March 8, 2012
- 2012 Big Ten Tournament Central
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- Iowa and the Big Ten Network
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- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
| Game 33 | #8 Mich St (24-7, 13-5) vs. Iowa (17-15, 8-10) | |
| Date | Friday, March 9 | 11 a.m. (CT) |
| Location | Indianapolis, IN | Bankers Life Fieldhouse |
| TV | ESPN |
| Radio | Hawkeye Radio Network |
| Live Coverage | GameTracker | Twitter Game Updates |
| All-Time Series | Michigan State leads, 65-53 |
BIG TEN TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINALS TIP-OFF
? Iowa will meet Michigan State Friday in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals at Bankers Life Fieldhouse at 11 a.m. (CT). Iowa and Michigan State played only once during the regular season, with the Spartans winning 95-61 on Jan. 10 in East Lansing, Mich.
? Iowa has posted four wins over RPI top 25 teams (Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin twice). Only Michigan State (six), Ohio State (six) and Michigan (five) have more.
? Iowa’s eight Big Ten wins are the most in a single season since collecting nine during the 2006-07 campaign.
? Matt Gatens has scored 138 points the last six games (23.0 ppg).
? Matt Gatens was named second team all-Big Ten by the media and third team by the media. Aaron White was selected to the coaches all-Big Ten Freshman team and was an honorable mention by the media.
? Matt Gatens is one of only two Hawkeyes to ever amass over 1,600+ points, 450+ rebounds, 250+ assists and 125+ steals. Roy Marble is the only other Hawkeye to accomplish the feat.
? Iowa won five games in the month of February, the most since the 1997-98 season (5).
? Iowa is 9-1 when scoring 80 points or more, the last two seasons. The Hawkeyes are 14-0 when holding opponents to fewer than 60 points, the last two years.
IOWA IN THE BIG TEN TOURNAMENT
Iowa has posted a 13-13 record in the Big Ten Tournament. The Hawkeyes earned tournament titles in 2001 and 2006 and lost in the title game in 2002. Only Ohio State (17-8), Illinois (23-13), Michigan State (15-12) and Wisconsin (14-12) have more wins and a higher winning percentage than the Hawkeyes. Ohio State has three tournament titles, including winning last season, while Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan State have two tournament titles (Ohio State was forced to vacate its 2002 title). Iowa has played ten different teams in the event, having met each team except Nebraska at least once. Iowa is the only team to claim the tournament title by winning four games in four days, that taking place in 2001. Iowa has been eliminated by the tournament champion in three of the 12 tournaments it did not win, including Michigan in the 1998 quarterfinals, Michigan State in the 2000 quarterfinals and Ohio State in the 2002 title game. Iowa had lost five straight Big Ten Tournament games, dating back to 2007, before Thursday’s 64-61 triumph over Illinois in the first round. Iowa is 4-5 in quarterfinal games at the Big Ten Tournament. The Hawkeyes’ last victory in the quarterfinals was 2006 (67-57 win over Minnesota).
IOWA BY SEEDING
This marks the second time in tournament history that Iowa has been the eighth seed. Iowa has never been the top seed, third seed or 11th seed. Iowa was a No. 8 seed in 2008, losing 55-47 to ninth-seeded Michigan. The Hawkeyes are 5-5 in first round contests as an eight, nine or 10 seed.
ALL-TIME SERIES
Michigan State holds a 65-53 advantage in the series between the Hawkeyes and Spartans. The Spartans have won the last three meetings in the series, including this season’s only regular season meeting (95-61) on Jan. 10 in East Lansing, Michigan. The Spartans have won eight of the last nine against the Hawkeyes. Iowa’s last victory over Michigan State was on Feb. 2, 2011 in Iowa City (72-52). Iowa and Michigan State have met in the Big Ten Tournament four previous times, with each team winning two.
SCOUTING MICHIGAN STATE
? Michigan State enters Friday’s game with a 24-7 overall mark and 13-5 league record. The Spartans won a share of the regular season conference title, are ranked eighth in the country and seeded first in the Big Ten Tournament.
