 rebounds off the bench. Al Nolen contributed 13 points and eight rebounds, while Ralph Sampson had 11 points and a game-high seven blocks.
IOWA, MINNESOTA POSTGAME NOTES
? Eric May, who was held scoreless and had no rebounds in Iowa’s previous game vs. Northwestern (Jan. 12), rebounded with a nice outing against the Gophers scoring 16 points and collecting two steals, two assists and three rebounds. May shot 6-10 (.600) from the field, including 3-4 (.750) from distance.
? Minnesota’s Ralph Sampson rejected seven shots, which marked the first time an Iowa opposing player blocked five shots or more since Bradley’s Daniel Ruffin had five against the Hawkeyes on Nov. 23, 2007.
? After struggling the past few games in 3-point field goal percentage defense, the Hawkeyes had a strong defensive effort on the perimeter against the Gophers. Minnesota was only 2-10 (.200) from 3-point territory and held one of the league’s top 3-point threats, Blake Hoffarber, scoreless (0-4) from beyond the arc.
? Iowa did a better job valuing the basketball on Sunday. Iowa had only 10 turnovers, two of which came in the second half.
ROAD HAWKEYES
Three of Iowa’s next four Big Ten contests are on the road. Iowa will play at 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
Iowa holds a 75-73 advantage over Ohio State in the series that began with a 17-16 Ohio State win in 1915.
The Buckeyes defeated the Hawkeyes two weeks ago in Iowa City, 73-68. Ohio State has won five straight and seven of the last eight meetings. Iowa’s last victory over the Buckeyes came on Feb. 2, 2008 (53-48) in Iowa City.
Eighteen of the last 25 meetings have been decided by 10 points or less, with 12 decisions by five points or less.
Ohio State holds a 45-26 advantage in games played in Columbus, but Iowa has won eight of the last 14 there. Iowa was the first opponent to win at the Value City Arena, taking a 71-68 win in 1999. The Hawkeyes won at Columbus 67-64 in 2000, 71-64 in 2003 and 78-67 in 2004, but has since lost four straight there.
Ohio State has won three of five neutral site meetings, with the teams splitting four meetings in the Big Ten Conference Tournament. The Buckeyes won a conference playoff game at the conclusion of the 1968 season at West Lafayette, IN.
SCOUTING OHIO STATE
Ohio State is coming off a thrilling 69-66 victory over Penn State (Jan. 15) in Columbus. Four Buckeyes scored in double figures, led by a pair of freshmen each scoring 19 points each: Jared Sullinger and Aaron Craft. Junior William Buford netted 13, while senior Jon Diebler had 10. The Buckeyes shot 10-20 (.500) from 3-point range and scored 27 points off 14 Penn State turnovers. Only seven Buckeyes saw action in the victory over the Nittany Lions.
Since cruising to victories in its first 14 outings, the Buckeyes have played four consecutive close games, beginning with a 73-68 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes in Iowa City on Jan. 4. Ohio State has since notched three-point wins over Minnesota (67-64) and Penn State (69-66) and a four-point victory at Michigan (68-64).
Four Buckeyes average double figures. Sullinger nearly averages a double-double, 17.6 points and 9.9 rebounds, ranking sixth and second in the Big Ten, respectively. He has eight double-doubles this season, ranking 20th in the country. Buford averages 13.6 points, followed by senior David Lighty (12.7) and Diebler (11.9). Diebler is the Buckeyes’ main 3-point threat, ranking sixth in the nation (.495, 55-111). Senior center Dallas Lauderdale ranks third in blocks (2.06), to go along with 4.5 points and 4.4 rebounds.
Ohio State averages 79.8 points, while allowing only 57.1. Their scoring defense ranks eighth-best in the country. The Buckeyes shoot 50% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. Ohio State boasts a 1.66 assist/turnover ratio that is fourth-best nationally. Additionally, their turnover margin of +6.8 is tops in the nation.
