Feb. 7, 2012
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TIP-OFF
? Thursday’s game is the only contest this week Iowa will play. The Hawkeyes will have its second of two “byes” this weekend.
? Thursday’s contest features the reigning Big Ten co-Freshmen of the Week. Iowa’s Aaron White and Northwestern’s Dave Sobolewski shared the honor this week.
? Iowa is the only team in the country with eight players with 125 field goal attempts or more.
? Iowa owns a +3.5 rebounding advantage in its four Big Ten victories, while it has been outrebounded by 7.7 boards in its six conference losses.
? Iowa has collected 10 steals or more in 10 games. The 10 games with 10 or more steals lead the Big Ten and are the fifth most in the country. Iowa ranks first in the Big Ten in steals (8.2).
? Iowa has won four games over top 50 RPI teams, two of which have come on the road.
? Iowa’s scoring average of 74.2 is its highest since the 1997-98 season (80.2).
? Matt Gatens is on pace to become the first Hawkeye to lead the team in free throw percentage all four years and the seventh to lead the squad in scoring three straight seasons.
? Iowa is 9-1 when scoring 80 points or more, under McCaffery, the last two seasons. Furthermore, the Hawkeyes are 13-0 when holding opponents to fewer than 60 points.
IOWA WINS SECOND STRAIGHT, BEATS PENN STATE
Iowa scored 16 of the game’s first 18 points in the first seven minutes and never looked back in a 77-64 win over Penn State. Iowa led by as many as 26 points in the second half. The win was the Hawkeyes’ second straight to start the month of February. Four Hawkeyes posted double figures, led by Hawkeye senior Matt Gatens’ 18. Aaron White and Bruce Cartwright each contributed 17 points, while Zach McCabe had 10. White also snagged a game-high nine rebounds and posted career bests in assists (four), blocks (three) and steals (two). Penn State was whistled for 27 fouls, which allowed Iowa to shoot a season-high 34 free throws. Iowa outscored the Nittany Lions 29-4 at the foul line. The Nittany Lions also had four players score in double figures. Junior guard Tim Frazier tallied a game-high 23 points on 23 shot attempts.
| Game 25 | Iowa at Northwestern | |
| Date | Thursday, Feb. 9 | 8:05 p.m. |
| Location | Evanston, IL | Welsh-Ryan Arena |
| TV | ESPNU |
| Radio | Hawkeye Radio Network |
| Live Coverage | GameTracker | Twitter Game Updates |
| All-Time Series | Iowa leads, 108-55 |
IOWA, PENN STATE TIP-INS
? Matt Gatens was 10-of-11 (.909) from the free throw line. The 10-of-11 by Gatens equaled Roy Devyn Marble’s team season high that he accomplished at Iowa State (Dec. 9).
? Roy Devyn Marble tied a personal best with eight rebounds.
? Iowa forced 15 turnovers, 11 of which came in the first 20 minutes. The Hawkeyes have forced double-digit turnovers in the first half in each of the last two outings. Minnesota committed 12 of its 16 turnovers in the first half against the Hawkeyes (Feb. 1).
? Iowa improved to 6-1 in Saturday games this season. The Hawkeyes have only one regular season Saturday contest remaining: Northwestern (March 3). The lone Saturday loss came to nationally-ranked Ohio State.
? Iowa outrebounded the Nittany Lions by seven (38-31). The Hawkeyes are 10-1 when having more rebounds than their opponents.
? The Hawkeye defense was strong for the second straight game after yielding 103 points at Indiana (Jan. 29). Iowa held Penn State to 19 first-half points, the lowest first half output by a Hawkeye opponent this season. Additionally, Iowa’s defense forced Penn State guard Tim Frazier into committing seven turnovers.
? Iowa wore gold throwback jerseys for the game in honor of Lettermen’s Day. Additionally, the UI recognized the 1986-87 Iowa men’s basketball team prior to the game. That special team posted a school-record 30 wins and was one game from advancing to the Final Four.
ALL-TIME SERIES
Iowa holds a 108-55 advantage over Northwestern in the series that began with a 24-23 Wildcat win in 1905. Northwestern swept Iowa in two games last season. The Wildcats have won four of the last five contests, including the last three. Iowa has won 25 of the last 36. Ten of the last 13 meetings have been decided by 10 points or less, with seven of those decided by five points or less. Iowa holds a 44-38 edge in games played at Evanston, but the Wildcats have won six of the last seven (three of those on last second shots) and eight of the last 10 home games. Iowa won eight straight games in Welsh-Ryan Arena, prior to losses in 2001 and 2002. Iowa won the only neutral site meeting, winning 72-55 at the United Center in the first round of the 2001 Big Ten Tournament.
