Iowa Opens Big Ten Play Wednesday at Home

Dec. 27, 2011

• Purchase Iowa Men’s Basketball Tickets
• 2012 Big Ten Tournament Central
• 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

Iowa Game Notes

Purdue Game Notes

TIP-OFF
? Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for youths and UI students.
? Iowa has collected 10 steals or more in seven games. The Hawkeyes own the second-largest steal differential in the country (+68).
? Roy Devyn Marble has been on fire from the foul line the last four games, sinking a combined 31-of-36 (.861) against Iowa State, Drake, Central Arkansas and Boise State.
? Melsahn Basabe has averaged 13 points and 8.3 rebounds in December (six games).
? Iowa is 9-0 when scoring 80 points or more, under McCaffery, the last two seasons. Furthermore, the Hawkeyes are 11-0 when holding opponents to fewer than 60 points.
? Matt Gatens is one of only six Division I players with 1,200+ points, 350+ rebounds and 180+ 3-pointers in their career so far.
? Iowa last won a conference opener on Jan. 4, 2007. The Hawkeyes downed Michigan State 62-60 in Iowa City.
? After blocking 22 shots its first 11 games, Iowa has swatted 15 the last two outings.

IOWA WINS THIRD STRAIGHT WITH WIN OVER BOISE STATE
Iowa sank 11 of its final 12 free throw attempts in the final five minutes to secure an 81-72 victory over Boise State on Dec. 22 in Iowa City. The game was played in front of a season best crowd of 13,122 fans at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Roy Devyn Marble and Aaron White each netted 18 points to pace the Hawkeyes offensively. Marble also dished out a game-high five assists to go along with career bests in blocks (3) and steals (3). Matt Gatens contributed 16 points, while Melsahn Basabe recorded his ninth career double-double and the third this season scoring 14 points and snagging a season-high 11 rebounds. Basabe also rejected a season-best four shots. Iowa did a fantastic job possessing the basketball, turning the ball over only five times. The five turnovers mark the fewest an Iowa team has had in a single game since it committed five versus Northern Iowa on Dec. 9, 2008.

IOWA, BOISE STATE TIP-INS
? Iowa outscored Boise State 25-6 at the free throw line. The Hawkeyes made all six free throw attempts the final minute of the contest.
? Aaron White notched double figures for the fourth time this season, including the third straight contest.
? Roy Devyn Marble had five assists, marking the fourth consecutive game the sophomore posted five assists or more.
? Iowa blocked a season-best eight shots. After blocking a combined 22 shots their first 11 games, the Hawkeyes have swatted 15 the last two outings.
? The win over Boise State marked the Iowa basketball program’s 950th home victory.

BIG TEN RANKINGS
Iowa ranks second in the Big Ten in steals (9.3) and free throw percentage (.751), third in scoring (78.1), rebounding (36.9), fourth in turnover margin (+4.8), and fifth in assist/turnover ratio (1.4) and assists (16.1). Individually, Roy Devyn Marble ranks second in assist/turnover ratio (4.0), sixth in steals (1.70, ninth in assists (3.7) and 13th in free throw percentage (.782). Matt Gatens ranks first in free throw (.898), ninth in steals (1.6) and 13th in scoring (14.0). Melsahn Basabe ranks eighth in rebounding (6.0), while Bryce Cartwright ranks seventh in assists (4.1) and seventh in assist/turnover ratio (2.1).

SCOUTING PURDUE
? Purdue will have seven days to prepare for the Hawkeyes; its last contest was an 81-56 win over IPFW on Dec. 20. ? The Boilermakers will be playing only their second true road game of the season Wednesday. Purdue lost a close one at Xavier on Dec. 3 (66-63). The Boilermakers are a perfect 8-0 at home. ? Purdue has three players average in double figures in scoring: Robbie Hummel (17.5), Ryne Smith (11.0) and Lewis Jackson (10.8). Hummel, who did not play against the Hawkeyes last season due to injury, also is the team leader in rebounding (5.9) and blocks (1.5). ? Robbie Hummel (31) and Ryne Smith (39) combine for 70 of Purdue’s 108 triples this season. ? Purdue boasts a +14.5 scoring margin and +5.8 turnover margin. The Boilermakers average 74.2 points per game and are shooting 44.4 percent from the field. ? The Boilermakers advanced to the championship game of the Puerto Rico Shootout before falling to Alabama (65-56).

