Men's Hoops to Face Northwestern Thursday

March 11, 2014

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Iowa’s Big Ten Tournament Media Packet

THE SETTING
Iowa (20-11, 9-9) earned the No. 6 seed at this week’s Big Ten men’s basketball tournament and will square-off against 11th-seeded Northwestern (13-18, 6-12) Thursday in the first round (ESPN2). Tipoff is scheduled for approximately 8 p.m. (CT) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The winner will face No. 3 seed Michigan State at approximately 8 p.m. (CT) on Friday (BTN). The tournament is sold out.

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.
TV: Thursday night’s game will be televised nationally on ESPN2 (WatchESPN). Mike Tirico, Dan Dakich and Allison Williams will call the action.

BIG TEN TOURNAMENT STORYLINES
? This marks the third year Iowa will be the sixth seed at the Big Ten Tournament (2001, 2013 and 2014). Iowa became the only team to win four games in four days to win the Big Ten Tournament in 2001. The Hawkeyes beat Northwestern last season in the first round as a sixth seed.
? Thursday will be the sixth meeting between Iowa and Northwestern the last two seasons (5-0).
? The Hawkeyes dominated the glass the previous two meetings against Northwestern this past January, owning a +18.5 rebounding margin.
? Iowa has won 20 games in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2004-05/2005-06.
? Roy Devyn Marble (first) and Aaron White (third) were all-conference honorees this season. Marble is Iowa’s first all-conference first team honoree since Adam Haluska in 2007.
? Roy Devyn Marble is believed to be only the second Big Ten player (Gary Grant of Michigan) since 1985-86 with 1,650+ points, 375+ assists, 450+ rebounds, and 170+ steals.
? Aaron White is the only player in the country to shoot better than 55 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free throw line.
? Guard Josh Oglesby has averaged 10.2 points the last five games, including equaling a season-high 17 points against Wisconsin on Feb. 22.
? Senior Zach McCabe has played in 135 consecutive games — a new school record.

MARBLE, WHITE EARN POSTSEASON RECOGNITION
Roy Devyn Marble was named to the All-Big Ten first team by the coaches and media voting panel, while Aaron White was recognized on the third team. Marble becomes the first Hawkeye since Adam Haluska in 2007 to be named to the first team. Marble was also named to the United States Basketball Writers Association’s All-District VI team.

HAWKEYES FALL TO ILLINOIS IN REGULAR SEASON FINALE
? Illinois’ Jon Ekey made a 3-pointer with 0.5 seconds remaining to lift Illinois to a 66-63 win at Iowa in the regular season finale last weekend.
? Three Hawkeyes scored in double figures in defeat: Aaron White (12), Mike Gesell (11) and Adam Woodbury (11). The 11 points scored by Woodbury are a season high.
? Shooting stats were almost identical between Iowa and Illinois, with the 3-pointer with 0.5 seconds left proving to be the difference. Illinois shot 25-of-54 from the field, including 7-of-19 from 3-point territory, and 9-of-12 from the free throw line. Iowa was 24-of-54 from the field, including 6-of-17 from 3-point range, and 9-of-14 from the foul line.
? Iowa forced 13 Illini turnovers, scoring on almost every Illinois miscue — 23 points.
? Six different Hawkeyes made a 3-pointer: Aaron White, Josh Oglesby, Zach McCabe, Roy Devyn Marble, Mike Gesell, and Peter Jok.
? Saturday was the final home contest for Hawkeyes Roy Devyn Marble, Zach McCabe, Melsahn Basabe and Darius Stokes.
? Illinois opened the game on a 20-6 run the first 6:11 of the contest, before the Hawkeyes closed the half on a 28-9 run to lead 34-29 at halftime.

IOWA IN THE BIG TEN TOURNAMENT
Iowa has posted a 15-14 record in Big Ten Tournament games. The Hawkeyes earned tournament titles in 2001 and 2006 and lost in the title game in 2002. Only Ohio State (22-9), Illinois (24-14), Michigan State (19-13) and Wisconsin (17-14) have more wins and a higher winning percentage than the Hawkeyes. Ohio State has won four tournament titles, Michigan State three, 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 (was also a No. 6 seed). Iowa has been eliminated by the tournament champion in four of the 14 tournaments it did not win, including Michigan in the 1998 quarterfinals, Michigan State in the 2000 quarterfinals and 2012 quarterfinals, and Ohio State in the 2002 title game. The Hawkeyes, a sixth seed, beat Northwestern (73-59) in the first round of the tournament a year ago, before falling to Michigan State in the quarterfinals (59-56).

