Iowa Hosts Second Straight Ranked Opponent Sunday

Feb. 11, 2011

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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!

THE SETTING
The Iowa Hawkeyes (10-14, 3-9) remain home Sunday hosting No. 25 Minnesota (16-8, 5-7). Tip-off is slated for 5:06 p.m. on Mediacom Court at Carver-Hawkeye Arena (15,500) in Iowa City, Iowa. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for UI students and youths. Fans can use their unused Iowa-Michigan State tickets for admission to any one of Iowa’s final three home games (Minnesota, Michigan and Purdue).

The Iowa wrestling team will be hosting Michigan in its home finale at 1 p.m. Anyone with a ticket to the men’s basketball game will be admitted to the wrestling meet, and wrestling fans are invited to remain in the arena for the basketball game. Wrestling fans staying for the basketball game are encouraged to sit in sections G, H, I, FF, GG or HH, above row 25.

Basketball fans attending the wrestling meet are encouraged to sit in sections G, H and I, above row 25. Re-entry between events will not be allowed.

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) and XM (Ch. 196) Satellite Radio.
TV: Sunday’s game will be televised nationally on the Big Ten Network (HD). Eric Collins and former Hawkeye Kenyon Murray will call the action from Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

FOOTBALL PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Members of the 2010 UI football team will be at Carver-Hawkeye Arena for an Insight Bowl victory recognition and photo opportunity with the Insight Bowl trophy.

Fans will have the opportunity to have their photo taken with the Insight Bowl trophy from 3-5 p.m. “Flash Portraits from the Coral Ridge Mall” will be available to help fans capture their photo. Iowa defeated 12th-ranked Missouri 27-24 in the 2010 Insight Bowl in Tempe, Ariz.

Two Hawkeye players, freshman running back Marcus Coker and sophomore cornerback Micah Hyde, were named Offensive and Defensive Most Valuable Players, respectively, at the Insight Bowl and both will recognized during halftime ceremonies, along with all Hawkeye football players who are in attendance. Coker set Iowa bowl records by rushing 33 times for 219 yards, and he scored two touchdowns. Hyde set an Iowa bowl record for longest interception return, as his theft and 72-yard TD with 5:32 remaining provided Iowa’s margin of victory.

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).

UPSET BID FALLS SHORT AGAINST NO. 13 WISCONSIN
Iowa put a scare into the 13th-ranked team, but Wisconsin escaped Iowa City with a 62-59 victory Wednesday night in the only regular season meeting between the two teams.

The Badgers outscored the Hawkeyes 10-4 the last 7:14 of regulation. Wisconsin’s Jordan Taylor drained a 17-footer at the top of the key with 29 seconds left to tie the game, 53-53. Iowa’s Bryce Cartwright had an opportunity to win the game on the final possession of regulation, but his 14 foot baseline jumper rimmed out at the buzzer.

A 3-pointer by Tim Jarmusz gave Wisconsin a 59-57 advantage with 1:34 left and the Badgers would ultimately hold on for the victory.

Senior Jarryd Cole (10 points and 12 rebounds) and freshman Melsahn Basabe (13 points and 11 rebounds) both posted double-doubles, marking the first time a pair of Hawkeyes accomplished the feat since Cyrus Tate and Cole both registered double-doubles vs. Penn State on March 7, 2009 (double overtime).

Jon Leuer (19), Jordan Taylor (16) and Keaton Nankivil (10) combined for 45 of Wisconsin’s 62 points.

IOWA, WISCONSIN POSTGAME NOTES
? The game featured three ties and nine lead changes.
? Both teams combined were whistled for only 21 fouls. Both Iowa (8-9) and Wisconsin (6-7) missed only one free throw attempt.
? Wednesday was Iowa’s first overtime game, while it was Wisconsin’s second (at Michigan State). Iowa fell to 49-53 all-time in overtime contests. Wednesday was Iowa’s first overtime contest since an 80-78 loss to Michigan in Iowa City (Feb. 16, 2010).
? Wisconsin assisted on 19 of its 24 field goals. Sixteen of Iowa’s 25 field goals came in the paint.
? Wisconsin was 8-29 (.276) from 3-point territory, while Iowa shot a season-low 1-7 (.143).
? Iowa’s defense forced six Badger turnovers and limited them to six field goals (18%) the first 20 minutes. Wisconsin improved its shooting in the second half, making 52% of its attempts.
? Bryce Cartwright scored a team-high 14 points to go along with four assists. Wednesday snapped a consecutive streak of eight-straight games of dishing out five assists or more for the junior.