SCOUTING NORTHWESTERN
? Northwestern enters Thursday’s game with a 14-8 overall record and 4-6 mark in Big Ten play. After losing three straight games (Wisconsin, Minnesota and Purdue), the Wildcats have rebounded with consecutive wins over Nebraska and Illinois.
? Northwestern snapped a nine-game losing skid in Champaign on Sunday afternoon with a 74-70 win over Illinois. The Wildcats shot 60 percent (29-of-48) from the field with 69 of their 70 points coming from the starting lineup. Northwestern has played only six players the last two games.
? John Shurna, who was tabbed Big Ten co-Player of the Week, scored 17 of his game-high 24 points in the second half, while Reggie Hearn netted 16 of his career-high 20 points in the first stanza at Illinois on Sunday. Shurna’s 24 points moved him past Evan Eschmeyer and into second place on Northwestern’s career scoring chart.
? The Wildcats are 6-3 in games decided by seven points or less, with the three losses coming by two points or less.
? Northwestern is 9-3 in home games this year, averaging 5,787 fans per contest.
? Northwestern ranks first in the Big Ten in 3-pointers made (8.7) and assist/turnover ratio (1.5); second in 3-point field goal percentage (.377); fourth in assists (15.7) and turnover margin (+2.2); and sixth in blocked shots (3.8) and scoring offense (69.6).
? The Wildcats rank third in the country in assist/turnover ratio (1.5); fourth in fewest turnovers per contest (10.3); 10th in 3-pointers made (8.7); and 27th in fewest fouls per game (15.7) and assists (15.7).
? John Shurna is the Big Ten scoring leader, averaging 19.6 points per game, while teammate Drew Crawford ranks fourth (17.2). Northwestern is the only conference team to have two players in the top five in league scoring. Shurna also ranks first in the Big Ten in 3-pointers per game (2.6).
? Freshman point guard Dave Sobolewski, who shared Big Ten co-Freshman of the Week laurels with Iowa’s Aaron White this week, ranks first in the Big Ten and third nationally in assist/turnover ratio (3.4). He also ranks seventh in the league in assists (3.8).
GATENS ABOUT TO MAKE HISTORY
Senior Matt Gatens will likely become the first Hawkeye to lead the team in free throw percentage four consecutive seasons. Also, he is on pace to become only the seventh Hawkeye since 1939, and the first to do so since Acie Earl (1991-93), to lead the team in scoring three straight seasons. Other former Hawkeyes leading the squad in scoring three consecutive years include: Dick Ives (1944-46); Bill Logan (1954-56); Dave Gunther (1957-59); Don Nelson (1960-62); Greg Stokes (1983-85); Acie Earl (1991-93).
REBOUNDING KEY IN OUTCOMES
In Iowa’s five Big Ten victories, it has posted a +4.2 rebounding margin advantage. However, in their six conference defeats, the Hawkeyes have been outrebounded by 7.7 boards per game. Overall, Iowa is 10-1 in games this season when having the edge on the glass. The lone loss when the Hawkeyes had a positive rebounding margin came at Iowa State.
IOWA, NORTHWESTERN TIP-INS
? Matt Gatens averaged 14.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in six games in his career against Northwestern. Melsahn Basabe averaged 9.5 points and 9.5 rebounds in two contests against the Wildcats a year ago.
? Eight of Iowa’s 11 losses have come to teams ranked in the RPI top 55, including seven of the last eight.
? Iowa’s second (Roy Devyn Marble, 11.2), third (Aaron White, 10.0), fourth (Zach McCabe, 8.5) and fifth (Melsahn Basabe, 8.0) leading scorers are all underclassmen.
? The Hawkeyes rank first in the Big Ten in steals (8.2); and third in scoring offense (74.2) and free throw percentage (.723).
? Iowa ranks 41st in the country in assist/turnover ratio (1.2) and steals (8.2); 57th in fewest turnovers (12.3) and 58th in assists (14.5). Individually, Roy Devyn Marble is 36th in assist/turnover ratio (2.3).
? Matt Gatens sank his 200th career triple in the second half of Saturday’s win over Penn State. Gatens enters Thursday’s game with 201 treys. He is only 11 triples from matching Adam Haluska (2005-07) for fourth on Iowa’s all-time list.