IOWA BY SEEDING
This marks the third time in tournament history that Iowa has been the sixth seed. Iowa has never been the top seed, third seed or 11th seed. Iowa was a No. 6 seed in 2001, beating 11th-seed Northwestern (72-55); No. 3 seed Ohio State (75-66); seventh-seeded Penn State (94-74); and No. 4 seed Indiana (63-61). In 2013 as a sixth seed, Iowa beat 11th-seeded Northwestern (73-59); but fell to No. 3-seed Michigan State (59-56). The Hawkeyes are 2-0 in first round contests as a six seed.

SIX SEED HISTORY AT BIG TEN TOURNAMENT
Teams seeded sixth at previous Big Ten Tournaments are 15-1 against No. 11 seeds in the first round; the lone loss was in 1999. Overall sixth-seeds are 27-15 at the tournament. Sixth-seeds have advanced to the semifinals seven times (2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2011). Not only that, but three times has a six seed advanced to the championship, including two of the last four years.

ALL-TIME SERIES
Iowa holds a 113-57 advantage over Northwestern in the series. After losing five straight to the Wildcats between 2010-12, the Hawkeyes have since won the last five, dating back to their three victories last season. Iowa beat Northwestern twice in January this season — 93-67 in Iowa City (Jan. 9) and 76-50 in Evanston (Jan. 25). The current five-game win streak for Iowa is its longest over Northwestern since a nine-game streak between 1995-2000. Iowa holds a 2-0 advantage over Northwestern on a neutral court. The Hawkeyes beat the Wildcats 72-55 in 2001 and 73-59 in 2013; both games played at the United Center in the first round of Big Ten tournaments.

SCOUTING NORTHWESTERN
? Northwestern tied Penn State for 10th place in the Big Ten standings with 6-12 league records, but lost the tiebreaker to the Nittany Lions.
? Northwestern snapped a seven-game losing skid with a 74-65 victory over Purdue in the regular season finale on March 9 in West Lafayette, Ind.
? During Northwestern’s seven-game losing streak, four of the seven defeats came by seven points or less.
? The Wildcats won their conference finale at Purdue, 74-65. Drew Crawford poured in a game-high 27 points, 13 at the free throw line. Northwestern’s starters scored 65 of its 74 points; reserves Kale Abrahamson (7) and Nikola Cerina (2) accounted for the only bench points for the Wildcats. Abrahamson, a West Des Moines, Iowa native, played on the same AAU team (All-Iowa Attack) as Iowa’s Adam Woodbury and Mike Gesell.
? Northwestern ranks third in the Big Ten in scoring defense (63.3) and fourth in the league in 3-point field goal defense (.315).
? The Wildcats are led by senior Drew Crawford, who ranks 10th in Big Ten scoring (15.5) and seventh in rebounding (6.6). Crawford has posted five double-doubles this season — tying three others, including Iowa’s Aaron White, for fifth-most in the league.
? Sophomore center Alex Olah ranks ninth in the conference in field goal percentage (.505) and fourth in rejections (1.8).
? The Wildcats were outrebounded by an average of 7.1 rebounds during conference play. Iowa owned a +5.0 rebounding margin advantage during conference action.
? Northwestern second-leading scorer, JerShon Cobb, will miss the remainder of the season due to injury. Cobb averaged 12.2 points in 25 games this season.
? Thirty-two percent of Northwestern’s offense comes from beyond the 3-point arc. The Wildcats have three active players who have made 25+ 3-pointers: Drew Crawford (45), Tre Demps (43), and Kale Abrahamson (25).
? Chris Collins, a native of Northbrook, Ill., is in his first season as head coach (13-18, .419) after serving the past 13 seasons on Duke’s coaching staff.

