Hawkeyes Host Michigan Saturday Afternoon

Feb. 18, 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!

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THE SETTING
Iowa (10-16, 3-11) will play its second game in three days when it welcomes Michigan (16-11, 6-8) to Iowa City on Saturday. Tip-off is slated for 3:36 p.m. (CST) on Mediacom Court at Carver-Hawkeye Arena (15,500). Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for UI students and youths. This will be Iowa’s first Saturday Big Ten home game since Jan. 16, 2010 (vs. Penn State).

Saturday will be Iowa’s third game in seven days. After Saturday’s game, the Hawkeyes will have a week to prepare for their next opponent — Illinois on Feb. 26. Saturday will be Michigan’s second-consecutive road contest.

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

IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,589 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Iowa’s overall record is 1,486-1,103 (.574). That includes a 941-345 (.732) record in home games, a 545-707 (.435) record in contests away from Iowa City, a 702-715 (.495) mark in Big Ten games and a 347-110 (.759) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

COACHING EXPERIENCE
Fran McCaffery has assembled one of the most experienced coaching staffs in the country. Assistant coaches Kirk Speraw, Sherman Dillard and Andrew Francis have over six decades of combined coaching experience. Furthermore, the entire coaching staff combines for 46 years of head coaching experience.

Director of Basketball Operations Jerry Strom is in his 30th season as a member of the Iowa basketball staff. Also, former Hawkeye standout and professional basketball player Ryan Bowen has joined the staff as video coordinator and administrative assistant. Bowen was on four NBA rosters (Denver, Houston, New Orleans and Oklahoma City).

DEFENSE STEPS UP IN VICTORIES
Defense has been key in Iowa’s 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.

ATTACKING THE BASKET
Iowa has taken advantage of strong post play and attacking the basket more this season. The Hawkeyes are averaging 29.5 points per game in the paint. Iowa has scored 30 or more paint points 14 times this season, including seven of the last nine outings — at top-ranked Ohio State (36), Indiana (34), Michigan (30) and Northwestern (40), and vs. Indiana (46), No. 13 Wisconsin (32) and Michigan State (34). A year ago, the Hawkeyes averaged 22.8 points in the paint through 26 games.

NORTHWESTERN EDGES HAWKEYES, 73-70
Northwestern drained 12 triples en route to a 73-70 victory over Iowa Thursday night at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston. The loss was Iowa’s fourth of the season by three points.

The Wildcats built a 13-point first-half advantage, but the Hawkeyes fought back. Iowa led by two (41-39) early in the second stanza, but Northwestern went on an 8-1 run to reclaim the lead. Trailing by three points (73-70), Iowa had to go the length of the court in three seconds but were unable to get a shot off before time expired.

Five Hawkeyes tallied double figures, led by Jarryd Cole’s game-high 17 points. Melsahn Basabe scored 13, while Matt Gatens had 12, Zach McCabe 11 and Bryce Cartwright 10. Cartwright was one assist shy of his second career double-double, dishing out nine assists.

Four Northwestern players scored in double figures: Michael Thompson (16), John Shurna (15), Drew Crawford (15) and Luka Mirkovic (13). Mirkovic entered Thursday’s game 4-14 from long distance, but the junior made both 3-point attempts Thursday night, including a key trey at the 1:47 mark to put Northwestern up six (72-66).

IOWA, NORTHWESTERN POSTGAME NOTES
? After winning two-straight contests, Iowa has dropped its last three.
? Jarryd Cole led all rebounders with eight. The senior has led Iowa in rebounding four of the last five games, including the last three.
? Zach McCabe provided a spark off the bench, scoring 11 points, all in the first half.
? Iowa was 5-12 (.417) from both the free throw line and 3-point territory. The 41.7% free throw shooting was a season low for the Hawkeyes.
? Iowa shot 15-29 (.517) from the field in both halves. The Hawkeyes shot over 50% from the field in both contests against the Wildcats this season; Iowa shot .520 on Jan. 12 in Iowa City.
? Forty of Iowa’s 70 points came in the paint. The 40 points are the second most by the Hawkeyes during conference play (at home vs. Indiana — 46) and the most on the road during league play.
? After being outrebounded in its last two outings, Iowa had the advantage on the glass vs. Northwestern. The Hawkeyes grabbed six more boards than the Wildcats (38-32).
? Matt Gatens, who was 2-11 from long distance in Iowa’s last game vs. Minnesota, regained his shooting touch at Northwestern, making three of his four 3-point attempts.
? Iowa, who entered Thursday’s game ranked first in Big Ten steals, collected a season-low one theft vs. Northwestern.
? After missing the last two games due to injury, Devon Archie saw action. He had two points and three boards.