? The Spartans won seven straight games before losing their final two regular season games (at Indiana, 70-55 and vs. No. 10 Ohio State, 72-70).
? Michigan State has won two Big Ten Tournaments (1999 and 2000). This year marks the fourth time Michigan State has been the top seed in the tournament.
? Tom Izzo was named Big Ten Coach of the Year, while senior Draymond Green was tabbed the league’s Player of the Year.
? Draymond Green averages a double-double (16.2 points and 10.3 rebounds). Keith Appling leads the team in assists (118), while Adreian Payne has the most blocks (31).
IOWA, MICHIGAN STATE TIP-INS
? Iowa is the only Big Ten team with two players with 45+ steals (Roy Devyn Marble — 51 and Matt Gatens — 47).
? Matt Gatens’ 20 points vs. Illinois yesterday is the most by a Hawkeye in a Big Ten Tournament game since Cully Payne had 25 against Michigan in 2010.
? Iowa is 4-3 against ranked Big Ten teams and 5-7 versus unranked conference foes.
? Iowa’s second (Roy Devyn Marble, 10.9), third (Aaron White, 10.5), fourth (Melsahn Basabe, 7.7), fifth (Zach McCabe, 7.3) and sixth (Josh Oglesby 6.3) leading scorers are all underclassmen.
? Iowa ranks first in the Big Ten in steals (7.7); third in scoring offense (71.8); and fourth in 3-point field goal accuracy (.364); and fifth in free throw percentage (.716).
? Iowa ranks 57th in the country in assists (14.5); 58th in assist/turnover ratio (1.1); and 66th in steals (7.7). Individually, Matt Gatens is 54th in free throw percentage (.851), while Roy Devyn Marble is 85th in assist/turnover ratio (1.9).
IOWA, BIG TEN TOURNAMENT UPDATED NOTES
? Iowa’s 64-61 win over Illinois yesterday snapped a five-game losing streak in Big Ten Tournament games. The Hawkeyes’ previous last victory in a conference tournament game was against Michigan State in the semifinals in 2006.
? Matt Gatens scored a game-high 20 points, marking the ninth time this year and 18th time in his career that the Iowa City native posted 20 points or more.
? Bryce Cartwright has dished out 13 assists his last two Big Ten Tournament games (6 vs. Michigan State last year and seven yesterday against Illinois).
? Aaron White tied a career high with three steals against Illinois. He’s had three thefts in each of the last two games (vs. Northwestern on March 3). White also grabbed a game-high nine rebounds, marking the first time a freshman led Iowa in rebounding at a Big Ten Tournament game since Tyler Smith had seven in 2007 vs. Purdue in 2007.
? Iowa won only its third game of the season when trailing at halftime (3-13). Illinois led 31-27 at intermission.
? Iowa trailed with 14:14 in the game (44-37) and went on an 18-4 spurt to lead the Illini by seven (55-48) with 9:42 left and never looked back.
? Iowa’s last field goal of the game was a Matt Gatens jumper at 9:19. The Hawkeyes made seven free throws the last 9:18 of the contest.
? The win snapped a seven-game losing streak to Illinois.
MICHIGAN STATE WON THE LAST MEETING
Iowa faced the sixth-ranked team for the second consecutive game on Jan. 10, falling at Michigan State (95-61) in the Breslin Center. The Spartans took a 22-point lead (46-24) into halftime and never looked back. Four Hawkeyes scored in double figures, led by Aaron White’s 15 points off the bench. Roy Devyn Marble netted 12, while Matt Gatens contributed 11 and Melsahn Basabe 10. Marble had a team-best eight rebounds and three steals, both of which equal personal bests. It marked the first time in his career that the guard led the team in rebounding. Iowa forced 15 Spartan turnovers and collected eight steals.
IOWA POSTING BIG WINS
Iowa has posted seven wins against teams ranked in the top 92 of the RPI, including four inside the top 20. The Hawkeyes have registered victories over Michigan (11), Indiana (12) and two wins over Wisconsin (22) and Minnesota (92). The Hawkeyes have four wins over top 25 teams; only Michigan State (six), Ohio State (six) and Michigan (five) have more. Overall, Iowa has won six of its 10 games, including four over top 100 teams, two of which are ranked in the top 25 (No. 12 Indiana and No. 22 Wisconsin).