THIS SEASON VERSUS NORTHWESTERN
? Iowa had four players average in double figures in the two games against Northwestern this season: Roy Devyn Marble (14.5); Melsahn Basabe (12.0); Aaron White (11.5); and Mike Gesell (10.0).
? The Hawkeyes dominated the glass, owning a +18.5 rebounding margin, against the Wildcats the previous two meetings.
? Iowa had two players post double-doubles in the game played in Iowa City on Jan. 9: Melsahn Basabe (16 points and 10 rebounds) and Aaron White (18 points and 10 rebounds). White was a perfect 10-of-10 from the foul line in that game.
? Northwestern’s JerShon Cobb averaged 12.5 points and 6.5 rebounds against the Hawkeyes, including scoring 18 points in the game played in Iowa City. Cobb will miss Thursday’s game in Indianapolis due to injury.

MARBLES RISING AMONG FATHER-SON SCORING COMBOS
Iowa’s Roy Marble (1986-89) and Roy Devyn Marble (2011-present) are rising among the leading father-son scoring duo in collegiate history. The Marble’s (3,778) will finish their collegiate careers second among father-son combos, playing at the same school, behind the Burtt’s of Iona (4,568). The Marble’s are sixth overall.

VARIETY OF WEAPONS
Iowa has five players who average 7.4 points or more. Senior Roy Devyn Marble leads the way averaging 17 points per contest, followed by Aaron White (13.3), Mike Gesell (8.3), Melsahn Basabe (7.7), and Jarrod Uthoff (7.4). Josh Oglesby (7.0), Gabriel Olaseni (6.6) and Zach McCabe (6.0) average six points or better.

HAWKEYE HOOPS HUDDLE IN INDIANAPOLIS
Hawkeye fans traveling to the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament in Indianapolis are invited to attend a pregame Hawkeye Hoops Huddle held prior to each Iowa basketball game. The Hoops Huddle location this year is at Colts Grille, 110 West Washington Street in Indianapolis. Huddles are presented by the National I-Club and UI Alumni Association. The first Hawkeye Huddle will be held Thursday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. (ET), prior to the start of the Iowa-Northwestern game. All Hawkeye fans are welcome to attend the free Hoops Huddles for snacks, cash refreshments, and door prizes. Colts Grille provides full menu service to those wishing to purchase additional food or beverages.

BASABE JOINS TEAMMATES IN 1,000-POINT CLUB
Melsahn Basabe (1,118) joined teammates Roy Devyn Marble (1,662) and Aaron White (1,289) in Iowa’s 1,000-point club against Northwestern on Jan. 9. Marble netted his 1,000th point in the 2013 regular season finale against Nebraska, while White passed 1,000 points against Notre Dame (Dec. 3) earlier this year. Basabe, White, and Marble become Iowa’s fifth trio of players on the same team to reach the 1,000-point threshold, and first trio since 2005.

ATTACKING THE RIM
Iowa has nearly made (631) more free throws than its opponents have attempted (643). Furthermore, the Hawkeyes (865) have attempted nearly 100 more free throws than the next Big Ten team, Indiana (774). Iowa attempted 476 free throws during league play; 52 more than second place Wisconsin (424). Iowa’s 27.9 free-throw attempts average, ranks 11th nationally. The Hawkeyes rank eighth in the country in made free throws (20.35). Junior Aaron White is on pace to shatter the school’s free-throw makes record. White currently ranks seventh with 418 career makes, while senior Roy Devyn Marble is sixth (423). Both Marble (586) and White (556) are also climbing Iowa’s free-throw attempts chart, ranking sixth and seventh, respectively.

RAISING THE BAR
Roy Devyn Marble and Aaron White have each increased their scoring output each season in an Iowa uniform. Marble averaged 5.7 points as a freshman, 11.5 his sophomore campaign, 15.0 points as a junior, and 17 points this season as a senior. White averaged 11.1 points as a rookie, 12.8 points as a sophomore, and 13.3 points this year as a junior.

ON POINT
Point guard Mike Gesell has scored in double figures in seven of the last nine games, which included a stretch of five straight games — the longest stretch of his career. He has averaged 11.2 points per game the last nine outings, while dropping 43 dimes (4.8 average). In 31 games this year, Gesell ranks first in the Big Ten and 17th nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.9). The sophomore has 552 career points, just past halfway to the 1,000-point club. Gesell posted 10 points, eight assists, and three steals in Iowa’s win over nationally-ranked Michigan. It marked just the fifth time since 1996-97 that a Hawkeye amassed 10+ points, 8+ assists and 3+ steals in a game (Andre Woolridge three times and Jeff Horner). He had 13 points, six assists and no turnovers at Minnesota on Feb. 25. He netted 15 points in Iowa’s win over Purdue on March 1 and contributed 11 points and, assists, four rebounds and two steals against Illinois in the regular season finale.

