Iowa Travels to Indiana Saturday

Feb. 4, 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
The Iowa Hawkeyes (9-13, 2-8) travel to Bloomington, Ind., to face the Indiana Hoosiers (12-11, 3-7) Saturday. Tip-off is slated for 3:05 p.m. (CST) at Assembly Hall (17,357). Saturday will be the second time in two weeks the two teams will meet. The Hoosiers sit one game above the Hawkeyes in the Big Ten standings.

Saturday will be Iowa’s third game in seven days and marks its first Saturday Big Ten contest of the season. After Saturday, Iowa’s next two games (Wisconsin and Minnesota) will be at home while Indiana will be on the road for a pair (Purdue and Michigan).

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. 113) Satellite Radio.
TV: Saturday’s game will be televised nationally on ESPN2. Bob Wischusen and Stephen Bardo will call the action from Assembly Hall.

DEFENSE STEPS UP IN VICTORIES
Defense has been key in Iowa’s nine victories this season. Hawkeye opponents average only 52 points, shooting 35% from the field, including 23% from 3-point territory, in the nine Iowa wins. Furthermore, Iowa averages 9.4 steals in victories.

GATENS REACHES MILESTONE
Matt Gatens entered Wednesday’s game 17 points shy of 1,000. The junior netted 19 points and became the 40th Hawkeye to reach 1,000 points. Gatens notched his 1,000th career point on a free throw at the 10:45 mark of the second half. The Iowa City native accomplished the feat in 84 games.

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).

STEALING THE SHOW
Iowa has collected 163 steals this season, averaging 7.4 per contest, through 22 games. Last year, Iowa was credited with 124 thefts in 32 games. Iowa’s 7.4 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 (22 games) after registering 10 or more thefts only twice over the previous three years (96 contests).

IOWA CRUISES TO 20-POINT WIN OVER MICHIGAN STATE
Iowa sprinted out to a 30-8 advantage and never looked back en route to a 72-52 victory over Michigan State Wednesday evening at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. The win snapped a five-game losing streak to Michigan State.

The loss was the Spartans largest margin of defeat this season and was the worst loss to Iowa since an 83-47 Hawkeye victory on Feb. 21, 1996 in Iowa City.

Four Hawkeyes netted double figures led by junior Matt Gatens’ game-high 19 points. Gatens’ 17th point, on a free throw, at the 10:45 mark of the second half was his 1,000th career point. Gatens became only the 40th Hawkeye to accomplish the feat. Also in double digits for Iowa was Jarryd Cole (13), Bryce Cartwright (12) and Eric May (11).

For the third-straight game, Cartwright dished out a career high in assists. The junior was credited with 10 helpers to go along with 12 points for his first career double-double. Cole was one rebound shy of a double-double, pulling down a game-high nine.

IOWA, MICHIGAN STATE POSTGAME NOTES
? Iowa shot 30-52 (.577) from the field for the second-consecutive home game. The Hawkeyes also shot 30-52 (.577) in a home win over the Hoosiers (Jan. 23).
? Iowa has now won six of the last nine meetings against Michigan State in Iowa City.
? Iowa held Michigan State to 34% (19-56) shooting from the field and 22% (4-18) from 3-point range. The Spartans missed their first 10 three-point attempts.
? Iowa’s defense forced 17 turnovers, turning the Spartan miscues into 30 points, which is the most the Hawkeyes have scored in a Big Ten game this season and most since putting up 45 against SIUE.
? Iowa finished the first half shooting 65.5% (19-29) from the field. The Hawkeyes started the game making 12 of its first 15 shot attempts (80%), including a stretch of making 10 consecutive field goals.
? Junior Bryce Cartwright dished out a career-high 10 assists, marking the first time a Hawkeye collected 10 or more in a game since Jake Kelly had 11 vs. Penn State in a double overtime win March 7, 2009. As a team, Michigan State had 11 assists. Cartwright has posted five assists or more in 14 of the last 16 games. Furthermore, he has been credited with a staggering 27 assists (9.0) the last three contests.
? Iowa committed only 12 turnovers against Michigan State. The Hawkeyes have been doing an excellent job valuing the basketball the last three games, averaging only 11 turnovers (11 at Penn State, 10 at Michigan and 12 vs. Michigan State).
? Wednesday’s win is Iowa’s best in terms of RPI this year; Michigan State entered the week ranked 36th.
? Michigan State boasted a +4.0 rebounding margin, but Iowa outrebounded the Spartans by one (32-31).