GATENS AND WHITE HONORED BY BIG TEN
Senior Matt Gatens and freshman Aaron White earned postseason all-conference recognition by the Big Ten. Gatens was named to the second team by the media voting panel and was a third team pick by the coaches. He was also named Iowa men’s basketball’s Sportsmanship Award honoree. White was named to the coaches’ all-Freshman team and earned honorable mention recognition by the media. Gatens becomes the first Hawkeye since Tony Freeman earned third team honors in 2008 to be named to a first, second or third team. Adam Haluska was a first team selection in 2007. The all-Big Ten honor was the first of Gatens’ career. He was honorable mention in 2010 and was named to the all-Freshman team in 2009. White becomes the fourth Hawkeye to be named to the all-Freshman team the last four years (Gatens in 2009; Eric May in 2010; Melsahn Basabe in 2011; and White in 2012). Gatens leads the team in scoring (15.9), 3-pointers (71), free throws (103); ranks second in steals (47); and third in assists (58). White ranks first in team rebounding (5.5); second in blocks (21); and third in scoring (10.5) and steals (29).
GATENS TO MAKE HISTORY
Senior Matt Gatens will become the first Hawkeye to lead the team in free throw percentage four consecutive seasons. Also, he will 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 nine wins over Big Ten competition, it has posted a +3.6 rebounding margin advantage. However, in its 10 conference losses, Iowa was outrebounded by 4.4 boards. Overall, Iowa is 13-3 in games this season when having the edge on the glass. The two losses when the Hawkeyes had a positive rebounding margin came on the road at Iowa State and Northwestern, and in the home finale against Northwestern.
IOWA IN INDY
Iowa is 9-13 all-time in Indianapolis, while playing in four different arenas. Iowa is 8-6 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse (formerly known as Conseco Fieldhouse), 0-2 at Market Square Arena, 1-4 at Butler’s Hinkel Fieldhouse and 0-1 at the RCA Dome. Along with the 2002 (3-1), 2004 (0-1), 2006 (3-0), 2008 (0-1), 2009 (0-1), 2010 (0-1) and 2011 (0-1) Big Ten Conference Tournaments at Bankers Life, Iowa defeated Louisville (Wooden Tradition) early in the 2003-04 season. Iowa took part in the 1980 Final Four at Market Square Arena, losing to Louisville (80-72) in the semifinals and falling to Big Ten rival Purdue (75-58) in the consolation game. Iowa lost four of five games at Hinkel Fieldhouse between 1937 and 1950 and lost in the first round of the 2005 NCAA Tournament at the RCA Dome.
IOWA AT BANKERS LIFE FIELDHOUSE
Iowa is 8-6 in Bankers Life Fieldhouse, including a 7-6 record while taking part in the eight Big Ten Tournaments held at the venue. Iowa, in the 2002 Big Ten Tournament, defeated Purdue, Wisconsin and Indiana on consecutive days to advance to the title game for the second straight season before falling to Ohio State. Iowa defeated Louisville 70-69 in overtime as part of the John Wooden Tradition early in the 2003-04 season and the Hawkeyes lost to Michigan 79-70 in the quarterfinals of the 2004 Big Ten Tournament. Iowa won three straight games over Minnesota, Michigan State and Ohio State to claim the 2006 Big Ten Tournament title before falling to Purdue in the quarterfinals in 2007 and losing to Michigan the last three years in the first round.
HAWKEYES SURGED IN FEBRUARY
Iowa won five of its eight February games, including winning two of the last four against ranked opponents (No. 18 Indiana and No. 15 Wisconsin). The five victories in February marked the most by a Hawkeye team since the 1997-98 campaign. Iowa held seven of its eight February opponents to fewer than 70 points and four of those below 40 percent from the field. The previous six teams the Hawkeyes faced averaged 81.2 points and 50.4 percent shooting. In eight February games, Matt Gatens averaged 21.6 points, bolstered by 34-of-58 (.586) shooting from long distance. The 21.6 February scoring average ranks third behind Northwestern’s John Shurna (22.8) and Tim Frazier (21.8) of Penn State. Aaron White averaged 11.9 points and 7.6 rebounds, while Roy Devyn Marble averaged 10.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists.