MARBLE FINISHING HIS IOWA CAREER STRONG
Roy Devyn Marble has led the Hawkeyes in scoring in six of the last eight games, including netting 20+ points in 5-of-6 games — the longest stretch of his career. His scoring average this season (17.0) is the highest by a Hawkeye since Adam Haluska averaged 20.5 points during the 2007 season. Marble (329, 18.3 ppg) concluded conference play second in league scoring, just five points behind Nebraska’s Terran Pettaway (334, 18.6 ppg). Marble is one of only two Hawkeyes to amass 500+ points, 100+ rebounds, 100+ assists and 55+ steals as a senior (B.J. Armstrong). Marble, who was named to the Naismith Trophy Midseason Top 30 List, enters Thursday’s game sixth in Iowa career scoring with 1,662 points. He surpassed Matt Gatens after his 24-point performance at Michigan State on March 6. Marble is only 13 points from fifth-place Ronnie Lester (1,675). He has netted 21 or more points 11 times this season, including 26 against Michigan on Feb. 8 and 21 versus Wisconsin on Feb. 22. The native of Southfield, Mich., averaged 18.3 points, 3.5 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals in conference play. Marble is the only Big Ten player to average 17+ points, 3+ assists and 1.6+ steals. Marble had 21 points and a career-high 11 assists — his first career double-double — versus Wisconsin on Feb. 22. Marble became only the third player in the country with 20+ points and 10+ assists against an AP Top 25 opponent in 2013-14. It marked just the third time the last 18 years an Iowa player posted 20+ points and 10+ assists in a game (Jeff Horner in 2004 and Jake Kelly in 2009). The 11 assists were the most by a Hawkeye since Bryce Cartwright had 11 at Oregon March 18, 2012. The senior guard averaged 20.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists versus top teams in the Big Ten standings this year (Wisconsin, Michigan, Michigan State, and Ohio State). The 6-foot-6, 200-pound guard averages 28 points in the six career games when attempting eight 3-pointers or more. Marble surpassed Jeff Horner for seventh place on Iowa’s all-time steals list in Iowa’s game at Indiana on Feb. 27. Marble poured in 61 points to tie the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament record, earning Big Ten Player of the Week accolades by College Sports Madness. Marble averaged 20.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in the three games. College Sports Madness recognized Marble a second time on Feb. 9 after he led Iowa with 26 points in an 85-67 victory over Michigan. Marble earned his first Player of the Week honors by the Big Ten and was also recognized as Athlon Sports’ National Player of the Week on Jan. 13, after leading the Hawkeyes to a pair of victories at No. 3 Ohio State (84-74) and versus Northwestern (93-67).

MARBLE TIES SCHOOL RECORD
Roy Devyn Marble tied the school record for 3-pointers in a half when he drained six in the first half vs. Michigan on Feb. 8. Marble tied Chris Kingsbury, who sank six in the first half versus Drake on Nov. 29, 1994, and Justin Johnson, who made six in the second stanza against Indiana on Jan. 2, 2008.

WHITE HOT
Junior Aaron White ranks first on the team in rebounding (6.8), and second in scoring (13.3). White is the only Big Ten player to average 13+ points and 7+ rebounds during league play this season. White is the only player in the country to shoot better than 55 percent from the field and 80 percent from the foul line. He shoots 59 percent from the field and 80.5 percent from the charity stripe. White, who led the Hawkeyes in rebounding in each of his first two seasons, will become the fifth player since 1960 to lead the Hawkeyes in rebounding three consecutive seasons. White will join Don Nelson (1960-62); Kevin Kunnert (1971-73); Bruce King (1975-77); and Greg Brunner (2004-06). White became the 41st Hawkeye to surpass 1,000 career points with his 19th point scored with one second remaining at the free throw line versus Notre Dame (Dec. 3). He reached the 1,000-point milestone in his 82nd career game. He currently ranks 18th in Iowa scoring. White became the first Hawkeye since Luke Recker (Nov. 14, 2001) to post 18+ points, 10+ rebounds and 5+ assists in a game when he had 18 points, 10 rebounds and five assists against the Wildcats on Jan. 9 in Iowa City. The native of Strongsville, Ohio, became the first Hawkeye in 10 years to amass 25 points and 17 rebounds in a game at Iowa State on Dec. 13. The last Hawkeye to accomplish the feat was Jared Reiner on March 1, 2003, at Indiana. The 17 rebounds are the most in a single-game since Greg Brunner cleared 23 against Minnesota on Jan. 18, 2006.

