Hawkeyes Travel to Michigan Sunday

Jan. 28, 2011

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THE SETTING
The Iowa Hawkeyes (8-12, 1-7) remain on the road Sunday when they travel to Ann Arbor, Mich., to face the Michigan Wolverines (12-9, 2-6). Tip-off is slated for 3:06 p.m. (CST) at Crisler Arena (13,751). Sunday will conclude a stretch of playing four of five road games for Iowa.

This weekend has been tabbed Coaches vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers Awareness Weekend. The Iowa coaches will be wearing sneakers at the Michigan game to help raise cancer awareness.

Coach McCaffery and his wife, Margaret, will serve as honorary co-chairs for the American Cancer Society’s 2011 Relay For Life in Johnson County. The McCaffery’s will be actively involved in promoting the 2011 Relay. The ACS’s signature fund-raising event will be held June 24 in Iowa City.

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. 122) and XM (Ch. 143) Satellite Radio.
TV: Sunday’s game will be televised nationally on the Big Ten Network. Tom Hamilton and Tim Doyle will call the action from Crisler Arena.

DEFENSE STEPS UP IN VICTORIES
Defense has been key in Iowa’s seven victories this season. Hawkeye opponents average only 52 points, shooting 35% from the field, including 23% from 3-point territory, in the eight Iowa wins. Furthermore, Iowa averages 9.8 steals in victories.

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).

GATENS CLOSES IN ON MILESTONE
Junior Matt Gatens is closing in on 1,000 career points. The Iowa City native has 972 points after playing in 82 games. Gatens would become the 40th Iowa player to ever eclipse 1,000 career points.

UI STUDENTS TO GET IN FREE AT NEXT HOME GAME
UI students will be admitted FREE to Iowa’s next home game vs. Michigan State (Wednesday, Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m.).

HAWKEYES FALL AT PENN STATE
A strong second half shooting performance by Penn State lifted the Nittany LIons to a 65-51 win over the Iowa Hawkeyes Wednesday at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College, Pa.

The Nittany Lions closed the first half on a 10-0 run to take a 29-28 halftime lead. Penn State carried that momentum into the second stanza, shooting 58% (14-24) from the floor to outscore the visitors by 13 the final 20 minutes. For the game, the Nittany Lions shot 53% (25-47) from the floor.

Penn State seniors Talor Battle (23) and Jeff Brooks (22) combined to score 45 of its 65 points.

Iowa was led by Jarryd Cole, Matt Gatens and Bryce Cartwright. Cole scored 11 points, while Gatens had 10. Cartwright matched a career high with eight assists and scored all nine of his points the first 10 minutes of the game.

IOWA, PENN STATE POSTGAME NOTES
? Wednesday was the only regular season meeting between Iowa and Penn State.
? The loss snapped a two-game winning streak over Penn State, dating back to 2009.
? Jarryd Cole was Iowa’s leading scorer with 11 points, marking the first time the senior paced the Black and Gold in scoring this season.
? Iowa started the game making nine of its first 15 field goals (60%) in the first 10 minutes. The Hawkeyes finished the contest making 10 of its final 36 field goals (28%) in the last 30 minutes.
? Bryce Cartwright dished out a game-high eight assists. He has collected five assists or more in 12 of the last 14 games.
? The Nittany Lions had the advantage on the glass, pulling down nine more boards (30-21) than the Hawkeyes.
? Penn State missed only one free throw attempt (10-11, .909). Iowa was 6-9 (.667) from the charity stripe.
? Iowa’s bench was productive again, outscoring Penn State’s reserves 14-2.

STEALING THE SHOW
Iowa has collected 153 steals this season, averaging 7.7 per contest, through 20 games. Last year, Iowa was credited with 124 thefts in 32 games. Iowa’s 7.7 average is its best since the 1998-99 season when the Hawkeyes averaged 8.9 steals in 31 games.

Iowa has recorded 10 or more steals in five games this season (20 games) after registering 10 or more thefts only twice over the previous three years (96 contests).

ALL-TIME SERIES
Michigan holds an 87-57 advantage in the series that began with a 19-15 Wolverine win in 1912. The Wolverines and Hawkeyes have met nine times the last three seasons. Michigan beat Iowa three times a year ago, 60-46 in Ann Arbor, 80-78 in overtime at Iowa City and 59-52 in Indianapolis at the Big Ten Tournament. Iowa’s last win over Michigan came on Feb. 22, 2009 with a 70-60 overtime victory in Iowa City. The Wolverines have won seven of the last eight, including the last four.

Michigan holds a 48-22 advantage in games played in Ann Arbor, winning the last two.