? Northwestern’s roster is comprised of 14 student-athletes. The roster consists of four seniors, four juniors, two sophomores and four freshmen. Five players hail from Illinois, two from Michigan, Georgia and Serbia, and one each from Indiana, Texas and California.
? Iowa’s two victories over Northwestern in 2008 gave the Hawkeyes their first season sweep of Northwestern since the 2002-03 season. Ten of the last 12 meetings have been decided by 10 points or less, with seven of those decided by five points or less.
? Along with its 82 games against Northwestern in Welsh-Ryan Arena, Iowa has played four NCAA Tournament games in the facility. Iowa won two games in Evanston to advance to the 1955 Final Four. The following season Iowa advanced to the Final Four in Evanston, losing to San Francisco in its only appearance in the national championship game.
CARTWRIGHT SHINES IN BIG TEN PLAY
The past two seasons, point guard Bryce Cartwright’s numbers have been better in conference play, than non-league action. In 29 Big Ten games the last two seasons, Cartwright has averaged 9.8 points and 5.9 assists. In 25 non-conference contests, the native of Compton, Calif., has averaged 8.3 points and 4.3 assists. Since being reinserted into the starting lineup (last three games), Cartwright has averaged 10.3 points, 5.6 assists and 4.3 rebounds. Cartwright did not become the starter until six games into the 2010-11 season, and he was hampered by a couple injuries during most of non-league play in 2011-12. Cartwright (48), who led the conference in assists during league play a year ago, is only 10 assists behind leader Tim Frazier (58) for first this season.
ESPN.COM RANKS NATION’S TOP FRESHMEN
ESPN.com released a midseason report on the nation’s top freshmen. Included in the list is Iowa’s Aaron White. White is ranked No. 15. Indiana’s Cody Zeller is second and Trey Burke of Michigan is seventh. White ranks third in Iowa scoring (10.0) and second in rebounding (5.0).
OGLESBY HAS CAREER GAME
Freshman Josh Oglesby was locked in when Iowa played at No. 16 Indiana on Jan. 29, coming off the bench to score a career-best 24 points. The native of Cedar Rapids missed only four of his 12 field-goal attempts. His previous high was 16 points against Northern Illinois on Nov. 17. The six triples tie for the 14th-most in a single game for the Hawkeyes. Additionally, the 24 points are the most by a Hawkeye freshman in a game since Melsahn Basabe posted 25 at Michigan, almost a year to the day, on Jan. 30, 2011. Oglesby has made 30 triples this season, which ties Jake Kelley (30-of-69) for the fourth most by a Hawkeye freshman in a single season at Iowa. Matt Gatens holds the record with 52 (2009). Oglesby is shooting 38 percent beyond the arc, which currently ranks as the fifth best percentage in a season by an Iowa rookie. Fifty-nine percent of Oglesby’s scoring production has come from 3-point territory (90-of-151 points), which ranks fourth amongst Big Ten players. Oglesby has led the team in scoring four times (Northern Illinois, Creighton, Clemson and Indiana).
IOWA VS. RANKED TEAMS
Iowa has played five games (2-3) against ranked competition. The Hawkeyes beat No. 11 Wisconsin (72-65) on Dec. 31 in Madison, and 13th-ranked Michigan (75-59) on Jan. 14 in Iowa City. Iowa fell to No. 6 Ohio State (76-47) on Jan. 7 in Iowa City, No. 6 Michigan State (95-61) on Jan. 10 in East Lansing and No. 16 Indiana (103-89) on Jan. 29 in Bloomington.
STAT SHEET STUFFER
Roy Devyn Marble’s level of play has been stellar the last 19 games. The sophomore has averaged 12.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists during that span. Also, he is shooting 46 percent from the field and 71 percent from the foul line during the 19-game stretch. He has amassed a solid assist/turnover ratio this season. He has 79 assists to only 34 turnovers, ranking fourth in the Big Ten (2.3) and 36th in the country. Marble has been credited with four assists or more 12 times this season. 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 of 2010-11. Also, he shot 53 percent from the free throw line (35-of-66). This year, Marble has seen improved numbers, averaging 11.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and has collected 79 assists and 36 steals. He has started the last 16. From the foul line this season, the sophomore has seen significant improvement, shooting 72.1 percent (75-of-104).