BENCH MOB
Iowa’s reserves played a large role in Iowa’s 20 victories. Overall, Iowa’s bench is averaging 30.5 points, 18.9 rebounds and 2.7 blocks. The Hawkeye reserves’ rebounding average is tops in the country, while its scoring and blocks rank third best. In victories, Hawkeye reserves average 35.9 points and 21.7 rebounds, while in losses Iowa’s bench averages 20.7 points and 14 rebounds.

SHARPSHOOTER
Junior Josh Oglesby, who missed the first 12 games of the season due to an injured foot, has come on strong as of late. Oglesby has averaged 10.2 points the last six games, including equaling a season-high 17 points against Wisconsin on Feb. 22. Oglesby made his first four 3-point attempts in his season debut following injury against Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Dec. 22) and then once again against Minnesota (Jan. 19). The junior finished with 13 and 17 points, respectively. Oglesby made a season-high five 3-pointers against Minnesota on Jan. 19 in Iowa City. Oglesby has made at least one trey in 11 of the last 12 games and 15-of-19 games this season. Furthermore, he has made two or more triples in four of the last five contests. Oglesby averages a single-season best seven points per game this season and is shooting at a 43.5-percent clip from 3. Oglesby has been one of Iowa’s top perimeter players in league play, scoring 6.7 points and boasting a 3.3 assist-to-turnover ratio in the 18-game conference slate. Oglesby tied a season high of 17 points (8-of-12 FG, including 1-of-3 from 3-point range) against Wisconsin on Feb. 22. Oglesby scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half. Oglesby followed up that performance scoring 16 points (5-of-10 FG, including 4-of-9 from 3-point territory), in a starting role, at Minnesota on Feb. 25 — marking the first time since his third and fourth game his freshman season that he reached double figures in consecutive games.

IOWA FASTBREAKS
? Iowa is 13-1 when holding opponents to 70 points or less, with the lone defeat coming against Illinois in the regular season finale.
? Iowa ranks 14th in the Sagarin, 17th in the KenPom ratings, 20th in the BPI, and 49th in the official NCAA RPI.
? The Hawkeyes have out-rebounded 22 of their 31 opponents.
? Roy Devyn Marble ranks seventh on Iowa’s all-time steals chart (172).
? Iowa, Michigan and North Carolina are the only teams with a road win against an AP top-three team this season. The Hawkeyes won at then-No. 3 Ohio State (84-74) on Jan. 12.
? Iowa’s win over No. 3 Ohio State on Jan. 12, marked Iowa’s first over a top-five team since an 83-65 victory at second-ranked Missouri on Dec. 15, 2001, in Columbia, Mo.
? Iowa is 15-4 this season when making five 3-pointers or more, with the four losses coming vs. Villanova, Minnesota, Michigan State, and Illinois. Iowa is 8-3 in Big Ten play when sinking at least five triples.
? Iowa handed Michigan (18 points) and Minnesota (21 points) their most lop-sided losses this season.
? Iowa has had four or more players score in double digits in 16-of-31 games.
? Iowa has beaten multiple AP Top 10 Big Ten teams in the regular season for the first time since 1990-91.
? Iowa’s 18-point win over Michigan was Iowa’s largest vs. an AP Top 10 team since beating No. 2 Missouri by 18 on Dec 15, 2001.
? Roy Devyn Marble averages 15.9 points in Iowa’s 20 victories, and 19.2 points in its 11 defeats.
? Iowa started 5-2, or better, in Big Ten play for the 12th time. Each of the previous 11 teams made the NCAA Tournament. Iowa’s 1969-70 team started 7-0, while its 1981-82 and 1986-87 squads started conference play 6-1.
? The last time an Iowa team started conference play 8-4 was the 2005-06 team, which started 9-3.
? Junior forward Aaron White ranks second in the Big Ten in field goal percentage (.588) and sixth in free throw percentage (.806).
? Iowa has two of the Big Ten’s top five field goal percentage leaders: Aaron White (second, .588) and Melsahn Basabe (third, .575).
? Iowa was the last Big Ten team to lose at home this season, falling 71-69, to No. 6/7 Michigan State on Jan. 28.
? Iowa recorded its 10th win by 20-plus points at Northwestern on Jan. 25, the most of any Big Ten team this season.
? Iowa is averaging 12.5 more points this season (82.6 ppg) compared to last (70.1 ppg).
? Iowa (4) and Michigan State (6) are the only Big Ten team to have at least four different players post a double-double.
? The Hawkeyes are 2-7 in games decided by five or fewer points.
? Iowa is 34-6 when scoring 80 or more points, the last four seasons. The Hawkeyes are 39-1 when holding opponents to fewer than 61 points, the last four seasons – with the one loss coming to Michigan State (59-56) at the Big Ten Tournament last season.
? Iowa’s average starting lineup height is 6-foot-6. The Hawkeye lineup consists of two sophomores, one junior, and two seniors.
? Iowa has been credited with 20 or more assists seven times this season. The Hawkeyes rank 12th nationally in assists (16.3).
? Iowa held Michigan State leading scorer, Gary Harris, to a season-low nine points Jan. 28, in Iowa City.
? Iowa is 1-2 in overtime games. The Hawkeyes beat Xavier (77-74), but lost to Villanova (88-83) and Michigan State (71-69).
? Iowa is 9-1 in afternoon games this season.
? Iowa is 9-1 when wearing its white uniforms this season.