Michigan holds a 5-0 advantage in games played at neutral sites, all in the Big Ten Tournament. Michigan won 77-66 in 1998 at Chicago and 79-70 in the 2004 event at Indianapolis. Michigan has defeated Iowa in the first round at Indianapolis in each of the past three seasons, winning 55-47 in 2008, 73-45 in 2009 and 59-52 in 2010.

SCOUTING MICHIGAN
Michigan had lost six straight games before traveling to East Lansing Thursday night and knocking off 21st-ranked in-state rival Michigan State, 61-57. The Wolverines enter Sunday’s match-up against the Hawkeyes with a 12-9 overall record and 2-6 conference mark. Ten of Michigan’s 12 victories have come at home in Crisler Arena.

The difference in the game against the Spartans was the ability of Michigan to sink the long ball. The Wolverines made 10 triples (10-21, .476), compared to 5-19 (.263) for Michigan State. Junior Zach Novak netted a team-high 19 points, bolstered by 6-8 (.750) shooting from 3-point range. Sophomore Darius Morris contributed 17 points, while freshman Tim Hardaway Jr. had 10.

Morris averages a team-best 15.6 points, 7.0 assists and 1.1 steals per contest. Hardaway Jr. is the only other Wolverine averaging double figures in scoring (11.4). Novak averages 9.8 points and a team-best 6.3 rebounds and is Michigan’s top 3-point threat (41-103, .398).

The Wolverines have six players who can knock down the three-ball: Novak (41), Hardaway Jr. (35), Douglass (34), Smotrycz (27), Vogrich (16) and Morris (15).

Michigan, who is in the middle of a stretch of playing five of seven road games, averages 66.1 points per game, 8.2 triples per contest and shoots 70% from the free throw line. The Wolverines average only 10.5 turnovers per outing, an average that ranks fifth nationally. Michigan also ranks 27th in the country in assist/turnover ratio (1.3).

MICHIGAN COACH JOHN BEILEIN
John Beilein is in his fourth season as the head coach at Michigan and his 33rd year as a head coach on the junior college, NAIA, NCAA Div. II and NCAA Div. I levels. Beilein is 58-62 (.483) at Michigan and his career mark is 609-380 (.616). Beilein is in his 19th year as a Division I head coach, posting an 89-62 record at Canisius (1993-97), a 100-53 record at Richmond (1998-2002) and a 104-60 mark at West Virginia (2003-07). He led West Virginia teams to four straight post-season appearances, including two trips to the NCAA Sweet 16 and a trip to the Elite Eight in 2005. West Virginia, won the NIT post-season tournament in 2007. Beilein has taken his team to postseason action in 11 of the last 18 seasons.

Beilein’s teams have posted 27 winning seasons in 32 years, including 15 seasons of at least 20 wins. He ranks among the top 20 active Division I coaches in career wins.

Beilein is 7-2 against the Iowa Hawkeyes.

IOWA, MICHIGAN TIP-INS
? Iowa also played at Michigan a year ago to the date (Jan. 30, 2010), with the Wolverines beating the Hawkeyes, 60-46. That game was also the Coaches vs. Cancer weekend.
? Michigan and Iowa are two of the Big Ten’s top teams in terms of freshmen production. Iowa’s six freshmen average a combined 23 points per game, an average that ranks third best in the Big Ten behind Ohio State (36.5) and Michigan (29.4). Two of Michigan’s freshmen are redshirts.
? Matt Gatens averaged 11 points and 4.3 rebounds in three games against Michigan a year ago.
? According to collegerpi.com, Iowa’s strength of schedule ranks 40th in the country, based on games played through Jan. 23.
? After Sunday’s road game, three of Iowa’s next four contests will be in Iowa City.
? Iowa is 8-1 when having a better field goal percentage than the opposition, 7-4 when having a better 3-point percentage and 5-1 when dishing out more assists.
? Iowa is 7-2 when it holds the opponent under 70 points, compared to a 1-10 mark when giving up 70 or more.
? Iowa has had a player score 20-plus points in six of the last nine contests. Basabe registered 22 points against No. 2 Ohio State (Jan. 4), 20 at No. 25 Minnesota (Jan. 16) and 20 vs. Indiana (Jan. 23), 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).
? Six of Iowa’s eight 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 second in the Big Ten in steals (7.65) in all games and first (6.75) in conference only games.
? Iowa’s Matt Gatens ranks 11th in the country in free throw percentage (.906). Michigan’s Darius Morris ranks fourth in the nation in assists (7.0).
? Michigan’s roster is comprised of 15 student-athletes. The roster consists of four juniors, five sophomores and six freshmen (two redshirt). Six players hail from Michigan, two from Indiana and Illinois, and one each from California, Florida, New York, Massachusetts and Washington.
? During the 2005-06 season, Iowa and John Beilein’s West Virginia team nearly met on two occasions. Both teams reached the semifinals of the Guardians Classic in Kansas City. Iowa defeated Kentucky in the semifinals, but Texas defeated West Virginia in the semifinals before defeating the Hawkeyes in the finals. West Virginia and Iowa were then sent to the same regional in the NCAA Tournament, with a chance to meet in the second round at the Palace of Auburn Hills. West Virginia defeated Southern Illinois in the first round, but Iowa was upset on a last second 3-point basket by Northwestern State.
? Michigan Assistant Coach LaVall Jordan served as an Iowa assistant coach the previous three seasons (2007-10).