OHIO STATE COACH THAD MATTA
Thad Matta is in his seventh season as the head coach at Ohio State and his 11th year overall as a college head coach. Ohio State posted a 29-8 mark a year ago, shared the regular season conference championship, won the Big Ten Tournament and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16. In 2009, the Buckeyes went 22-11 and competed in the NCAA Tournament, falling to Coach McCaffery and Siena in the first round (74-72). The Buckeyes were 35-4 in 2007, advancing to the title game in the NCAA Tournament before falling to Florida (84-75). The Buckeyes posted a 26-6 record in 2006, winning the Big Ten title (12-4) by one game over Iowa and Illinois. After a loss to Iowa in the 2006 Big Ten Tournament championship game the Buckeyes claimed both the regular season and tournament titles in 2007.
Matta led Ohio State to a 20-12 record in his first season in Columbus in 2005. He has won 20 games in each of his 10 seasons as a head coach. His career mark stands at 276-85 (.765) and he is 174-54 (.763) at Ohio State.
Matta joined the Ohio State staff after serving as the head coach at Xavier for three seasons. He posted a 78-23 record in three seasons at Xavier (2002-04) and had a one-year record of 24-8 as Butler’s head coach in 2000-01, taking his alma mater to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Matta was the 2006 and 2007 Big Ten Coach of the Year. He was also the 2001 Midwestern Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year as Butler won regular season and post-season tournament titles. In 2002 he led Xavier to regular season and post-season tournament titles in the Atlantic 10 Conference and was named Coach of the Year. He was a 2003 Naismith National Coach of the Year finalist and he was the 2004 Ohio Coach of the Year. Matta is 8-4 vs. Iowa and 2-1 vs. Coach Fran McCaffery.
IOWA, OHIO STATE TIP-INS
? Coach McCaffery has only faced a top-ranked opponent once before as a head coach. McCaffery’s 2009 Siena team lost to top-ranked Louisville (79-72) in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in Dayton, Ohio. This game came two days after the Saints bounced the Buckeyes (74-72, 2 ot) from the tournament in the first round.
? Eric May shoots a team-best 49% (21-43) from 3-point range. May averaged 17 points in two games against Ohio State a year ago, shooting a combined 12-22 from the field and 9-17 from distance. May did not see action against the Buckeyes earlier this season due to an injury.
? Iowa is 7-1 when 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 (7.76) in overall games, and second (6.6) in conference only games.
? Ohio State, who ranks sixth in the RPI, is 13-0 in home games this season, while Iowa is 1-3 in true road games.
? Iowa has allowed a player from the opposing team to make at least four 3-pointers in four of its first five 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).
? After not playing a non-conference ranked opponent, five of Iowa’s first six Big Ten games are against ranked foes: Illinois (23), Purdue (10), Minnesota (25) and twice against Ohio State (2/1). 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 ranks 31st in the country in fewest fouls per game (16.3) and 69th in steals (7.8). Ohio State ranks first in the nation in scoring margin (+22.7) and turnover margin (+6.8), second in fewest fouls (14.2), fourth in field goal percentage (.501) and assist/turnover ratio (1.66), sixth in fewest turnovers (10.7), eighth in scoring defense (57.1) and 11th in assists (17.8).
? Coach McCaffery coached against Ohio State twice before taking over head coach at Iowa. Coach McCaffery took his UNC Greensboro team to Columbus in 2001, falling 85-54. Two seasons ago, Coach McCaffery’s Siena team edged the Buckeyes (74-72) in the first round of the 2009 NCAA Tournament.
? Ohio State’s roster is comprised of 13 student-athletes. The roster consists of four seniors, three juniors and six freshmen. Nine players hail from Ohio, and one each from Florida, Illinois, Indiana and Serbia.
BASABE MAKES HIS MARK
Melsahn Basabe recorded 22 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks when these two teams met in Iowa City 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 in 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.