GATENS CLIMBING CHARTS
Matt Gatens ranks 13th on Iowa’s all-time scoring chart. The senior is 65 points from tying Jeff Horner (2003-06) for 12th place. Gatens’ 12 points against Nebraska (Jan. 26) helped him surpass Ed Horton (1986-89) for 13th on the chart. He has amassed 1,437 points entering Thursday’s contest at Northwestern. The senior was 2-of-6 from 3-point territory in Iowa’s last game versus Penn State and now has 201 career triples, which is fifth best in school history. Additionally, he ranks fourth in career 3-point attempts with 577. Gatens is only 11 steals from cracking the top 10 chart in career thefts at Iowa. The native of Iowa City will finish his career in the top 15 in scoring and steals and top five in free throw percentage and 3-pointers made.
WHITE OUT
Aaron White was Iowa’s most productive player off the bench the first 21 games, but has started the last three. The freshman averaged 11.9 points and 5.3 rebounds, the last 13 games. White earned his first career start at No. 16 Indiana on Jan. 31 He totaled nine points against the Hoosiers. He had nine points and seven rebounds in Iowa’s win over Minnesota on Feb. 1 and stuffed the stat sheet with 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals in the Black and Gold’s triumph over Penn State this past Saturday. His efforts earned him Big Ten co-Freshman of the Week accolades, which is the third time (Nov. 14, Dec. 26 and Feb. 6) he has earned the weekly distinction. White has scored in double digits 10 times, including nine of the last 14 games. The 6-foot-8 wing player has scored 15 points or more six times, which is the third most by a Big Ten rookie this season. The rookie nearly posted his second double-double versus Nebraska (Jan. 26), finishing with 11 points and a team-best nine rebounds and versus Penn State (Feb. 4), registering 17 points and a team-best nine boards. White was named Big Ten co-Freshman of the Week after his performance in Iowa’s 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 boards. 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.
NUMBER OF THE WEEK — 4
Iowa has had four players average in double figures the last three contests: Matt Gatens (18.7), Aaron White (11.7), Bryce Cartwright (10.3) and Roy Devyn Marble (10.0).
VOTE FOR FRAN IN “INFINITI COACHES’ CHARITY CHALLENGE”
As part of its ongoing corporate partnership with the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), the NCAA and ESPN, Infiniti has announced an expanded “Infiniti Coaches’ Charity Challenge” with a $100,000 donation to the winning coach’s designated charity. Iowa’s Fran McCaffery is one of 48 NABC coaches taking part in this charity challenge. Fan participation will determine the ultimate winner over an eight-week period by registering and voting at ESPN.com/Infiniti. For the first six weeks, four brackets of 12 coaches will be paired against each other, with the winners from each group moving onto the next round in week seven and the final round in week eight. Fans can vote for up to four coaches per day. The winning coach will be announced March 9. The total Infiniti contribution will be more than $300,000. All 48 coaches’ charities are guaranteed at least $5,000 from Infiniti.
IOWA POSTING BIG WINS
Iowa has posted four wins against teams ranked in the top 50 of the RPI, including two inside the top 20. The Hawkeyes have registered victories over Michigan (15), Wisconsin (30) and two wins over Minnesota (49).
McCABE BOLSTERING HAWKEYE FRONTCOURT
Sophomore Zach McCabe has been a solid contributor to Iowa’s front court this season. McCabe ranks fourth in team scoring (8.5) and third in rebounding (4.7). His scoring has increased during league play, averaging 9.8 points. McCabe has scored in double figures in four of the last six games. He tallied 11 points and chased down seven boards in Iowa’s win over Michigan (Jan. 14). He posted 20 points, a career high, in consecutive games at Purdue and versus Nebraska. The last time a Hawkeye netted 20 points or more in back-to-back games was Matt Gatens, who had 22 and 21 against Louisiana Tech and Illinois, respectively, in 2010. He netted 10 points and had five boards in Iowa’s last win over Penn State on Saturday afternoon. After getting to the foul line only 21 times the first 15 games, McCabe has done a better job attacking the basket. The sophomore has earned 30 trips to the foul line the last nine contests. McCabe has pulled down seven rebounds or more seven times, including a personal-best 10 versus Minnesota on Feb. 1. He has led the team in rebounding six times this season.
FRESHMEN CONTRIBUTIONS
Freshmen Aaron White and Josh Oglesby have combined for nine games of scoring 15 or more points this season. White has scored in double figures in nine of the last 14 contests, including netting 15 points or more in five of those outings.