DEFENSE STEPS UP IN VICTORIES
Defense has been key in Iowa’s 10 victories this season. Hawkeye opponents average only 53.1 points, shooting 35% from the field, including 24% from 3-point territory, in the 10 Iowa wins. Furthermore, Iowa averages nine steals in victories.

ALL-TIME SERIES
Minnesota will be gunning for its 100th win over Iowa Sunday. Minnesota holds a 99-88 advantage in the series that began with a 47-10 Gopher win in 1902. The Gophers have won six of the last nine meetings, including the last five.

Iowa holds a 52-39 advantage in games played in Iowa City and a 17-9 advantage at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa has won seven of the last 10 meetings in Iowa City and four of the last six.

Iowa’s last win over the Gophers came on Feb. 7, 2007 (91-78) in Minneapolis. The Hawkeyes’ last win over Minnesota in Iowa City was on Jan. 13, 2007 (60-49).

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

SCOUTING MINNESOTA
After starting the season 16-4 Minnesota has since lost four straight, falling to No. 12 Purdue, Indiana, No. 1 Ohio State and Illinois. The Golden Gophers recently lost a 71-62 decision Thursday night to Illinois at Williams Arena.

In its nine-point loss to the Illini, Minnesota junior Trevor Mbakwe notched his Big Ten leading 14th double-double of the year, posting game highs in scoring (17) and rebounding (16). Junior Ralph Sampson III tallied 16 points, while senior Blake Hoffarber had 15. Illinois outscored Minnesota 23-10 at the free throw line, while the Gophers outrebounded the Illini by six (44-38).

Minnesota, who is ranked 27th in the RPI, boasts an 11-3 home record but is 2-5 on the road this season, including a 1-5 mark in Big Ten road contests. The Gophers lone conference road victory came at Michigan (69-64) on Jan. 22.

Hoffarber is the team’s leading scorer (14.2) and 3-point shooter (63-159, .396). He is the only active Gopher who has made more than 12 triples. Senior point guard Al Nolen, who averages 8.4 points, is out indefinitely after breaking his right foot last month. Mbakwe averages a double-double (13.2 points and 10.6 rebounds). His 10.6 rebounding average is tops in the league. Sampson also averages double figures in scoring (11.1).

Minnesota ranks first in the league in blocks (5.9) and field goal percentage defense (.397). The Gophers rank second in rebounding margin (+5.0), 10th in 3-pointers (5.08) and last in free throw percentage (.649).

MINNESOTA COACH TUBBY SMITH
Tubby Smith is in his fourth year at Minnesota and his 20th season as a college head coach. Smith has led Minnesota to a 79-47 (.627) record and his career mark stands at 466-192 (.708). Smith posted a 79-43 mark in four seasons at Tulsa (1991-95), a 45-19 mark in two seasons at Georgia (1995-97) and a 263-83 record in 10 years at Kentucky (1997-07). He has also served as an assistant coach at Virginia Commonwealth, South Carolina and Kentucky.

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

Smith is 6-1 vs. the Iowa Hawkeyes.

IOWA, MINNESOTA TIP-INS
? Seven of Iowa’s 10 wins have come by margins of 10 points or more, while four of its defeats have come by six points or less, including three by three points.
? Matt Gatens ranks fourth among Big Ten juniors in scoring. Northwestern’s John Shurna ranks first, followed by Ohio State’s William Buford and Indiana’s Verdell Jones III.
? Eric May averages 11 points (13-18, .727 FG and 7-10, .700 FT) and 2.7 rebounds in Iowa’s three Big Ten wins. May averages 4.9 points (13-45, .289 FG and 5-9, .556 FT) and 1.6 boards in Iowa’s nine conference defeats.
? According to collegerpi.com, Iowa’s strength of schedule ranks 47th in the country, based on games played through Feb. 6; Minnesota rates 24th.
? Iowa is 10-2 when having a better field goal percentage than the opposition, 8-4 when having a better 3-point percentage and 7-1 when dishing out more assists.
? Iowa has had a player score 20-plus points in eight of the last 13 contests. Basabe registered 20 points in Iowa’s win at Indiana (Feb. 5), 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).
? Iowa ranks third in the Big Ten in steals (7.17) in all games and is tied with Northwestern for first during league play (6.08).
? Iowa ranks 34th in the country in fewest fouls per game (16.2) and 92nd in steals (7.2).
? Minnesota and Iowa share one common non-conference opponent: South Dakota State. Iowa lost to the Jackrabbits (79-69), while the Gophers won (85-73).
? Minnesota’s roster is comprised of 14 student-athletes. The roster consists of two seniors, three juniors, three sophomores and six freshmen. Six players hail from Minnesota, and one from California, Georgia, Louisiana, Nebraska, Tennessee, South Dakota, Ontario and Latvia.
? Iowa’s roster includes one player from the state of Minnesota: sophomore Andrew Brommer (Rosemount).
? Minnesota Associate Head Coach Ron Jirsa was the head coach at Georgia in 1998 when the Bulldogs scored a 100-93 win over Iowa in the first round of the NIT in Iowa City.
? Minnesota Assistant Coach Vince Taylor previously served as an assistant Coach at Louisville (1999-05). During that time Iowa defeated the Cardinals on two occasions. Iowa won 70-69 in overtime in the John Wooden Tradition in Indianapolis in 2003-04. The following season the Hawkeyes defeated Louisville 76-71 in the first round of the Maui Classic. Iowa placed second in that event, falling in the final to eventual national champion North Carolina.
? Minnesota Assistant Coach Saul Smith played for his father, Tubby, at Kentucky during his college career. Smith was a member of the 2001 Wildcat team that defeated Iowa 92-79 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in Long Island, NY. Smith contributed eight points, five assists and three rebounds in 35 minutes of action.