ALL-TIME SERIES
Indiana holds a 94-72 advantage in the series that began with an 18-12 Hoosier win in 1909. Iowa has won nine of the last 13 meetings. The Hawkeyes have won three consecutive over the Hoosiers, including this season’s earlier meeting, 91-77, on Jan. 23 in Iowa City. The 91 points are the second most Iowa scored this year (111 vs. SIUE). Iowa swept the season series a year ago, winning in Bloomington (58-43) and Iowa City (73-57). The Hawkeyes win at Indiana last year has been its only Big Ten road victory the last three seasons.

Indiana holds a 55-27 advantage in games played at Bloomington, but the Hawkeyes have won three of the last six. Indiana had won four straight before Iowa’s wins in 2004 and 2006. The Hoosiers have won 12 of the last 16 meetings against Iowa in Assembly Hall. Four of the last nine games in Bloomington have been decided by three points or less, with the Hoosiers winning one in overtime in 2003 and Iowa winning in double overtime in 2004.

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 losing eight of nine, Indiana has had a strong showing in its last three games — winning two and losing the third by a point (84-83) in overtime at Michigan State. The Hoosiers are 12-11 overall, with all 12 of its victories coming at home (12-2). Their two home losses have come to Penn State (69-60) and Ohio State (85-67). While Indiana is 12-2 at home, it has not won a road/neutral site game (0-9).

Indiana has played six games decided by six points or less, winning two. Furthermore, its last three games have been decided by three points or less, beating Illinois (52-49) and Minnesota (60-57) at home and falling at Michigan State (84-83) in overtime.

The Hoosiers won its last game, 60-57, Wednesday against Minnesota in front of 16,168 fans at Assembly Hall in Bloomington. Indiana led by as many as 16 points in the second half en route to victory. Tom Prichard and Verdell Jones III paced the Hoosiers scoring 12 points each. Jones III returned to action after missing the previous three contests due to a knee injury.

Indiana has three players average double figures in scoring: Christian Watford (17.0), Jones III (12.9) and Jordan Hulls (10.7). Watford, who was a Big Ten all-Freshman team honoree a year ago, had surgery this past Tuesday to repair his broken left hand, an injury which was suffered in the Hoosiers one-point overtime loss at Michigan State a week ago. Watford joins sophomore guard Maurice Creek on the sidelines after Creek suffered his second knee injury in 12 months in the Hoosiers’ 80-61 win over Michigan (Jan. 15).

Jones III also ranks first in assists (3.4). Hulls is the Hoosiers’ top 3-point (43-92, .467) and free throw (39-44, .886) threat. Hulls is the only active Indiana player with over 25 triples this year.

Indiana ranks second in the league in field goal percentage (.478), and fifth in scoring offense (73.3) and rebounding margin (+2.8). The Hoosiers have nearly the same number of assists (314) to turnovers (316).

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.

In addition, Zach McCabe drained a 3-pointer as the first half expired in Iowa’s last game against Michigan State, giving the Hawkeyes a 41-20 advantage going into halftime.

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 28-57 (.329), while he has posted a career record of 218-153 (.588). 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 1-4 vs. the Iowa Hawkeyes.

IOWA, INDIANA TIP-INS
? Senior Jarryd Cole will be appearing in his 100th game Saturday.
? Iowa is one game from eighth place in the Big Ten. Three teams are one game ahead of the Hawkeyes in eighth place (Northwestern, Indiana and Michigan).
? Saturday’s game features two of the Big Ten’s best free throw shooters. Indiana’s Jordan Hulls hasn’t missed a free throw during Big Ten play (22-22, 1.000), while Iowa’s Matt Gatens has only missed one (27-28, .964).
? Two of the Big Ten’s top juniors square off Saturday. Verdell Jones III (1,016 points) ranks third in scoring amongst juniors in the conference, followed by Iowa’s Matt Gatens (1,002).
? Indiana is the only Big Ten team that Iowa currently has more than a two-game active winning streak against. The Hawkeyes have won the last three against the Hoosiers dating back to last season.
? Christian Watford led all scorers the last time Iowa played Indiana (Jan. 23) with 30 points and eight rebounds. Watford will not play Saturday due to injury.
? Iowa’s Matt Gatens averages 15.8 points in five games against Indiana. Hawkeye freshmen Melsahn Basabe (20) and Roy Devyn Marble (18) had stellar outings against the Hoosiers two weeks ago. Marble’s 18 is a personal best. Basabe also grabbed 10 rebounds, posting his fourth double-double.
? According to collegerpi.com, Iowa’s strength of schedule ranks 38th in the country, based on games played through Jan. 30; Indiana rates 77th.
? Iowa is 9-1 when having a better field goal percentage than the opposition, 8-4 when having a better 3-point percentage and 6-1 when dishing out more assists.
? Iowa has had a player score 20-plus points in seven of the last 11 contests. Basabe registered a personal-best 25 points at Michigan (Jan. 30), 22 points vs. 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).
? Seven of Iowa’s nine 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 (7.41) in all games and ranks first in league games (6.4).
? Iowa ranks 31st in the country in fewest fouls per game (16.5) and 69th in steals (7.4). Indiana ranks 20th in the nation in field goal percentage (.478) and 34th in 3-point field goal percentage (.374).
? 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.