ALL-TIME SERIES
Michigan holds an 88-57 advantage in the series that began with a 19-15 Wolverine win in 1912. The Wolverines and Hawkeyes have met 10 times the last four seasons. Michigan beat Iowa last month, 87-73, in Ann Arbor. 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. The Wolverines have won eight of the last nine, including the last five.

Iowa holds a 35-34 edge in games played in Iowa City, including a 14-11 advantage in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa has won five of the last nine games in Iowa City and six of the last 11. Iowa’s last win over Michigan came on Feb. 22, 2009 with a 70-60 overtime victory in Iowa City.

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 started the season 11-9, but has won five of its last seven contests. Four of the Wolverines last seven games have been decided by four points or less (3-1), including its last two (1-1).

Michigan lost a nail-bitter Wednesday at Illinois, 54-52. The Wolverines struggled from beyond the arc, going 2-18 (.111). Freshman Evan Smotrycz missed a 3-point attempt in the final seconds, which would have won the game for the Wolverines. Freshmen Jordan Morgan (12 points, seven rebounds) and Tim Hardaway Jr. (10 points, five assists), and sophomore Darius Morris (11 points, seven assists and six rebounds) paced the Wolverines.

Thirteen of Michigan’s 16 victories have come in Crisler Arena. The Wolverines are 3-7 away from Ann Arbor, including a 3-5 mark in true road games.

Morris averages a team-best 15.2 points, 6.8 assists and 1.1 steals per contest. Morris is the Big Ten leader in assists, and ranks fourth nationally. Hardaway Jr. is the only other Wolverine averaging double figures in scoring (12.6). Zack Novak averages 9.2 points and a team-best six rebounds and is Michigan’s top 3-point threat (48-123, .390).

Michigan has six players who can knock down the three-ball: Hardaway Jr. (52), Novak (48), Stu Douglass (44), Smotrycz (34), Matt Vogrich (20) and Morris (15).

Michigan has six freshmen on its roster (two redshirts) who average 30.8 points per game. The Wolverines rank second in Big Ten 3-pointers made (8.29), third in field goal percentage (.460) and fourth in 3-point field goal percentage (.383). Michigan ranks 10th in rebounding margin (-5.0) and field goal percentage defense (.489) and last in free throw shooting (.659).

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 62-64 (.492) at Michigan and his career mark is 613-382 (.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 8-2 against the Iowa Hawkeyes.

IOWA, MICHIGAN TIP-INS
? Iowa is a perfect 3-0 in Saturday games this season.
? Iowa is 9-4 when it holds the opponent under 70 points, compared to a 1-12 mark when giving up 70 or more.
? Seven of Iowa’s 10 wins have come by margins of 10 points or more, while five of its defeats have come by six points or less, including four by three points.
? Saturday features the Big Ten’s top assists leaders. Iowa’s Bryce Cartwright (93) has four more assists than Michigan’s Darius Morris (87) in conference play. Cartwright is trying to become the first Hawkeye since Dean Oliver (5.2 avg.) in 2001 to lead the Big Ten in assists in conference play.
? Saturday will feature some of the Big Ten’s top rookies. Iowa’s Melsahn Basabe ranks first amongst conference freshman in blocks (1.4), second in rebounding (7.0) and third in scoring (10.6). Michigan’s Tim Hardaway Jr. (12.6) and Jordan Morgan (9.1) rank second and fourth, respectively, in scoring. Morgan also ranks third in rebounding (5.5).
? Matt Gatens ranks fourth among Big Ten juniors in career 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. Conversely, May averages 4.6 points (16-56, .286 FG and 5-9, .556 FT) and 1.7 boards in Iowa’s 11 conference defeats.
? According to collegerpi.com, Iowa’s strength of schedule ranks 43rd in the country, based on games played through Feb. 14; Michigan rates 19th.
? Iowa is 10-3 when having a better field goal percentage than the opposition and 7-1 when dishing out more assists.
? Iowa has had a player score 20-plus points in eight of the last 15 games. 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 26th in the country in fewest fouls per game (16.2). Individually, Matt Gatens ranks 22nd in free throw percentage (.882) while Bryce Cartwright ranks 24th in assists (5.6). Michigan ranks fifth in the nation in fewest turnovers (10.3), 20th in assist/turnover ratio (1.33) and 35th in 3-pointers (8.0).
? 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).

GATENS ONE OF THE BIG TEN’S ALL-TIME BEST FREE THROW SHOOTERS
Junior Matt Gatens has converted 86.9% (219-252) of his free throw attempts. He currently ranks fourth in Big Ten career free throw percentage (minimum 200 made) behind Indiana’s Steve Alford (.898, 535-596), Penn State’s Joe Crispin (.885, 448-506) and Wisconsin’s Rick Olson (.870, 260-299).