STEALING THE SHOW
Iowa has collected 172 steals this season, averaging 7.2 per contest, through 24 games. Last year, Iowa was credited with 124 thefts in 32 games. Iowa’s 7.2 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 (24 games) after registering 10 or more thefts only twice over the previous three years (96 contests). MINNESOTA WON THE PREVIOUS MEETING
Four Hawkeye starters were responsible for all 59 points in a 69-59 loss at No. 25 Minnesota on Jan. 16 at Williams Arena.

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, Minnesota went on a 10-0 surge. 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 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 big advantage at the charity stripe. The Gophers made 27 of 37 free-throw attempts (.730), compared to only 9-11 (.818) for the Hawkeyes.

Trevor Mbakwe paced the Gophers with 16 points and 12 rebounds off the bench. Al Nolen, who is injured and will not play Sunday in Iowa City, contributed 13 points and eight rebounds, while Ralph Sampson had 11 points and a game-high seven blocks.

BASABE ETCHING HIS NAME IN HAWKEYE RECORD BOOKS
Melsahn Basabe has become only the second Hawkeye rookie to amass over 250 points, 170 rebounds and 30 blocks. The native of Glen Cove, NY, has 259 points, 170 rebounds and 36 blocks after 24 games. The only other Hawkeye to accomplish the feat is Guy Rucker in 1996-97 (339, points, 181 rebounds and 39 blocks).

CARTWRIGHT TIES SCHOOL RECORD
Bryce Cartwright is one of only two Hawkeyes to ever dish out eight assists or more in four consecutive contests. The junior dished out eight or more: at Penn State (8), at Michigan (9), vs. Michigan State (10) and at Indiana (8). The only other Hawkeye to collect eight assists or more in four-straight games was Andre Woolridge during the 1994-95 season. Woolridge was credited with eight helpers vs. Hawaii, nine vs. Arkansas, nine vs. Indiana and nine against Michigan State.

CARTWRIGHT STREAK SNAPPED
Bryce Cartwright was limited to four assists in Iowa’s last game vs. No. 13 Wisconsin (Feb. 9). It snapped a streak of eight consecutive games of five assists or more, which ranked as the fifth-longest streak by a Big Ten player during league play since 1996-97.

NUMBER OF THE WEEK – – 70
Iowa is 9-3 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 259 points and is averaging 10.8 points per game. Like Gatens, he has started every game (24) this season.

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 (Feb. 2), giving the Hawkeyes a 41-20 advantage going into halftime.

BASABE BECOMING DOUBLE-DOUBLE MACHINE
Melsahn Basabe had his fourth 20-point, 10-rebound game of the season at Indiana (Feb. 2). The native of Glen Cove, NY, is one of only four freshmen in the country to collect 20-points and 10-rebounds in four or more games.

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 six double-doubles this year (five during Big Ten play), the second most by a Big Ten freshman behind Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger (11). Basabe has posted double-doubles in four of his last eight Big Ten games: at No. 25 Minnesota (20 points and 13 rebounds); twice vs. Indiana — 20 points and 10 rebounds at home and 20 points and 13 rebounds on the road; and vs. No. 13 Wisconsin (13 points and 11 boards).