IOWA WON THE PREVIOUS MEETING
A strong shooting performance lifted the Iowa Hawkeyes to a 91-77 victory over Indiana, its first Big Ten win of the season, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Jan. 23. The 91 points are the most it has scored in a Big Ten game since a 91-78 win at Minnesota on Feb. 7, 2007. Also, the 91 points are the most scored by Iowa against Indiana since a 93-91 loss at Bloomington on Feb. 12, 1994.

Four Hawkeyes netted double figures: Melsahn Basabe (20), Matt Gatens (19), Roy Devyn Marble (18) and Eric May (11). Iowa’s stat sheet was extremely balanced with eight Hawkeyes scoring five points or more. Basabe grabbed a team-high 10 rebounds to post his team-best fourth double-double.

Iowa shot a blistering 57.7% (30-52) from the field. The Hawkeyes shot 52% (15-29) from the field in the first half and a blistering 65% (15-23) the final 20 minutes. Most of Iowa’s looks were high-percentage shots, as 23 of its 30 field goals were scored inside the paint.

Indiana was led by Christian Watford and Derek Elston. Watford tallied a game-high 30 points, while Elston had 10 points and 12 rebounds off the bench. The Hoosiers played without second-leading scorer Verdell Jones III, who missed the game due to an injured knee.

NUMBER OF THE WEEK – – 70
Iowa is 8-2 when it holds the opponent under 70 points, compared to a 1-11 mark when giving up 70 or more.

BASABE ON SAME ROOKIE SCORING PATH AS GATENS
Matt Gatens started all 32 games his freshman campaign (2008-09), scoring 345 points (averaging 10.8 points). The 345 points ranks seventh best for a Hawkeye rookie, while the 10.8 average ranks eighth.

Melsahn Basabe has scored 226 points and is averaging 10.3 points per game. Like Gatens, he has started every game — 22 so far this season.

BASABE AMONG BIG TEN FRESHMEN ELITE
Melsahn Basabe has been playing like one of the top freshmen in the Big Ten. He ranks first among conference rookies in blocks (1.45), second in rebounding (6.6) and double-doubles (4), and third in scoring (10.3).

The rookie from Glen Cove, NY, is averaging 11.8 points (74-129, .574), seven rebounds and 1.6 blocks the last 17 contests. Furthermore, he is averaging 13.3 points (43-74, .581) and 7.6 rebounds the last nine Big Ten games. Basabe has put up 20 points or more in four of the last nine contests.

Basabe netted a personal-best 25 points on 9-11 (.818) shooting from the field and 7-8 (.875) shooting from the foul line at Michigan (Jan. 23). The rookie has scored 20 points or more four times, all against Big Ten squads (Ohio State – 22, Minnesota – 20, Indiana – 20 and Michigan – 25). The last time a Hawkeye freshman scored 20 or more in at least four games was Tyler Smith in 2006-07 when he accomplished the feat five times, only two of which came against Big Ten opponents. Furthermore, the last time a Hawkeye — regardless of class — posted four or more 20-point scoring outbursts against Big Ten competition was Adam Haluska in 2004-05 (Michigan State – 24; Northwestern – 20; Illinois – 20; Penn State – 22; Ohio State – 22).

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 (10). Basabe has posted double-doubles in two of his last six 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 freshman (Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger has 11).

Basabe, who is one of five Big Ten freshmen to start every game, is Iowa’s leading shot blocker (32) and rebounder (6.6). He has led the team in rebounding a team-best 10 times, including five of the last nine outings (South Dakota State, UL Monroe, SIUE, Wake Forest, Iowa State, Ohio State, Northwestern, Minnesota, Indiana and Michigan). He has also led the team in scoring three of the last six.

Basabe has a team-best 32 blocks this season, a total that is fifth most by a Hawkeye freshman. He is only two from tying Ryan Bowen (1994-95) for fourth on the list. Basabe is responsible for 48% of Iowa’s blocked shots, rejecting 32 of the team’s 67 blocked shots.

MARBLE COMING ON STRONG
Hawkeye freshman Roy Devyn Marble has provided a spark off the bench recently.

