Hawkeyes to Host Indiana Sunday Afternoon

Hawkeyes to Host Indiana Sunday Afternoon

Jan. 21, 2011

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!

Complete Release in PDF Format

THE SETTING
After playing back-to-back road games Iowa (7-11, 0-6) returns home to host the Indiana Hoosiers (10-9, 1-5) Sunday. Tip-off is slated for 2:06 p.m. (CST) at Carver-Hawkeye Arena (15,500) in Iowa City, Iowa. Tickets are $25 for adults, and $15 for UI students and youths.

The Iowa basketball program will recognize former Iowa head basketball coach and player Sharm Scheuerman Sunday. Scheuerman passed away last summer. Iowa will wear an “SS” patch on their uniform 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 be in attendance.

IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,581 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Iowa’s overall record is 1,483-1,098 (.575). That includes a 939-343 (.732) record in home games, a 544-704 (.436) record in contests away from Iowa City, a 699-710 (.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: Sunday’s game will be televised nationally on the Big Ten Network. Tom Hart and Kenyon Murray will call the action from Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Game 19 | Indiana at Iowa
Date Sunday, Jan. 23 | 2:06 p.m. (CST)
Location Iowa City, IA | Carver-Hawkeye Arena
Game Info Tickets | Promotions
Television Big Ten Network (HD)
Live Coverage GameTracker | Live Blog
All-Time Series Indiana, leads, 94-71

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.

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 TOP-RANKED OHIO STATE WEDNESDAY
For the 21st time in Iowa’s basketball history, it played the top-ranked team earlier in the week. Ohio State showed why it is the No. 1 team in the country beating the Hawkeyes 70-48 at Value City Arena in Columbus Wednesday.

Three Hawkeyes scored in double figures, paced by Andrew Brommer’s 12 points off the bench. Melsahn Basabe contributed 11 points, while Bryce Cartwright had 10. Brommer was also a force defensively, grabbing a team-high six boards, blocking three shots and drawing four charging fouls against Ohio State. Cartwright also dished out a game-high seven assists.

Ohio State’s David Lighty scored a game-high 18 points, while William Buford had 15 and Jared Sullinger 13.

The Buckeyes outscored the Hawkeyes 12-3 at the free throw line and drained five more triples than Iowa.

IOWA, OHIO STATE POSTGAME NOTES
? Andrew Brommer’s 12 points matched a career high. His six rebounds and three blocked shots were also personal bests.
? Iowa outscored Ohio State in the paint, scoring 36 paint points to the Buckeyes’ 34.
? For the second time in three games, Eric May was held scoreless. May failed to score on 0-2 shooting in 18 minutes of action. The sophomore also didn’t score in Iowa’s game vs. Northwestern (Jan. 12).
? Both teams combined for 43 turnovers, 23 by Iowa.
? After not scoring a bench point in its previous game at No. 25 Minnesota, the Hawkeye reserves combined for 19 points against Ohio State Wednesday.
? Iowa kept its 229-game streak alive of making at least one 3-pointer (1-7, 1.43).

ROAD HAWKEYES
Sunday is Iowa’s lone home game in the middle of playing four of five games on the road. The Hawkeyes played at Minnesota (Jan. 16) and Ohio State (Jan. 19) before returning home to entertain the Hoosiers Sunday. Iowa will hit the road again next week for a pair of games at Penn State (Jan. 26) and Michigan (Jan. 30).

BASABE MAKES HIS MARK
Melsahn Basabe recorded 22 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks against 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 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.

ALL-TIME SERIES
Indiana holds a 94-71 advantage in the series that began with an 18-12 Hoosier win in 1909. Iowa has won eight of the last 12 meetings. The Hawkeyes swept the season series a year ago, winning in Bloomington (58-43) and Iowa City (73-57).

Iowa leads 42-39 in games played at Iowa City, holding a 17-9 advantage in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Indiana won two straight in Iowa City before the Hawkeyes claimed five of the last six.

The two teams have met twice at neutral sites (the Big Ten Tournament), with Iowa winning both, once in Chicago (2001) and once in Indianapolis (2002).