MICHIGAN WON THE PREVIOUS MEETING
Michigan shot 73% from the field in the second half to pull away from the Hawkeyes and record an 87-73 victory on Jan. 30 at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair featuring four ties and 13 lead changes. Michigan scored the last five points of the half to lead 35-32 and never looked back.

The Wolverines drained 14 triples, seven in each half, while the Hawkeyes made only five treys.

Iowa was led by a pair of freshmen: Melsahn Basabe and Roy Devyn Marble. Basabe posted a career-high 25 points on 9-11 (.818) shooting from the field and 7-8 (.875) from the foul line, while also grabbing a team-high eight rebounds. The 25 points matched a team season best (Bryce Cartwright had 25 vs. Northwestern on Jan. 12). Marble scored 12 points and had three assists playing in front of family and friends; Marble is from Southfield, Mich., a Detroit suburb.

Hawkeye junior Bryce Cartwright dished out nine assists to go along with zero turnovers. He also netted 11 points.

Sophomore Darius Morris became the third Wolverine in school history to post a triple-double (12 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists). Freshman Tim Hardaway Jr. scored a team-high 19 points, as all five Wolverine starters scored in double digits.

CARTWRIGHT TIES SCHOOL RECORD
Bryce Cartwright is one of only two Hawkeyes to ever dish out eight assists or more in four straight games. The junior collected eight or more at Penn State (8), at Michigan (9), vs. Michigan State (10) and at Indiana (8). The only other Hawkeye to record eight assists or more in four-straight contests 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 vs. No. 13 Wisconsin (Feb. 9). It snapped a streak of eight-straight games of five assists or more, which ranked as the fifth-longest streak by a Big Ten player during league play since 1996-97. He had seven helpers vs. No. 25 Minnesota (Feb. 13) and nine in Iowa’s last contest at Northwestern (Feb. 17).

Cartwright has registered five or more in 10 of the last 11 games.

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 276 points and is averaging 10.6 points per game. Like Gatens, he has started every game (26) this season.

CARTWRIGHT LOOKING TO JOIN SELECT GROUP
Point guard Bryce Cartwright currently leads the Big Ten in assists (6.64) after 14 conference games. He is looking to become only the sixth Hawkeye since 1975 to lead the Big Ten in assists, during league play.

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 ETCHING HIS NAME IN HAWKEYE RECORD BOOKS
Melsahn Basabe has become only the second Hawkeye rookie to amass over 275 points, 180 rebounds and 35 blocks. The native of Glen Cove, NY, has 276 points, 181 rebounds and 37 blocks after 26 games. The only other Hawkeye to accomplish the feat is Guy Rucker in 1996-97 (339, points, 181 rebounds and 39 blocks).

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

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 home win 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.

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 (1.42), second in rebounding (7.0) and double-doubles (6), and third in scoring (10.6).

The rookie from Glen Cove, NY, is averaging 11.9 points (90-222, .570), 7.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks the last 21 contests. Furthermore, he is averaging 13.1 points (63-110, .573) and 7.9 rebounds the last 13 Big Ten games. Basabe has put up 20 points or more in five of the last 12 contests. He averages 12.5 points (.556 FG%, .830 FT%) and 8.8 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 181 boards, which matches Guy Rucker (1996-97) for fourth 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 181 rebounds, while Jarryd Cole ranks second with 163. Basabe, who is one of five Big Ten freshmen to start every game, is Iowa’s leading shot blocker (37) and rebounder (7.0). He has led the team in rebounding a team-best 11 times, including six of the last 13 outings. Basabe has a team-best 37 blocks this season, a total that is fourth most by a Hawkeye freshman. He is only two from tying Guy Rucker (1996-97) for third on the list.

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 a team-best 13.1 points, compared to an 11.7 average 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 1,037 points and is only two points from equaling Gerry Jones (1965-67) for 37th 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 (12.5) and free throw percentage (.882, 60-68), and second in assists (48). Also, he ranks 22nd in the nation in free throw shooting.

CARTWRIGHT ON POINT
Bryce Cartwright has had a great first season at Iowa, starting the last 21 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 (146) and third in steals (25). As a starter, he is averaging 11.4 points, 6.29 assists and 2.5 rebounds. He led the team in scoring (11.7) and assists (6.67) the last three contests. In fact, Cartwright led the Hawkeyes in scoring two of the last three contests (No. 13 Wisconsin and No. 25 Minnesota).