IOWA, PURDUE TIP-INS
? Both Iowa’s Matt Gatens and Purdue’s Robbie Hummel have amassed 114 career steals.
? Iowa and Purdue have played one common opponent: Northern Illinois. The Boilermakers beat Northern Illinois (96-34) in West Lafayette. The Hawkeyes topped Northern Illinois (88-55) in Iowa City.
? Entering this week, Iowa ranks 11th in the nation in turnover margin (4.8), 21st in steals (9.3), 35th in free throw percentage (.751) and 36th in assist/turnover ratio (1.4). Individually, Roy Devyn Marble ranks eighth in the nation in assist/turnover ratio (4.0), while Matt Gatens ranks 36th in free throw percentage (.898).
? Purdue ranks third in the country in fewest turnovers per game (9.7), sixth in turnover margin (6.4), ninth in assist/turnover ratio (1.53) and 34th in 3-pointers (8.3). Individually, Ryne Smith ranks 18th in 3-pointers made per game (3.1) and 21st in 3-point percentage (.463).
? Purdue’s roster is comprised of 14 student-athletes. The roster consists of three seniors, four juniors, three sophomores and four freshmen. Nine players hail from Indiana, two from Illinois, and one from Ohio, North Carolina and Croatia.
? Purdue posted a 4-3 record vs. Iowa during the playing career of Boilermaker Coach Matt Painter (1990-93).
? Fran McCaffery’s last game as head coach at Siena was against Purdue in the 2010 NCAA Tournament. The Boilermakers beat the Saints (72-64) in the first round at Spokane, Wash.
? Iowa is 23-4 in games played on Dec. 28.

ALL-TIME SERIES
Purdue holds an 83-71 advantage in the series that began with a 17-11 Boilermaker win in 1909. Purdue had won eight straight over Iowa, before Iowa recorded a 67-65 victory in the regular-season finale on March 5, 2010, in Iowa City. Iowa holds a 48-26 advantage in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes have won eight of the last 13 meetings in Iowa City and hold a 14-11 edge in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa and Purdue have met four times at a neutral site, with three of the four meetings taking place in the Big Ten Tournament and two of the four taking place in Indianapolis. Iowa defeated the Boilermakers 71-52 in the 2005 Big Ten Tournament in Chicago and 87-72 in the 2002 Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis. Purdue defeated Iowa in the 2007 event in Chicago, 74-55. In addition, the Hawkeyes and Boilermakers both advanced to the 1980 Final Four at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis where both lost in the semifinals. A consolation game was played, at that time, and Purdue defeated Iowa, 75-58.

IOWA WON THE PREVIOUS MEETING
Jarryd Cole made sure he concluded his Hawkeye home career with a victory as the senior posted his seventh career double-double (16 points, 10 rebounds) in leading Iowa to a 67-65 win over sixth-ranked Purdue on March 5, 2010, in Iowa City. The win snapped a six-game losing streak, an eight-game losing streak against Purdue and a 25-game losing skid against ranked opponents. Leading by just two points with six seconds remaining, Iowa’s Matt Gatens drained a pair of free throws to give the Hawkeyes a 67-63 cushion and put the game out of reach. Bryce Cartwright and Gatens each scored 13 points, while Melsahn Basabe netted 11 and grabbed eight boards. Roy Devyn Marble snagged a season-high seven rebounds. Purdue’s JaJuan Johnson registered a double-double (22 points, 12 rebounds) to lead the Boilermakers.