SCOUTING INDIANA
After starting the season 9-2, Indiana has since lost seven of its last eight. The Hoosiers, who are 0-7 away from home including 0-5 in true road games, have played five games decided by nine points or less (0-5).

The Hoosiers lost their last game, 69-60, at No. 17 Wisconsin Thursday. Indiana (7) and Wisconsin (5) combined for only 12 turnovers. Jordan Hulls paced Indiana with a 16 points, two assists and two steals. The Hoosiers shot 51% from the floor, but were outscored 16-8 at the foul line.

Indiana has three players averaging in double figures: Christian Watford (16.1), Verdell Jones III (12.9) and Hulls (10.3). Jones also ranks first in assists (3.5). Watford, who was a Big Ten all-Freshman team honoree a year ago, ranks third in scoring, averaging 11.3 points per game in six league contests. The Hoosiers have two active players who have made 20 or more triples (Hulls, 37 and Watford, 20).

Indiana ranks second in the league in field goal percentage (.493), and fourth in scoring offense (74.4) and 3-point field goal percentage (.385). The Hoosiers are also solid on the glass, owning a +3.8 rebounding margin.

Indiana sophomore guard Maurice Creek suffered his second knee injury in 12 months in the Hoosiers’ 80-61 win over Michigan a week ago. Creek had season-ending surgery to his right knee this past week.

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).

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.

INDIANA COACH TOM CREAN
Tom Crean is in his third year as the head coach at Indiana and his 12th year as a college head coach. He served as the head coach at Marquette University for nine seasons (1999-08). His record at Indiana stands at 26-55 (.321), while he has posted a career record of 216-151 (.589). Crean led Marquette to five appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including a trip to the 2003 Final Four, while posting a 190-96 mark there. He earned the Coach Clair Bee Award in 2003 and was a finalist for the Naismith National Coach of the Year.

Crean has served as an assistant coach at Michigan State (1989-90 and 1995-99), Western Kentucky (1990-94) and Pittsburgh (1994-95). He was associate head coach and recruiting coordinator his last two seasons at Michigan State.

Crean is 1-3 vs. the Iowa Hawkeyes.

IOWA, INDIANA TIP-INS
? According to collegerpi.com, Iowa’s strength of schedule ranks 48th in the country, based on games played through Jan. 16.
? Coach McCaffery took his 2003-04 UNC Greensboro team to Bloomington for its season opener. The Hoosiers beat UNC Greensboro (71-64).
? The Hawkeyes are in the midst of playing four of five games away from home. Sunday is the lone home contest during this stretch.
? Iowa’s Matt Gatens scored 25 points on 8-14 shooting from the field and 7-10 from the foul line in last season’s 73-57 win over Indiana.
? Iowa recorded only one Big Ten road win a year ago: at Indiana (58-43).
? Iowa and Indiana played two common non-conference opponents: Northern Iowa and SIUE. The Hawkeyes beat Northern Iowa (51-39) and SIUE (111-50). The Hoosiers beat SIUE (88-54), but lost to the Panthers (67-61).
? Iowa is 7-1 when it holds the opponent under 70 points, compared to an 0-10 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 fourth in the Big Ten in steals (7.61) in overall games and second (6.33) in conference only games.
? After not playing a non-conference ranked opponent, five of Iowa’s first six Big Ten games were against ranked foes: Illinois (23), Purdue (10), Minnesota (25) and twice against Ohio State (2/1). This was 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 (16.4) and 69th in steals (7.6). Indiana ranks ninth in the nation in field goal percentage (.493) and 34th in 3-point field goal percentage (.385).
? Indiana’s roster is comprised of 15 student-athletes. The roster consists of one senior, five juniors, five sophomores and four freshmen. Six players hail from Indiana, two from Florida, Maryland, Ohio and Illinois, and one from Alabama.
? Indiana assistant Tim Buckley was an assistant coach at the University of Iowa during the 2006-07 season when the Hawkeyes posted a 17-14 overall record.
? Indiana Coach Tom Crean is the son-in-law of Jack Harbaugh, who at one time served as an assistant football coach at Iowa. Crean’s brothers-in-law are Jim and John Harbaugh.