ATTACKING THE BASKET
Iowa has taken advantage of strong post play and attacking the basket more this season. The Hawkeyes are averaging 29.7 points per game in the paint. Iowa has scored 30 or more paint points 13 times this season, including six of the last seven outings — at top-ranked Ohio State (36), Indiana (34) and Michigan (30), and vs. Indiana (46), No. 13 Wisconsin (32) and Michigan State (34). A year ago, the Hawkeyes averaged 24.2 points in the paint through its first 24 games.

IMPROVED FREE THROW SHOOTING
Iowa shoots 67.4% from the free throw line for the season, but has had better success as of late from the charity stripe. During conference play, Iowa has improved its shooting percentage to 71.4%. Furthermore, the Hawkeyes shot 82.2% (37-45) from the foul line the last three contests.

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 (1.5), second in rebounding (7.1) and double-doubles (6), and third in scoring (10.8).

The rookie from Glen Cove, NY, is averaging 12.3 points (86-150, .576), 7.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks the last 19 contests. Furthermore, he is averaging 13.9 points (55-95, .579) and 8.4 rebounds the last 11 Big Ten games. Basabe has put up 20 points or more in five of the last 10 contests. He averages 12.3 points (.519 FG%, .900 FT%) and nine rebounds the last three contests.

Basabe netted 20 points on 6-10 (.600) shooting from the field and 8-9 (.889) from the charity stripe in Iowa’s one-point victory at Indiana (Feb. 2). He poured in 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 five times, all against Big Ten squads (Ohio State – 22, Minnesota – 20, Indiana – 20, Michigan – 25 and Indiana – 20). The last time a Hawkeye freshman scored 20 or more in at least five games was Tyler Smith in 2006-07, only two of which came against Big Ten opponents. Furthermore, the last time a Hawkeye — regardless of class — posted five 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).

The 6-7, 225-pound power forward has reached double-digit rebounds in seven games, also the second most by a Big Ten freshman (Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger has 12). He has snagged a team-best 170 boards, which ranks fifth all-time among Hawkeye rookies. He is on pace to become Iowa’s top all-time freshman rebounder. Jess Settles had 203 rebounds in 1993-94.

Not only is he on pace to become Iowa’s all-time leading freshman rebounder, but he could become only the fourth freshman to lead the Hawkeyes in rebounding (Tyler Smith led Iowa in rebounding in 2007, Jess Settles in 1994 and Michael Payne in 1982). Basabe has grabbed 170 rebounds, while Jarryd Cole ranks second with 147.

Basabe, who is one of five Big Ten freshmen to start every game, is Iowa’s leading shot blocker (36) and rebounder (7.1). He has led the team in rebounding a team-best 11 times, including six of the last 11 outings. He has also led the team in scoring four of the last eight.

Basabe has a team-best 36 blocks this season, a total that is fourth most by a Hawkeye freshman. He is only three from tying Guy Rucker (1996-97) for third on the list. Basabe is responsible for 48% of Iowa’s blocked shots, rejecting 36 of the team’s 75 blocked shots.

IOWA IN CARVER-HAWKEYE ARENA
Iowa has compiled a 347-109 (.761) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena since the facility opened in January, 1983. Iowa is 161-87 (.649) in Big Ten games and 186-22 (.894) in non-Big Ten contests.

Carver-Hawkeye Arena is currently undergoing a $47 million renovation that is scheduled to be completed in August.

HAWKEYES ARE TOUGH AT HOME
Iowa has won 71 of its 99 games (.717) 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 20 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.

IOWA VS. RANKED TEAMS
Sunday will be the Hawkeyes’ seventh game against a ranked opponent, including its second straight. 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, top-ranked Ohio State (70-48) Jan. 19 and 13th-ranked Wisconsin in overtime (62-59) on Feb. 9.

Iowa has lost 24 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.

DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE
Iowa has had a Big Ten-best four players record double-doubles: Melsahn Basabe (6), Jarryd Cole (3), Bryce Cartwright and Devon Archie. Illinois is the only other team with four players to have posted double-doubles, while Wisconsin and Minnesota have had three.

Basabe and Cole are two of 16 Big Ten players with multiple double-doubles. Furthermore, Basabe is one of only six players with six or more double-doubles in the league.