OHIO STATE WON THE PREVIOUS MEETING
Iowa gave then-ranked No. 2 Ohio State all it could handle but came up short in a 73-68 loss to the Buckeyes Jan. 4 in Iowa City.
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 (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. Basabe became the first player in the Big Ten to amass at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks in 15 years.
Three other Hawkeyes netted double digits in defeat: Jarryd Cole (14), Matt Gatens (14) and Bryce Cartwright (10).
Iowa was 11-14 (.786) from the foul line against the Buckeyes. Basabe was 8-11 from the free throw line. Cartwright dished out eight assists, matching a career high.
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.
IOWA VS. RANKED TEAMS
Wednesday will be Iowa’s fifth game in six contests against a ranked opponent. Iowa lost at home to No. 23 Illinois (87-77) Dec. 29 and to second-ranked Ohio State (73-68) Jan. 4, while falling on the road to No. 10 Purdue (75-52) Jan. 9 and 25th-ranked Minnesota (69-59) Jan. 16.
Iowa has lost 22 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.
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.
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 five more free throws a game more than last year’s average, a differential that ranks second best in the Big Ten.
DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE
Iowa has had three players post double-doubles: Devon Archie, Jarryd Cole (2) and Melsahn Basabe (3). 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. Furthermore, Basabe is one of 10 players with three or more double-doubles in the league.
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), a season-high 22 points and 13 rebounds vs. No. 2 Ohio State (Jan. 4) and game highs in points (20) and rebounds (13) at No. 25 Minnesota on Jan. 16. 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.
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 11.3 points and 7.7 rebounds the last 12 contests. Basabe is shooting 50-88 (.568) from the field during the 12-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 in 15 years.
Basabe was credited with a game-high 12 rebounds and two blocks, to go along with six points vs. Northwestern (Jan. 12). In Iowa’s last outing, the rookie posted game highs in points (20) and rebounds (13) for his third double-double.
Basabe, who is one of five Big Ten freshmen to start every game, is Iowa’s leading shot blocker (26) and rebounder (7.0). He has led the team in rebounding a team-best eight times, including three of the last four outings (South Dakota State, UL Monroe, SIUE, Wake Forest, Iowa State, Ohio State, Northwestern and Minnesota).
Basabe is responsible for 50% of Iowa’s blocked shots, rejecting 26 of the team’s 52 blocked shots.
HAWKEYE FRESHMEN AMONG LEAGUE’S ROOKIE BEST
Melsahn Basabe ranks first among conference rookies in blocks (1.6), second in rebounding (7.0) and fourth in scoring (9.5). Zach McCabe ranks sixth in rebounding (4.3) and ninth in scoring (7.1).
Basabe has 26 blocks, while Michigan State’s Adreian Payne ranks second with 15 rejections.
HAWKEYE BACKCOURT SHINES IN LOSS TO NORTHWESTERN
Bryce Cartwright (25) and Matt Gatens (20) combined to score 45 points vs. Northwestern (Jan. 12). It 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.
ATTACKING THE BASKET
Iowa has taken advantage of strong post play and attacking the basket more this season. The Hawkeyes are averaging 28.7 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 23.9 points in the paint through its first 17 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 eight games, he is averaging 17.1 points. He is 20-22 (.909) from the free throw line and 47% (29-62) from distance during the eight-game stretch.
In league play, he is averaging 16.2 points while shooting 43% from the field and 47% 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 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 12 straight games, has sunk 23 triples the last six games (3.83). 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 49% (23-47) from long distance the last five outings. Despite the slow start, he ranks first in team scoring (13.2) and free throw percentage (.902, 37-41), and second in assists (35).
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 228 straight games.
CARTWRIGHT ON POINT
Bryce Cartwright has started the last 12 games at point guard.