PURDUE COACH MATT PAINTER
Matt Painter, a former Boilermaker player under Gene Keady, is in his seventh season as the head coach at Purdue after serving as associate head coach for one season. Painter has a record of 148-67 (.688) at Purdue. He is in his eighth season as a head coach with a 173-72 (.706) record. Painter guided the Boilermakers to their first-ever Big Ten Tournament title, an NCAA Tournament “Sweet 16” appearance and a 27-10 overall record in 2009. In 2010, he mentored Purdue to its second straight NCAA Tournament “Sweet 16” appearance, a co-Big Ten regular season championship and a 29-6 record. Last year, he led the Boilermakers to a second place finish in the Big Ten and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Second Round. He led Purdue to a 9-18 mark in his first season after posting a 25-5 record in one season at Southern Illinois. Painter was the Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year in 2004, leading the Salukis to a 17-1 league record and a No. 15 national ranking. He previously served as an assistant coach at Eastern Illinois (1995-98) and Southern Illinois (1998-2003). Painter was a four-year (1990-93) letterwinner at Purdue and was a team captain as a senior. He earned all-Big Ten honorable mention recognition and helped Purdue earn four straight post-season invitations, including three NCAA Tournament invitations. Painter is 8-3 vs. Iowa and 2-1 vs. Hawkeye Coach Fran McCaffery.

PAIR OF HAWKEYES EARN WEEKLY BIG TEN HONORS
A pair of Iowa basketball players earned weekly recognition Monday. Forward Aaron White was tabbed the Big Ten Freshman of the Week by the conference office, while guard Roy Devyn Marble was named Big Ten Player of the Week by the website College Sports Madness. White came off the bench and averaged 15.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in Iowa’s victories over Central Arkansas (105-64) and Boise State (81-72) last week. The native of Strongsville, Ohio, shot 66.7 percent from the field and 85.7 percent from the foul line. This marks the second time White has earned the Big Ten Freshman of the Week award. The 6-foot-8 wing player was recipient of the award on Nov. 14, 2011, after his performance in Iowa’s season opener. Marble led Iowa in scoring in wins over Central Arkansas (19) and Boise State (18). He averaged 18.5 points, shooting 55.6% from the field and 85% from the foul line, and grabbed 5.5 rebounds per contest. The Southfield, Mich., native dished out 11 assists to only 2 turnovers in Iowa’s two wins last week. Marble was credited with a personal-best six assists versus Central Arkansas. His three steals, eight rebounds and three blocks against Boise State were also career highs.

IMPROVED NUMBERS FOR MARBLE
Last season, Roy Devyn Marble averaged 5.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, and was credited with 41 assists and 21 steals in 31 contests. He started the last six. This year, Marble has seen improved numbers, averaging 10.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and has collected 48 assists and 22 steals in 13 contests. He has started the last five.

WINNING STREAK STATS
Iowa has averaged 89.3 points, 20.7 assists, 10 steals and seven blocks during its current three-game win streak. The Hawkeyes are shooting 51.6 percent from the field and 79 percent from the foul line during the streak. Individually, Iowa has four players average in double figures: Matt Gatens (15.7), Roy Devyn Marble (15.7), Aaron White (15.0) and Melsahn Basabe (12.7). Basabe also averages 8.3 rebounds and Marble 5.3 assists. Gatens (10-of-12) and Marbles (21-of-25) have sank a combined 31-of-37 (.838) from the charity stripe during the streak.