Cartwright notched his first career double-double, posting 12 points and a career-high 10 assists in a win over Michigan State (Feb. 2). 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), 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), 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), posted 20 points and 13 rebounds in Iowa’s victory at Indiana (Feb. 5) and registered 13 points and 11 rebounds vs. No. 13 Wisconsin (Feb. 9). Cole notched his double-doubles vs. Northern Iowa (Dec. 7) with 10 points and 15 boards, against Louisiana Tech (Dec. 21) with 10 points and 12 rebounds and 13th-ranked Wisconsin (Feb. 9) with 10 points and 12 boards.

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).

In league play, he is averaging 13.8 points while shooting 41% from the field and 41% 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 (Feb. 2). In the process, he tallied his 1,000th career point to become only the 40th Hawkeye to accomplish the feat. Gatens currently has 1,019 points and is only six points from equaling George Peeples (1964-66) for 39th on the all-time scoring chart.

Gatens posted back-to-back 20-plus points for the first time in his career when he poured in 22 points vs. Louisiana Tech and 21 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 (Feb. 2). He has eclipsed the 20-point plateau nine times in his career.

Gatens matched a personal high with five treys vs. Louisiana Tech, No. 23 Illinois and Northwestern, while draining four against second-ranked Ohio State.

Gatens ranks first in team scoring (12.8) and free throw percentage (.908, 59-65), and second in assists (43). Also, he ranks 12th 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.

CARTWRIGHT ON POINT
Bryce Cartwright has had a great first season at Iowa, starting the last 19 games at point guard and emerging as one of the league’s top floor generals.

The 6-1 guard ranks second in team scoring (11.0), first in assists (130) and third in steals (25). As a starter, he is averaging 11.5 points, 6.1 assists and 2.4 rebounds. He led the team in scoring (13.7) and assists (7.3) the last three contests.

Cartwright has been credited with eight assists or more in four of the last five games and five assists or more in 15 of Iowa’s last 18 contests. He has dished out eight assists or more six times this year (Idaho State, Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, Michigan State and Indiana). Cartwright has been on fire the last five games boasting a 3.0 assist/turnover ratio. He has amassed 39 assists (7.8) the last five games, including dishing out a career-high 10 in Iowa’s win over Michigan State (Feb. 2). He had nine assists with no turnovers at Michigan (Jan. 30).

Cartwright ranks third in Big Ten assists (5.42), but ranks first averaging 6.42 in 12 Big Ten contests. He is trying to become the third different Hawkeye to average at least five 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 24 games last year to this season, Iowa is putting up improved numbers. The Hawkeyes are averaging seven more points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.9 steals and 1.3 blocks.

HAWKEYE FAST BREAKS
? Iowa has seen an increase in its attendance numbers compared to last year. Compared to the first 13 home games of 2009-10, the Hawkeyes are averaging 2,177 more fans than a year ago. Iowa averaged 9,164 fans the first 13 home games last season, compared to 11,341 this year.
? Iowa has made only six 3-pointers combined the last three games (Michigan State, Indiana and Wisconsin).
? Iowa has outrebounded their opponents in 15 of 24 games. Long Beach State, Illinois, Purdue, Northwestern, Minnesota, Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan and Wisconsin are the only opponents to pull down more boards than the Hawkeyes.
? Iowa’s six freshmen average a combined 23.2 points per game, an average that ranks third best in the Big Ten behind Ohio State (35.8) and Michigan (30.8). Two of Michigan’s freshmen are redshirts.
? Iowa has had a player post double-digit rebounds in 10 of its last 16 contests. Jarryd Cole pulled down 12 rebounds against Louisiana Tech (Dec. 21), 15 in Iowa’s victory over UNI (Dec. 7), 11 at Drake (Dec. 18) and a team-high 12 vs. 13th-ranked Wisconsin (Feb. 9), 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), 10 against Indiana (Jan. 23), 13 at Indiana (Feb. 5) and 11 vs. No. 13 Wisconsin (Feb. 9).
? 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.
? Zach McCabe grabbed five rebounds in Iowa’s overtime loss to Wisconsin Wednesday night. The five boards are the most he’s had since snagging a season-high eight at Wake Forest (Nov. 30).
? 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.

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 235 straight games.

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.

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.

IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,587 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Iowa’s overall record is 1,486-1,101 (.574). That includes a 941-344 (.732) record in home games, a 545-706 (.436) record in contests away from Iowa City, a 702-713 (.496) mark in Big Ten games and a 347-109 (.761) 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 will have three days to prepare for Northwestern, which it will play Thursday, Feb. 17 (8 p.m.) in Evanston, Ill. The Hawkeyes then return home and have only one day between games. Iowa will host Michigan Saturday, Feb. 19 (3:30 p.m.).