HAWKEYE BIG TEN FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGES
In Iowa’s five Big Ten victories, opponents were just 35-of-130 (.269) from long distance and 115-of-292 (.394) overall from the field. Iowa made 120-of-267 (.449) from the field and 19-of-57 (.333) from the 3-point range in those wins. Conversely, Hawkeye opponents shot 52.1 percent (190-of-365) from the field and 38-of-103 (.369) from 3-point territory, compared to 45.3 percent (149-of-329) from the field and 34.9 percent (29-of-83) from long distance for Iowa, in the Hawkeyes’ six conference defeats.
IMPROVED SHOOTING
Iowa has three players shooting over 50 percent from the floor during league play. Zach McCabe has made 54.3 percent of his shots, which ranks seventh best in the Big Ten. Aaron White ranks 10th making 50.7 percent of his attempts. Melsahn Basabe has made 52 percent of his field goal tries.
Matt Gatens AMONG SELECT GROUP
Matt Gatens is one of five active Division I players with 1,425+ points, 415+ rebounds and 200+ made 3-pointers in a career.
SINKING THE FREEBEES
Last year, Iowa’s free throw percentage was 67.6 percent. This season, the Hawkeyes have improved in that area, shooting 72.3 percent, which ranks third best in the Big Ten. Twenty-two percent of Iowa’s offense this year has come from the foul line. The Hawkeyes have missed only 27 free throws (98-of-125, .784) in the final five minutes of games. Additionally, the Hawkeyes have missed only 11 free throws (31-of-42, .738) in the final minute. Iowa has attempted 20 free throws or more 16 times this season, seven of which have come during league play, including five of the last six games. Iowa was 29-of-34 (.853) from the charity stripe in the last game versus Penn State, which are both season bests for makes and attempts.
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 seven more points this year compared to last season.
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. Additionally, Iowa’s new video coordinator, Al Seibert, has 18 years of collegiate coaching experience.
HAWKEYE FAST BREAKS
? The Big Ten is the No. 1 ranked conference in the RPI and Sagarin ratings.
? For the second straight year, Iowa has won its first two games in the month of February. Last year, the Hawkeyes beat Michigan State (Feb. 2) and Indiana (Feb. 5); this season Iowa topped Minnesota (Feb. 1) and Penn State (Feb. 4).
? Iowa averages 81.2 points in its wins, compared to 65.9 points in its defeats, a differential of 15.3 points. The Hawkeyes own a +18.6 point differential in their scoring defense, and +10.6 rebounding and +7.1 assists margins in wins compared to losses.
? Matt Gatens led Iowa in scoring in its two home victories last week. The senior scored 14 of his team-high 18 points in the second stanza of both contests.
? Both Iowa (118-of-341) and its opponents (165-of-477) are shooting at a 34.6 percent clip from 3-point range.
? Iowa’s attendance numbers are up again this season, after a 20 percent bump a year ago. Last season, Iowa averaged 11,096 fans. Through 16 home games this season, the Hawkeyes are averaging 11,378.
? 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.
? After winning at No. 11 Wisconsin on Dec. 31 (72-65) and on the road at Minnesota (64-62) on Jan. 4, Iowa won two-straight Big Ten road games for the first time since 2007. The Hawkeyes won at Michigan on Jan. 31, 2007 (69-62) and at Minnesota on Feb. 7 (91-78). Iowa beat Indiana at home on Feb. 3 (81-75) in between those two road victories. The last time Iowa won consecutive road games in back-to-back games was 1998, beating Ohio State (61-46) on Jan. 14 and Minnesota (82-69) on Jan. 18.
? At least 10 players have seen action in 17 of Iowa’s 24 contests. Iowa’s bench averages 26.8 points.
? Iowa has had five players score in double figures three times (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).
IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,649 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Iowa’s overall record is 1,590-1,059 (.600). That includes a 953-352 (.730) record in home games, a 547-717 (.433) record in contests away from Iowa City, a 708-724 (.494) mark in Big Ten games and a 359-116 (.756) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
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 then advanced to the Sweet 16 with a win over Saddi Washington of Oakland University. In both rounds, Speraw sank all 25 of his free throws. Speraw’s next opponent is Derrick Jones of Louisiana Tech. The Sweet 16 and Round of Eight will occur in January, while 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.
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 have its second of two “byes” this weekend before traveling to University Park, Pa., on Feb. 16 to face Penn State (7:05 p.m. , ESPNU).