STAT SHEET STUFFER
Roy Devyn Marble’s level of play has been stellar the last nine games. The sophomore has averaged 13.8 points, 4.0 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.8 steals the last nine outings. Also, he is shooting 49 percent from the field and 78 percent from the foul line during the nine-game stretch. Marble played a career high 37 minutes, starting at point guard, at Northern Iowa. Marble led Iowa in scoring four of the last five games. He had 14 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the field at Northern Iowa, posted a career-high 21 points, bolstered by 10-of-11 shooting from the foul line, at Iowa State. He registered 19 points in Iowa’s win over Central Arkansas and had 18 points and notched personal bests in steals (3) and blocks (3) in leading Iowa to victory over Boise State. He has amassed 48 assists to only 12 turnovers, ranking second in the Big Ten in assist/turnover ratio (4.0) and eighth in the country. Marble has been credited with four assists or more nine times this season, including five or more in each of the last four contests.

IMPROVED DECEMBER STATS FOR BASABE
After a sluggish start to the season, sophomore Melsahn Basabe’s numbers in December have been good. Basabe has averaged 13 points and 8.3 rebounds the last six games. He shot 29-of-58 (.500) from the field in those contests. The previous seven contests, the native of Glen Cove, N.Y. averaged 6.4 points and four rebounds. Basabe has led the team in rebounding five of the last six contests. Basabe posted a season-high 18 points and grabbed a game-high nine rebounds at Iowa State (Dec. 9). He had eight points and six rebounds at Northern Iowa (Dec. 6) and totaled 14 points and a season-high 10 rebounds for his eighth career double-double versus Brown (Dec. 3). Against Drake, Basabe netted 10 points, snagged five boards and rejected a game-high two shots. The 6-foot-7 forward snagged a team-best nine rebounds and tallied 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field and 2-of-3 from the foul line in Iowa’s win over Central Arkansas. Basabe had his third double-double of the season and ninth of his career (14 points and 11 rebounds) in the Hawkeyes’ last game versus Boise State.

NUMBER OF THE WEEK – – 10
Iowa has won five of its last six games when Melsahn Basabe pulls down 10+ rebounds, including a 3-0 mark in 2011-12. Basabe is one of four active Big Ten players with at least 10 games of 10+ rebounds since the beginning of last season. Basabe has accomplished the feat 11 times.

STEALING THE ROCK
Iowa is averaging 9.3 steals this season, collecting 10 steals or more in seven times, including being credited with 12 thefts two of the last three contests. Last season, the Hawkeyes averaged 6.7 thefts. The 9.3 steals rank first in the Big Ten and 21st in the country. The Hawkeyes have recorded 68 more steals than their opponents this season, which ranks as the second-largest differential in the nation.

BALANCED SCORING
Iowa has seven players averaging 7.3 points or more. Matt Gatens is first on the team (14.0), followed by Roy Devyn Marble (10.9), Melsahn Basabe (9.5), Aaron White (9.2), Eric May (7.6), Josh Oglesby (7.6) and Zach McCabe (7.3).

Matt Gatens AMONG SELECT GROUP
Matt Gatens is one of six active Division I players with 1200+ points, 350+ rebounds and 180+ made 3-pointers in a career so far.

SINKING THE FREEBEES
Last year, Iowa’s free throw percentage was 67.6 percent. This season, the Hawkeyes have improved in that area, shooting 75.1 percent, which ranks second best in the Big Ten. Starters Matt Gatens (44-of-49), Melsahn Basabe (33-of-44) and Roy Devyn Marble (43-of-55) are a combined 120-of-148 (.811) from the free throw line this year. Gatens ranks third in Big Ten career free throw percentage (.872). Marble has been on fire from the foul line the last four games, sinking a combined 31-of-36 (.861) against Iowa State, Drake and Central Arkansas. Marble was a 53 percent free throw shooter a year ago. Iowa has made 86-of-106 (.811) from the charity stripe the last four games; shooting 88 percent at Iowa State (22-of-25), 79 percent versus Drake (23-of-29), 76 percent against Central Arkansas (16-of-21) and 80 percent versus Boise State (25-of-31). The Hawkeyes have missed only eight free throws (52-of-60, .867) in the final five minutes of games. Additionally, the Hawkeyes have missed only one free throw (18-of-19, .947) in the final minute of their 13 games.