Cartwright has been credited with seven assists or more in six of the last seven games and five assists or more in 17 of Iowa’s last 20 contests. He has dished out eight assists or more seven times this year (Idaho State, Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, Michigan State, Indiana and Northwestern), including five of the last seven games. Cartwright has been on fire the last seven games boasting a 2.5 assist/turnover ratio. He has amassed 55 assists (7.86) the last seven contests, 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) and another nine assist performance in Iowa’s last game at Northwestern (Feb. 17).

Cartwright is on pace to crack Iowa’s single-season top ten assists chart. The junior has 146 assists and is only nine from equaling B.J. Armstrong for 10th. Armstrong collected 155 in 1988.

Cartwright ranks third in Big Ten assists (5.62), but ranks first averaging 6.64 in 14 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 26 games last year to this season, Iowa is putting up improved numbers. The Hawkeyes are averaging 6.4 more points, 2.2 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 1.3 blocks.

IOWA IN CARVER-HAWKEYE ARENA
Iowa has compiled a 347-110 (.759) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena since the facility opened in January, 1983. Iowa is 161-88 (.646) 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 100 games (.710) 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.

“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.

McCABE PROVIDES SPARK OFF BENCH
Zach McCabe has given the Iowa Hawkeyes a boost off the bench recently.

The 6-7, 225-pound forward tallied 11 points, all in the first half, Thursday night at Northwestern. The double-digit performance is the most the freshman has scored since registering 13 vs. Iowa State (Dec. 10).

McCabe grabbed five rebounds in Iowa’s overtime loss to No. 13 Wisconsin (Feb. 9). The five boards are the most he’s snagged since a season-high eight at Wake Forest (Nov. 30).

HAWKEYE FAST BREAKS
? Iowa has seen an increase in its attendance numbers compared to last year. Compared to the first 14 home games of 2009-10, the Hawkeyes are averaging 2,066 more fans than a year ago. Iowa averaged 9,376 fans the first 14 home games last season, compared to 11,442 this year.
? Iowa’s six freshmen average a combined 22.8 points per game, an average that ranks third best in the Big Ten behind Ohio State (34.7) and Michigan (30.8). Two of Michigan’s freshmen are redshirts.
? 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 vs. SIUE, 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 237 straight games.

IOWA VS. RANKED TEAMS
Iowa has played seven games against ranked opponents. 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, 13th-ranked Wisconsin in overtime (62-59) Feb. 9 and No. 25 Minnesota (62-45) on Feb. 13.

Iowa has lost 25 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.

PAYNE SIDELINED DUE TO INJURY
Cully Payne, who started his first 37 games as a Hawkeye at point guard, is out indefinitely due to a sports hernia. Payne had successful surgery Nov. 30. Payne averaged 3.8 points, 3.4 assists and 1.4 rebounds his first five games of 2010-11.

Last year, Payne was named to Big Ten all-Freshman team by Sporting News and earned a spot on the CBE Classic All-Tournament squad. Payne was the only Big Ten freshman starter at point guard last season. He became only the fourth Hawkeye freshman to lead the team in assists since 1974-75. His 122 assists rank third-best for an Iowa rookie in a single-season. The Schaumburg, Ill., native also averaged 8.7 points and three rebounds.

Bryce Cartwright has taken over the starting spot at point guard. Expect Roy Devyn Marble to also see minutes at point guard.

A YOUNG SQUAD
Iowa’s roster of 15 players includes six freshmen, two sophomores, five juniors and two seniors. The freshmen are Melsahn Basabe (6-7, 225), Cody Cox (6-4, 190), Roy Devyn Marble (6-5,190), Zach McCabe (6-7, 225), Darius Stokes (6-7,190) and Branden Stubbs (6-2, 170). The sophomores are Eric May and Cully Payne.

In addition, juniors Bryce Cartwright (6-1, 180) and Jordan Stoermer (6-2,185) are in their first year at Iowa. Cartwright played as a rookie at Fresno State and Paris JC (Texas) his sophomore campaign. Stoermer played his first two seasons at Kirkwood CC (Iowa).

THREE STATE CHAMPS
Iowa’s roster of 15 players includes three who won four state titles. Matt Gatens won a state title for Iowa City HS in 2008. Eric May won a state title for Dubuque Wahlert in 2008, while Zach McCabe’s Bishop Heelan captured the state title in 2009 and 2010.

HAWKEYE HOOPS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Iowa Hawkeye fans can get even more information, photos and video about the men’s basketball team on social media sites facebook (facebook.com/hawkeyehoops) and twitter (twitter.com/iowahoops).

Exclusive video, ticket specials and more will be available on facebook throughout the season.

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 receives its second of two “byes” next week. Iowa will have six days to prepare for Illinois. The Hawkeyes will play the Illini Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. in Assembly Hall.