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 28 blocks this season, a total that ranks sixth for a Hawkeye freshman. He surpassed teammate Eric May for sixth on the list, who had 26 rejections a year ago.

HAWKEYE FRESHMEN AMONG LEAGUE’S ROOKIE BEST
Melsahn Basabe ranks first among conference rookies in blocks (1.4), second in rebounding (6.8) and double-doubles (4), and third in scoring (9.9). Zach McCabe ranks seventh in rebounding (4.0) and ninth in scoring (6.7).

Basabe has 28 blocks, while Michigan State’s Adreian Payne ranks second with 16 rejections.

BASABE PLAYING STRONG
Melsahn Basabe has been playing like one of the top freshmen in the Big Ten. The rookie from Glen Cove, NY, is averaging 11.4 points (63-112, .563), 7.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks the last 15 contests. Furthermore, he is averaging 13 points (32-57, .561) and 8.1 rebounds the last seven Big Ten games. Basabe has put up 20 points or more in three of the last seven contests.

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 has four double-doubles this season, the second most by a Big Ten freshman behind Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger (9). Basabe has posted double-doubles in two of his last four games: at No. 25 Minnesota (20 points and 13 rebounds) and vs. Indiana (20 points and 10 rebounds).

The 6-7, 225-point power forward has reached double-digit rebounds in six games this year, also the second most by a Big Ten freshmen (Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger has 10).

Basabe, who is one of five Big Ten freshmen to start every game, is Iowa’s leading shot blocker (28) and rebounder (6.8). He has led the team in rebounding a team-best nine times, including four of the last seven outings (South Dakota State, UL Monroe, SIUE, Wake Forest, Iowa State, Ohio State, Northwestern, Minnesota and Indiana).

Basabe is responsible for 47% of Iowa’s blocked shots, rejecting 28 of the team’s 59 blocked shots.

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.

MARBLE HAS CAREER PERFORMANCE
Hawkeye freshman Roy Devyn Marble really provided a spark off the bench in last Sunday’s 91-77 triumph over the Indiana Hoosiers in Iowa City. The native of Southfield, Mich., poured in a career-high 18 points, bolstered by 8-13 shooting from the field in 20 minutes of action. Marble’s previous best was 11 points vs. Long Beach State (Nov. 22) and at Wake Forest (Nov. 30).

Marble scored six points on two 3-pointers late in the game at Penn State Wednesday night.

DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE
Iowa has had three players post double-doubles: Melsahn Basabe (4), Jarryd Cole (2) and Devon Archie. Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota are the only Big Ten teams to accomplish that feat.

Basabe and Cole are two of 15 Big Ten players with multiple double-doubles. Furthermore, Basabe is one of only eight players with four 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), game highs in points (20) and rebounds (13) at No. 25 Minnesota Jan. 16 and was credited with team highs in points (20) and rebounds (10) in Iowa’s first Big Ten win of the season vs. Indiana Jan. 23. 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.

ATTACKING THE BASKET
Iowa has taken advantage of strong post play and attacking the basket more this season. The Hawkeyes are averaging 29 points per game in the paint. Iowa has scored 30 or more paint points nine times this season, including two of its last three outings — at top-ranked Ohio State (36) and vs. Indiana (46). A year ago, the Hawkeyes averaged 24.3 points in the paint through its first 20 games.

IOWA VS. RANKED TEAMS
Five of Iowa’s last in eight contests have come 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, 25th-ranked Minnesota (69-59) Jan. 16 and top-ranked Ohio State (70-48) Jan. 19.

Iowa has lost 23 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.

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 231 straight 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 11 games, he is averaging 15.8 points. He is 31-34 (.912) from the free throw line and 45% (33-74) from distance during the 10-game stretch.