HAWKEYE FRESHMEN AMONG LEAGUE’S ROOKIE BEST
Melsahn Basabe ranks first among conference rookies in blocks (1.4), second in rebounding (6.8) and third in scoring (9.6). Zach McCabe ranks sixth in rebounding (4.2) and ninth in scoring (7.0).

Basabe has 26 blocks, while Michigan State’s Adreian Payne ranks second with 16 rejections.

IOWA IN CARVER-HAWKEYE ARENA
Iowa has compiled a 345-108 (.762) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena since the facility opened in January, 1983. Iowa is 159-86 (.649) in Big Ten games and 186-22 (.894) in non-Big Ten contests.

HAWKEYES ARE TOUGH AT HOME
Iowa has won 69 of its 96 games (.719) 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.

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 15 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.

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 29.1 points per game in the paint. Iowa has scored 30 or more paint points eight times this season, including its last outing at top-ranked Ohio State (36). 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 23.8 points in the paint through its first 18 games.

BASABE COMING ON STRONG
Melsahn Basabe has had a strong showing as of late. The freshman from Glen Cove, NY, is averaging 11.3 points and 7.4 rebounds the last 13 contests. Basabe is shooting 55-98 (.561) from the field during the 13-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 boards and two blocks, to go along with six points vs. Northwestern (Jan. 12). At No. 25 Minnesota, 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 (6.8). He has led the team in rebounding a team-best eight times, including three of the last five outings (South Dakota State, UL Monroe, SIUE, Wake Forest, Iowa State, Ohio State, Northwestern and Minnesota).

Basabe is responsible for 47% of Iowa’s blocked shots, rejecting 26 of the team’s 55 blocked shots.

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 nine games, he is averaging 16.1 points. He is 20-22 (.909) from the free throw line and 45% (29-64) from distance during the nine-game stretch.

In league play, he is averaging 14.8 points while shooting 42% from the field and 45% 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 had his streak of making at least one trey in 12 straight games snapped at No. 1 Ohio State Wednesday, has sunk 23 triples the last seven games (3.29). 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 47% (23-49) from long distance the last six outings.

Gatens ranks first in team scoring (12.9) 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 229 straight games. The Hawkeyes kept the streak alive with a season-low one triple at No. 1 Ohio State Wednesday night.

CARTWRIGHT ON POINT
Bryce Cartwright has started the last 13 games at point guard.

The 6-1 guard ranks second in team scoring (10.9), first in assists (86) and third in steals (21). As a starter, he is averaging 11.6 points, 5.5 assists and 2.3 rebounds. Cartwright has been credited with five assists or more in 10 of Iowa’s last 12 games. He ranks fourth in Big Ten assists (4.78).

He has been Iowa’s best player the last three games, averaging 15 points, 5.67 assists.

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. 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 18 games. Long Beach State, Illinois, Purdue, Northwestern, Minnesota and Ohio State are the only opponents to pull down more boards than the Hawkeyes.
? Iowa’s six freshmen average a combined 22.5 points per game, an average that ranks third best in the Big Ten behind Ohio State (36.1) 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 seven contests. 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 at least 20 points vs. Northwestern (Jan. 12).
? Matt Gatens has made 23 triples the last seven 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 47% (23-49) from long distance the last five outings.
? Bryce Cartwright has been credited with five assists or more in 10 of the last 12 contests.
? Iowa has had a player post double-digit rebounds in seven of its last 10 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.

IMPROVED STATISTICS
Comparing statistics through 19 games last year to this season, Iowa is putting up improved numbers. The Hawkeyes are averaging five more points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.6 steals and 1.6 blocks.

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.

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.

“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 hit the road again for a pair of road games at Penn State (Jan. 26) and Michigan (Jan. 30).

Iowa will return home to entertain nationally-ranked Michigan State Feb. 2 (7:36 p.m.).