NOTING Matt Gatens…
? Named second team all-Big Ten by the media voting panel and third team by the league coaches.
? Is one of only two Hawkeyes (Roy Marble) to amass 1,600+ points, 450+ rebounds, 250+ assists and 125+ steals.
? Led Iowa in scoring the last seven games. The last Hawkeye to lead the team in scoring six consecutive games against Big Ten competition was Andre Woolridge in 1996-97 when he led his team in scoring seven straight games (Jan. 7-Feb. 4).
? Scored 55 points in two games the week of Feb. 20 (27.5 ppg.), earning co-Big Ten Player of the Week and NetScout Basketball’s Big Ten Player of the Week accolades. He has earned NetScout Basketball’s weekly honor the last two weeks. Additionally, America voted the senior the “Capital One Cup Impact Performer of the Week” on ESPN.com.
? Averaged 23 points per game the last six contests.
? Has made 42.8 percent (71-of-166) of his 3-point attempts this season. That is the best percentage by a Hawkeye, with a minimum of 125 attempts, since Kent McCausland made 52 percent (70-of-134) during the 1996-97 season.
? Scored 85 points in a span of three games (Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois). The last time a Hawkeye netted 85 points or more in three straight games against conference competition was Roy Marble (86) in 1989. Marble scored 30 at Michigan, 37 at Illinois and 19 vs. Indiana. The last time a Hawkeye scored 85 points or more against any teams was Adam Haluska (88) in 2006. Haluska had 21 points at Drake, 36 vs. Georgia State and 21 against Texas Southern.
? Averaged 21.6 points per game in February, which ranked third in the Big Ten behind Northwestern’s John Shurna (22.8) and Tim Frazier of Penn State (21.8).
? Became the first Big Ten player to score 30+ versus two teams (Indiana and Wisconsin) ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 since 1996-97.
? Became the fourth Big Ten player in the last 10 seasons to score 30+ points in back-to-back games vs. league opponents.
? The 33 points against Wisconsin are the second-most by a Big Ten player in conference play this season (Illinois’ Brandon Paul had 43 versus Ohio State).
? Made a school-record 12 consecutive triples spanning the Indiana (Feb. 19) and Wisconsin (Feb. 23) contests.
? Became the first Hawkeye since Adam Haluska in 2007 to score 30 points in consecutive games. Haluska netted 33 vs. Indiana and 34 at Minnesota. Gatens is one of five players to score 30+ points in consecutive Big Ten games since 2000-01 (Marcus Taylor of Michigan State in 2002; Minnesota’s Vincent Grier in 2005; Evan Turner of Ohio State in 2010; Iowa’s Adam Haluska in 2007).
? His 138 points the last six games pushed the senior past Greg Brunner, Don Nelson, Andre Woolridge, Dean Oliver and Adam Haluska. He has 1,611 points and is tied with Jess Settles for sixth on Iowa’s all-time scoring chart.
? His five 3-pointers at Illinois (Feb. 26) moved him past Chris Kingsbury (1994-96) and into second place on Iowa’s all-time 3-pointers made list. He enters Friday’s game versus Michigan State with 235 career triples.
? Surpassed the 20-point plateau four consecutive games (Penn State, Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois), eight times this season and 17 in his career. The last time a Hawkeye netted 20+ points in four straight games against Big Ten competition was Andre Woolridge in 1997. Woolridge tallied 20 at Purdue, 21 vs. Wisconsin, 27 vs. Ohio State and 25 at Michigan.
? Made 40-of-113 (.354) from 3-point range the first 25 games of the season. Gatens has made 60.4 percent (29-of-48) from long distance the last six outings. He has made 24 of his last 41 (.585) 3-point attempts the last four games.
? The 33 points scored against the Badgers are the second-most scored by a Wisconsin opponent in the last four years. Gatens and Kansas State’s Jacob Pullen (38 points against the Badgers in the 2011 NCAA Tournament) were the two highest scoring outputs since Davidson’s Stephen Curry tallied 33 points in the 2008 NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 on March 28, 2008.