In league play, he is averaging 14.8 points while shooting 41% from the field and 44% 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. The Iowa City native poured in 19 points, bolstered by 11-12 (.917) shooting at the free throw line, in Iowa’s victory over Indiana. He has eclipsed the 20-point plateau nine times in his career.

Gatens has sunk 27 triples the last nine games (3.0). 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 46% (27-59) from long distance the last eight outings.

Gatens ranks first in team scoring (13.1) and free throw percentage (.906, 48-53), and second in assists (40). Also, he ranks 11th in the nation in free throw shooting.

Gatens earned all-Big Ten recognition as a freshman and sophomore. He was a member of the all-Big Ten Freshman team in 2009 and an honorable mention all-conference selection a year ago.

HAWKEYE FAST BREAKS
? Iowa has seen an increase in its attendance numbers compared to last year. Compared to the first 11 home games of 2009-10, the Hawkeyes are averaging 1,974 more fans than a year ago. Iowa averaged 9,224 fans the first 11 home games last season, compared to 11,198 this year.
? Iowa has outrebounded their opponents in 13 of 20 games. Long Beach State, Illinois, Purdue, Northwestern, Minnesota, Ohio State and Penn State are the only opponents to pull down more boards than the Hawkeyes.
? Matt Gatens has made 27 triples the last nine 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 46% (27-59) from long distance the last seven outings.
? Bryce Cartwright has been credited with five assists or more in 12 of the last 14 contests. He matched a personal best with eight assists at Penn State Wednesday night.
? Iowa has had a player post double-digit rebounds in eight of its last 12 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), 13 at No. 25 Minnesota (Jan. 16) and 10 against Indiana (Jan. 23).
? 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’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.

CARTWRIGHT ON POINT
Bryce Cartwright has started the last 15 games at point guard.

The 6-1 guard ranks second in team scoring (10.6), first in assists (99) and third in steals (24). As a starter, he is averaging 11.1 points, 5.7 assists and 2.5 rebounds. Cartwright has been credited with five assists or more in 12 of Iowa’s last 14 games. In fact, he has dished out a personla-best eight assists three times this year (Idaho State, Ohio State and Penn State).

Cartwright ranks third in Big Ten assists (4.95). He is trying to become the third different Hawkeye to average at least 5.0 assists per game in a single-season since 1996-97 (1996-97 Andre Woolridge — 6.0 apg; 2004-05 Jeff Horner — 5.5 apg; 2005-06 Jeff Horner — 5.6 apg).

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 vs. Northwestern (Jan. 12). He led all scorers with a career-high 25 points and also collected 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.

IMPROVED STATISTICS
Comparing statistics through 20 games last year to this season, Iowa is putting up improved numbers. The Hawkeyes are averaging 5.5 more points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.2 steals and 1.3 blocks. Iowa is also allowing 1.5 fewer points per game.

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.

BIG TEN WINS ACC/BIG TEN CHALLENGE
For the second straight season, the Big Ten won the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, 6-5. Michigan, Wisconsin, Northwestern, Illinois, Ohio State and Purdue notched victories for the Big Ten. Wake Forest, Duke, Boston College, Virginia and Maryland recorded wins for the ACC.

IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,583 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Iowa’s overall record is 1,484-1,099 (.575). That includes a 940-343 (.733) record in home games, a 544-705 (.436) record in contests away from Iowa City, a 700-711 (.496) mark in Big Ten games and a 346-108 (.762) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

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.

IOWA INFORMATION ON THE WEB
Iowa basketball information is available on the University of Iowa’s web site, hawkeyesports.com. Once you have entered the web site, you may obtain biographical information on Iowa players and coaches, game notes, game stories and box scores from all games throughout the season, plus team and individual cumulative stats and a PDF version of “Iowa’s History and Record” book.

Members of the media who wish to have this information forwarded via e-mail throughout the season may do so by contacting the Iowa Sports Information office with your e-mail address.

HIGH SPEED CONNECTIONS
For members of the media who cover Iowa home games on a regular basis, high speed internet connections are available in the media seating area of Carver-Hawkeye Arena. A limited number of phone lines are also available.

Media covering Iowa basketball on a regular basis should have their own telephone line installed.

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
After playing four of five games on the road, the Iowa Hawkeyes return home to entertain nationally-ranked Michigan State Feb. 2 (7:36 p.m.).

UI students will receive free admission to Wednesday night’s contest against the Spartans. Students who do not have tickets already can pick them up at the IMU Box Office or the UI Athletic Ticket Office (West Entrance of Carver-Hawkeye Arena).