The 6-1 guard ranks second in team scoring (10.9), first in assists (79) and third in steals (20). As a starter, he is averaging 11.8 points, 5.4 assists and 2.4 rebounds. Cartwright has been credited with five assists or more in nine of Iowa’s last 11 games. He ranks fourth in the Big Ten in assists (4.65).
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 s. 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 17 games. Long Beach State, Illinois, Purdue, Northwestern and Minnesota are the only opponents to pull down more boards than the Hawkeyes.
? Iowa’s six freshmen average a combined 22.9 points per game, an average that ranks third best in the Big Ten behind Ohio State (36.7) and Michigan (30.6). Two of Michigan’s freshmen are redshirts.
? Iowa has had a player score 20-plus points in five of the last six games. Basabe registered 22 points against No. 2 Ohio State (Jan. 4) and 20 at No. 25 Minnesota (Jan. 16), 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 23 triples the last six 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 49% (23-47) from long distance the last four outings.
? Bryce Cartwright has been credited with five assists or more in nine of the last 11 contests.
? Iowa has had a player post double-digit rebounds in seven of its last nine 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), 12 vs. Northwestern (Jan. 12) and 13 at No. 25 Minnesota (Jan. 16).
? Jarryd Cole grabbed 15 rebounds vs. Northern Iowa (Dec. 7). The 15 boards are the most by a Hawkeye since Greg Brunner snagged 23 vs. Minnesota on Jan. 18, 2006.
? Iowa is 7-1 when having a better field goal percentage than the opposition, 6-3 when having a better 3-point percentage and 5-1 when dishing out more assists.
? 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.
A YOUNG SQUAD
Iowa’s roster of 15 players includes six freshmen, two sophomores, five juniors and two seniors. The freshmen are Melsahn Basabe (6-7, 225), Cody Cox (6-4, 190), Roy Devyn Marble (6-5,190), Zach McCabe (6-7, 225), Darius Stokes (6-7,190) and Branden Stubbs (6-2, 170). The sophomores are Eric May and Cully Payne.
In addition, juniors Bryce Cartwright (6-1, 180) and Jordan Stoermer (6-2,185) are in their first year at Iowa. Cartwright played as a rookie at Fresno State and Paris JC (Texas) his sophomore campaign. Stoermer played his first two seasons at Kirkwood CC (Iowa).
THREE STATE CHAMPS
Iowa’s roster of 15 players includes three who won four state titles. Matt Gatens won a state title for Iowa City HS in 2008. Eric May won a state title for Dubuque Wahlert in 2008, while Zach McCabe’s Bishop Heelan captured the state title in 2009 and 2010.
HAWKEYE HOOPS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Iowa Hawkeye fans can get even more information, photos and video about the men’s basketball team on social media sites facebook (facebook.com/hawkeyehoops) and twitter (twitter.com/iowahoops).
Exclusive video, ticket specials and more will be available on facebook throughout the season.
BIG TEN TOURNAMENT ALL-SESSION TICKETS ON SALE
All-session tickets for the 2011 Big Ten Basketball Tournament (March 10-13) are now on sale to the general public. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000, and through the Conseco Fieldhouse box office and www.consecofieldhouse.com.
All-session tickets for the lower and club level are available for $300 through the 11 Big Ten universities only. All-session tickets for the upper level are available for $220 or $165 (depending on seat location) through Ticketmaster or the Conseco Fieldhouse box office only. Orders will be limited to 12 all-session tickets.
In addition, the men’s basketball tournament will continue to feature a special discounted rate of $50 for all-session tickets available only to students of the 11 Big Ten universities. All students must have a valid student ID for entry. Student section seating will be available in eight balcony sections and orders will be limited to one all-session ticket. Details on the student ticket program will be sent to the university ticket offices for distribution directly to students.
ON THE HORIZON
The Hawkeyes return to Iowa City to entertain the Indiana Hoosiers Sunday at 2 p.m. in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. After Sunday’s contest, the Hawkeyes hit the road again for games at Penn State (Jan. 26) and Michigan (Jan. 30).