The last four games, Marble averaged 20 minutes, 9.5 points and is shooting 48% (15-31) from the field. The 9.5 points ranks fourth on the team in the four-game span.

The native of Southfield, Mich., poured in a career-high 18 points, bolstered by 8-13 shooting from the field in Iowa’s 91-77 win over Indiana (Jan. 23). Marble’s previous best was 11 points vs. Long Beach State (Nov. 22) and at Wake Forest (Nov. 30). He tallied 12 points and three assists in 27 minutes of action at Michigan. The 27 minutes is the most he has seen in conference play; he played a season-high 31 minutes at Wake Forest (Nov. 30). Marble dished out a career-high four assists in Iowa’s 20-point victory over Michigan State Wednesday night.

ATTACKING THE BASKET
Iowa has taken advantage of strong post play and attacking the basket more this season. The Hawkeyes are averaging 29.4 points per game in the paint. Iowa has scored 30 or more paint points 11 times this season, including four of its last five outings — at top-ranked Ohio State (36) and Michigan (30) and vs. Indiana (46) and Michigan State (34). A year ago, the Hawkeyes averaged 24 points in the paint through its first 22 games.

DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE
Iowa has had a Big Ten-best four players record double-doubles: Melsahn Basabe (4), Jarryd Cole (2), Bryce Cartwright and Devon Archie. Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota rank second with three players posting double-doubles.

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.

Most recently, Cartwright notched his first career double-double, posting 12 points and a career-high 10 assists in a win over Michigan State. Archie was credited with 10 points and 11 rebounds vs. Xavier (Nov. 19) for his first career double-double. 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.

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 13 games, he is averaging 15.7 points. He is 38-41 (.927) from the free throw line and 36-80 (.450) from distance during the 13-game stretch.

In league play, he is averaging 14.8 points while shooting 43% 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 scored a game-high 19 points in Iowa’s victory over Michigan State Wednesday. In the process, he tallied his 1,000th career point to become only the 40th Hawkeye to accomplish the feat.

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 30 triples the last 11 games (2.73). 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% (30-65) from long distance the last 10 outings.

Gatens ranks first in team scoring (13.3) and free throw percentage (.917, 55-60), and second in assists (42). Also, he ranks ninth 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 12 home games of 2009-10, the Hawkeyes are averaging 2,154 more fans than a year ago. Iowa averaged 9,124 fans the first 12 home games last season, compared to 11,278 this year.
? Iowa has outrebounded their opponents in 14 of 22 games. Long Beach State, Illinois, Purdue, Northwestern, Minnesota, Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan are the only opponents to pull down more boards than the Hawkeyes.
? Iowa’s six freshmen average a combined 23.3 points per game, an average that ranks third best in the Big Ten behind Ohio State (36.1) and Michigan (30.5). Two of Michigan’s freshmen are redshirts.
? Matt Gatens has made 30 triples the last 11 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% (30-65) from long distance the last nine outings.
? Iowa has had a player post double-digit rebounds in eight of its last 14 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). He has a team-best 30 shot deflections through 21 games.
? 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 had a great first season at Iowa, starting the last 17 games at point guard.

The 6-1 guard ranks second in team scoring (10.7), first in assists (118) and third in steals (24). As a starter, he is averaging 11.2 points, 6.1 assists and 2.4 rebounds. Cartwright has been credited with five assists or more in 14 of Iowa’s last 16 games. Furthermore, he has dished out eight assists or more five times this year (Idaho State, Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan and Michigan State). Cartwright has been on fire the last three games boasting a 3.86 assist/turnover ratio. He has amassed 27 assists (9.0) the last three games, including dishing out a career-high 10 in Iowa’s win over Michigan State on Wednesday. He had nine assists with no turnovers at Michigan (Jan. 30).

Cartwright ranks third in Big Ten assists (5.36). In addition, Cartwright averages 6.5 assists after 10 league games, which ties Michigan’s Darius Morris for first in the Big Ten. 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).

IMPROVED STATISTICS
Comparing statistics through 22 games last year to this season, Iowa is putting up improved numbers. The Hawkeyes are averaging 6.9 more points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.1 steals and 1.1 blocks.

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 233 straight games.

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 2,585 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Iowa’s overall record is 1,485-1,100 (.574). That includes a 941-343 (.733) record in home games, a 544-706 (.435) record in contests away from Iowa City, a 701-712 (.496) mark in Big Ten games and a 347-108 (.763) 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.

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
Iowa returns to Iowa City for a pair of home games. The Hawkeyes will entertain border rivals Wisconsin (Feb. 9) and Minnesota (Feb. 13) at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.