HAWKEYES ARE TOUGH AT HOME
Iowa has won 80 of its 112 games (.714) in Carver-Hawkeye Arena (15,500) over the last eight 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, 9-9 in 2010 and 8-8 in 2011.

IOWA IN CARVER-HAWKEYE ARENA
Iowa has compiled a 356-113 (.759) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena since the facility opened in January, 1983. Iowa is 162-89 (.645) in Big Ten games and 194-24 (.890) in non-Big Ten contests.

IMPROVEMENT UNDER McCAFFERY IN SECOND YEAR
Fran McCaffery-coached teams have posted improved win totals and scoring output from their first year to second with McCaffery as a head coach. At Lehigh, his team improved by two wins (13 in 1986 to 15 in 1987). His UNC Greensboro team had four more victories from 2000 (15) and 2001 (19). At Siena his team improved by five victories, registering 15 in 2006 to 20 in 2007. His Lehigh team averaged 2.8 more points its second year compared to year one. His UNC Greensboro team had a +1.9 scoring increase and +1.8 at Siena. Currently, Iowa is averaging 10.9 more points this year compared to last season.

WHITE OUT
Aaron White has been sensational coming off the bench as of late. The freshman averaged 17.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in Iowa’s two victories last week. White has scored in double digits four times, including the last three games. The last three games, White averaged 15 points, shooting at a 72 percent clip (18-of-25) from the field. White was named Big Ten co-Freshman of the Week after his performance in Iowa’s season opening victory over Chicago State (Nov. 11). The native of Strongsville, Ohio, shined in his Hawkeye debut, leading all scorers and rebounders with 19 points and 10 rebounds. The 19 points are the most by an Iowa freshman in an opener, equaling Dick Ives’ 19 scored against Nebraska in his debut on Dec. 10, 1943. Furthermore, White’s performance marked the first time a Hawkeye posted a double-double, in a season opener, since Dean Oliver had 10 points and 12 assists in a victory over Chicago State in 1997. It was the first time a Hawkeye freshman had a double-double, points and rebounds, since Jess Settles had 13 points and 11 rebounds versus Drake in 1993.

HAWKEYE FAST BREAKS
? The Big Ten is the No. 1 ranked conference in the RPI and Sagarin ratings.
? Iowa has only had one game decided by fewer than 10 points this season (beat Boise State by nine points, 81-72). The average margin of victory in the Hawkeyes’ seven victories is 23.4 points, while the margin of defeat is 17 points.
? Iowa averages 88.0 points in its wins, compared to 62.2 points in its defeats, a differential of 25.8 points. The Hawkeyes own a +14.6 point differential in their scoring defense, and +12.2 rebounding and +10.9 assists margins in wins compared to losses.
? Roy Devyn Marble has 48 assists to only 12 turnovers. His 4.0 assist/turnover ratio ranks second in the Big Ten and eighth nationally.
? Sophomore Zach McCabe is shooting at a 58 percent clip (22-of-38) from the field over the last eight games.
? Freshman Josh Oglesby became the first Hawkeye reserve to lead the team in scoring, in back-to-back games (Northern Illinois and Creighton), since Ricky Davis paced Iowa with 25 and 18 on the road at Wisconsin (Feb. 3) and Michigan State (Feb. 7), respectively, in 1998. Like Oglesby, Davis accomplished the feat as a freshman.
? At least 10 players has seen action in 10 of Iowa’s 13 contests; nine played at Iowa State (Dec. 9), versus Drake (Dec. 17) and Boise State (Dec. 22). Iowa’s bench averages 31.1 points.
? Iowa has had five players score in double figures three times this season (North Carolina A&T, Drake and Central Arkansas). The Hawkeyes had five players score 12 points or more in its win over North Carolina A&T (Nov. 14). It marked only the fourth time the Hawkeyes had five players tally 12 points or more in a game (UW-Green Bay in 2003, Michigan in 2004, SIU-Edwardsville in 2010 and North Carolina A&T in 2011).
? Matt Gatens ranks 16th on Iowa’s all-time scoring chart. The senior is 58 points from tying James Moses (1989-92) for 15th place. Gatens has amassed 1,285 points entering Wednesday’s contest against Purdue.
? Iowa saw an increase in its attendance numbers in 2010-11. Compared to 2009-10, last year’s Hawkeyes averaged 2,085 more fans than the previous year, an increase of 20%. Iowa averaged 9,550 fans two years ago, compared to 11,635 last year.

IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,638 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Iowa’s overall record is 1,585-1,053 (.601). That includes a 950-349 (.731) record in home games, a 545-714 (.433) record in contests away from Iowa City, a 703-718 (.495) mark in Big Ten games and a 356-113 (.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 47 years of head coaching experience. Director of Basketball Operations Jerry Strom is in his 31st season as a member of the Iowa basketball staff.

WELCOME NEW HAWKEYES
Iowa has six new faces on the team this season: Gabriel Olaseni, Josh Oglesby, Aaron White, Stephen McCarty, Kyle Denning and Christopher Rickert. Olaseni, Oglesby and White are on scholarship, while Denning, McCarty and Rickert are walk-ons.

SPERAW TAKING PART IN “SHOTS FROM THE HEART”
Iowa men’s basketball assistant coach Kirk Speraw is one of 256 collegiate basketball coaches taking part in the second annual “Shots from the Heart”, which is an event created by Angela Lento and Joe Dwyer of collegeinsider.com to increase awareness for the growing problem of Heart Disease and raise money to benefit the Skip Prosser Foundation. Speraw posted a victory over Old Dominion’s Jim Corrigan in the first round of the tournament. He moves on to round two to face Saddi Washington of Oakland University. Speraw shot his free throws, sinking all 25. The second round will take place in December, while the Sweet 16 and Round of Eight will occur in January, and the semifinals and finals are scheduled for February. To view the brackets and/or learn how you can contribute to the Skip Prosser Foundation” visit: collegeinsider.com.

HAWKEYEBASKETBALL.COM
Check out the Iowa basketball team’s new website, HawkeyeBasketball.com, devoted to everything on-and-off-the-court surrounding the program. HawkeyeBasketball.com, allows fans a chance to go behind the scenes with the Hawkeye basketball program on and off the court. The site is complete with exclusive videos, photo galleries and content featuring the basketball program. HawkeyeBasketball.com will be updated throughout the year with exclusive videos, including game highlights and player features, along with news stories and other content.

“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 at Carlos O’Kelly’s Mexican Cafe in Iowa City from 7-8:30 p.m. Fans can call in and ask the coach a question by calling 1-877-464-2957.

ALL-SESSION BIG TEN TOURNAMENT TICKETS ON SALE
All-session tickets for the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament are on sale. Tickets can be purchased at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For more information regarding how to purchase tickets within Iowa’s block, contact the UI Athletic Ticket Office. Bankers Life Fieldhouse is the site of the men’s tournament from March 8-11, featuring 22 games over eight days. Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament all-session tickets for the lower and club levels are available for $325 through Big Ten university ticket offices only. All-session tickets for the upper levels are available for $240 or $175 through Ticketmaster or the Bankers Life Fieldhouse Box Office only. In addition, the men’s tournament will continue to feature a special discounted rate of $50 for all-session tickets available only to students of 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. The Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament will call Indianapolis and Bankers Life Fieldhouse home this March and again in 2014 and 2016. The 2012 tournament marks the eighth time Indianapolis has hosted the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

ON THE HORIZON
Iowa will travel to Madison, Wis., for its first Big Ten road game Saturday when it faces Wisconsin. Tip-off is scheduled for Noon at the Kohl Center. Iowa will remain in the road next week when it travels to Minneapolis to battle Minnesota Wednesday, Jan. 4 (8 p.m., BTN).