? Made 14 triples against Indiana and Wisconsin, which is the most ever by a Hawkeye in a two-game span. He sank a combined 19 treys spanning three contests (Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois), the most ever by a Hawkeye over a span of three games.
? Is averaging 15.9 points, the highest scoring average by a Hawkeye since Adam Haluska averaged 20.5 points in 2007.
? Is only the third player to hit seven+ 3-pointers in back-to-back Big Ten games (versus Indiana and Wisconsin) since 1996-97. Talor Battle (Penn State) and Jon Diebler (Ohio State) accomplished the feat a year ago.
? Has made a personal single-season best 71 triples, besting 58 he sank his sophomore campaign. He is shooting at a 43 percent clip from long distance this season, which is also a single-season best. He shot 40 percent from 3-point range as a freshman.
? His 71 treys tie Jeff Moe (1988) for seventh best in a single season at Iowa. He is three 3-pointers from tying Kent McCausland (1998) for sixth on the list.
GATENS DELIVERS SECOND HALF OUTBURSTS
Matt Gatens has put up big numbers in the second half in six of the last seven games. Gatens has scored in bunches down the stretch to help Iowa post some big victories in the month of February. The senior scored 22 points in the second half vs. Indiana; 19 at Penn State; 15 vs. Wisconsin; 11 at Nebraska; 10 vs. Northwestern; and 11 vs. Illinois.
CLEANING THE GLASS
Aaron White has seen his rebounding numbers increase in Big Ten play. The freshman averaged 4.8 boards in nonconference action and has crashed the boards even more in conference play, averaging a team-best 5.9. White has led the Hawkeyes in rebounding seven of the last nine games, including a streak of five straight, which was the longest by a Hawkeye this season and the longest streak since Aaron Fuller led the team in six consecutive contests in 2010. White is averaging 7.3 rebounds over his last 10 games, including three games with 10+ rebounds. He ranks fifth in Big Ten rebounding since Feb. 1.
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 (10.5) and first in rebounding (5.5). All three were named to the all-Big Ten Freshman team. Zeller was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year by the league coaches, while Burke earned the award by the conference’s media panel.
IMPROVED 3-POINT SHOOTING
Thanks in large part to Matt Gatens’ 3-point shooting accuracy as of late, the Hawkeyes saw better 3-point shooting percentages during the month of February. Iowa made 40.9 percent of its 3-point attempts in the month of February, the third best mark in the Big Ten behind Purdue (.413) and Northwestern (.412).
Matt Gatens AMONG SELECT GROUP
Matt Gatens is one of four active Division I players with 1,500+ points, 400+ rebounds and 230+ made 3-pointers in a career.
GATENS CLIMBING CHARTS
Matt Gatens’ recent scoring surge (138 points the last six games) has vaulted him past Jeff Horner, Greg Brunner, Don Nelson, Andre Woolridge and Adam Haluska, and into seventh place on Iowa’s career scoring chart. The senior is tied with Jess Settles (1994-97, 1999) for sixth. Gatens enters Friday’s Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal game versus Michigan State with 1,611 career points. Additionally, his five triples at Illinois moved him past Chris Kingsbury (1994-96) and into second place on Iowa’s all-time 3-pointers made chart. Gatens enters Friday’s game against Michigan State with 235 treys. Jeff Horner (2003-06) is the record holder with 262. Gatens, who was voted by the league’s media panel second team all-Big Ten, is one of only two players in school history to have 1,550+ points, 450+ rebounds, 250+ assists and 125+ steals. The senior has 1,611 points, 451 rebounds, 287 assists and 140 thefts. Roy Marble (1986-89) had 2,116 points, 668 rebounds, 288 assists and 183 steals. Gatens is only four steals from cracking the top 10 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.
FRESHMEN CONTRIBUTIONS
Freshmen Aaron White and Josh Oglesby have combined for 11 games of scoring 15 or more points this season. White has scored in double figures in 14 of the last 22 contests, including netting 15 points or more in eight of those outings.
IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,657 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Iowa’s overall record is 1,594-1,063 (.600). That includes a 955-353 (.730) record in home games, a 549-720 (.433) record in contests away from Iowa City, a 711-728 (.494) mark in Big Ten games and a 361-117 (.755) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
WHITE EARNS STARTING SPOT
Aaron White, who has been named to the coaches’ all-Big Ten Freshman team, was Iowa’s most productive player off the bench the first 21 games, but has started the last 11. White earned his first career start at No. 16 Indiana on Jan. 31. He stuffed the stat sheet with 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals in Iowa’s triumph over Penn State (Feb. 4). 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 earned the weekly distinction. White has scored in double digits 15 times, including 14 of the last 22 games. White has led the team in rebounding eight of the last 12 contests. For the season he has amassed a team-best 177 boards, which are the sixth most by an Iowa freshman in a single season. He is only three boards from matching Guy Rucker (1996-97) for fifth with 181. White’s numbers the last eight games have been impressive, averaging 12.1 points and 7.1 rebounds. He posted consecutive doubles at Northwestern (Feb. 9) and Penn State (Feb. 16) and was two points shy of notching his third straight versus No. 18 Indiana (Feb. 19). The rookie scored 17 points (7-of-10 FG, 2-of-3 3-pt FG) and corralled a personal-best 12 boards against the Wildcats. White totaled 16 points and a game-high 10 rebounds to go along with career-best three rejections at Penn State. The 6-foot-8 wing player has scored 15 points or more eight times, which is the third most by a Big Ten rookie this season. 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 a personal-best 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.
MARBLE ADVANCES TO FINALS OF GEICO PLAY OF THE YEAR
Hawkeye fans can vote for Roy Devyn Marble in the finals of the GEICO Play of the Year. Marble had an emphatic one-handed slam vs. Minnesota on Feb 1. Fans can vote for Marble once per day until March 5 at facebook.com/bestofcollegebasketball. The winner will be announced on GEICO presents Best of College Basketball 2012 on CBS March 25, at noon (CT). The seven other finalists are: Christian Watford (Indiana), Robbie Hummel (Purdue), Damen Bell-Holter (Oral Roberts), Chase Spreen (Lindsey Wilson), Peyton Siva (Louisville), C.J. Fair (Syracuse), and Isaiah Sykes (Central Florida).
STAT SHEET STUFFER
Roy Devyn Marble’s level of play has been stellar the last 27 games. The sophomore has averaged 11.7 points, four rebounds and 3.6 assists during that span. Also, he is shooting 43 percent from the field and 71 percent from the foul line during the 27-game stretch. He has amassed a solid assist-to-turnover ratio this season. He has 115 assists to only 58 turnovers, ranking fifth in the Big Ten (1.9) and 85th nationally. Marble has been credited with four assists or more 16 times this season, including collecting six or more four of the last seven games (six at Penn State, seven vs. Indiana; a career-best eight against Wisconsin and six at Illinois). Last season, 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 games of 2010-11. Also, he shot 53 percent from the free throw line (35-of-66). This year, Marble has seen improved numbers, averaging 10.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and has collected 115 assists and a team-best 51 steals. He has started the last 24 contests. From the foul line this season, the sophomore has seen significant improvement, shooting 71.6 percent (96-of-134).
SINKING THE FREEBEES
Last year, Iowa’s free throw percentage was 67.6 percent. This season, the Hawkeyes have improved in that area, shooting 71.6 percent, which ranks fifth 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 42 free throws (139-of-183, .760) in the final five minutes of games. Iowa has attempted 20 free throws or more 19 times this season (12-7 record in those games), 10 of which have come during league play, including eight of the last 14 games.
HAWKEYE FAST BREAKS
? The Big Ten is the No. 1 ranked conference in the RPI and Sagarin ratings. Iowa’s Sagarin rating is 95 and a strength of schedule of 31. Iowa’s RPI rating is 133, while its schedule strength is 72.
? Iowa is 7-5 in games decided by nine points or fewer and 10-10 in games decided by 10 or more points. Furthermore, Iowa is 3-1 in games decided by three points or less. The Hawkeyes have not played an overtime game this season. Iowa’s last overtime game was played on Feb. 19 in a 75-72 loss to Michigan in Iowa City.
? Iowa’s scoring average of 71.8 is its highest since the 2004-05 season (72.9).
? Iowa is 6-0 this season when point guard scores in double figures and has less than five turnovers.
? Iowa has made 506 free throws this season, the most it has sank in a single-season since 2005-06. Iowa made 515 free throws in 2004-05.
? Senior Bryce Cartwright has played well the last 13 games, dishing out 65 assists 5.0 avg.). He finished second in Big Ten assists (71) behind only Tim Frazier of Penn State (101).
? Iowa’s field goal percentage this season is 45.1 percent, its best since shooting 45.9 percent during the 2004-05 campaign.
? The Hawkeyes were ranked ninth (.352) in the Big Ten in 3-point field goal percentage (overall games) in mid-January. Iowa has since vaulted to third (.364).
? Eleven of Iowa’s 15 losses have come to teams ranked in the RPI top 80.
? Senior Andrew Brommer played in his 100th career game Thursday versus Illinois.
? For the second straight year, Iowa 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’s attendance numbers are up again this season, after a 20 percent bump a year ago. Last season, Iowa averaged 11,096 fans. Hosting 19 regular season home games this season, the Hawkeyes averaged 11,841.
? 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 21 of Iowa’s 32 games.
? 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).
HAWKEYE BIG TEN FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGES
In Iowa’s nine victories over Big Ten opposition, opponents were just 58-of-212 (.274) from long distance and 210-of-516 (.407) overall from the field. Iowa made 216-of-486 (.444) from the field and 52-of-132 (.394) from the 3-point range in those wins. Conversely, Hawkeye opponents shot 49 percent (284-of-575) from the field and 67-of-180 (.372) from 3-point territory, compared to 45 percent (232-of-512) from the field and 36 percent (53-of-148) from long distance for Iowa, in the Hawkeyes’ 10 conference defeats.
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.
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.
OGLESBY HAS CAREER GAME
Freshman Josh Oglesby had two of his best games of the season, both against Indiana. Oglesby came off the bench to score a career-best 24 points at Indiana on Jan. 29. 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 15th-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. In the return game against the Hoosiers (Feb. 19), Oglesby netted 11 points, five of which were scored at the free throw line. Oglesby started his first career game at Penn State (Feb. 16). The rookie played a season-high 27 minutes and had three points, three assists and three rebounds against the Nittany Lions. He tallied nine second-half points at Illinois (Feb. 26), netted eight points in Iowa’s victory at Nebraska (Feb. 29) and had five points, four rebounds and three assists in the regular season finale versus Northwestern (March 3). He contributed eight points and four rebounds in yesterday’s win over Illinois in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament. The native of Cedar Rapids has started five of the last seven games. He is averaging 6.3 points in 32 games this season. Oglesby has made 39 triples, which are the fourth most by a Hawkeye freshman in a single season at Iowa. Matt Gatens holds the record with 52 (2009). Oglesby is shooting 34.8 percent beyond the arc, which currently ranks as the seventh best percentage in a season by an Iowa rookie. Fifty-eight percent of Oglesby’s scoring production has come from 3-point territory (117-of-200 points), which ranks third amongst Big Ten players. Oglesby has led the team in scoring four times (Northern Illinois, Creighton, Clemson and Indiana).
IOWA VS. RANKED TEAMS
Iowa played seven games against ranked competition this season (4-3), winning the last two. The four wins are the most Iowa has collected in a season since winning nine during the 2005-06 campaign. The Hawkeyes beat No. 11 Wisconsin (72-65) on Dec. 31 in Madison and No. 15 Wisconsin (67-66) on Feb. 23 in Iowa City, 13th-ranked Michigan (75-59) on Jan. 14 in Iowa City and 18th-ranked Indiana (78-66) on Feb. 19 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.
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 4.6 more points this year compared to last season.
TWITTER CONVERSATION
Fans and media are encouraged to use #B1GTourney in their tweets during the Big Ten Tournament.