REBOUNDING BOOST
Last year, Iowa owned a +4.7 rebounding margin, while this season the Hawkeyes have a +7.4 advantage on the glass — a +2.7 margin of improvement from a year ago. Iowa’s rebounding margin of +7.4 ranks 10th in the country. Iowa ranks 11th in the nation in defensive rebounding (27.2) and 22nd in offensive rebounding (13.6).

BASABE MOVIN’ ON UP
Senior Melsahn Basabe, who has posted three double-doubles this season, is averaging 7.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. After playing only one minute vs. Wisconsin and missing the Minnesota game due to illness, Basabe returned to action at Indiana (Feb. 27), scoring 14 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field. Basabe’s next start will be the 100th of his career. Basabe’s 742 career rebounds are the most among active Big Ten players. Since the start of the year, Basabe moved past Ryan Bowen for fourth place on Iowa’s career blocked shots list and currently has 147 rejections. Basabe led the team in blocked shots in each of his first three seasons with the Hawkeyes. Basabe led the Hawkeyes in scoring (16), rebounding (8) and blocks (4) at Penn State (Feb. 15). It marked the second time since the 1996-97 season a Hawkeye had 16+ points, 8+ rebounds and 4+ blocks in a game — with Basabe posting the other occurrence his freshman season (2010-11).

UTHOFF, OLASENI, OGLESBY LEADING HAWKEYES OFF BENCH
Gabriel Olaseni, Josh Oglesby, and Jarrod Uthoff are averaging a combined 18.3 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game coming off the bench for the Hawkeyes. Uthoff ranks fifth on the team in scoring (7.4) and fourth in rebounding (4.6); Olaseni ranks first on the squad in rejections (1.35) and third in rebounding (5.0); while Oglesby averages seven points and 1.6 rebounds off the bench. Olaseni averages an offensive rebound every six minutes played. Nearly half of Olaseni’s rebounds are offensive (76 of 155); the center is tied for third in the league (overall games) in offensive rebounding (2.4). Olaseni, leads the team with four double-doubles. Olaseni put up career highs at Illinois (15 points and 12 rebounds) on Feb. 1.

CENTER OF ATTENTION
Iowa is getting 12.2 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game from its center position of Adam Woodbury and Gabriel Olaseni.

WINNING ON THE ROAD
? Iowa posted four Big Ten road victories this season. The last time Iowa had four conference road wins was 10 years ago during the 2003-04 season.
? Iowa won three straight conference road games (Northwestern, Illinois and Penn State) this season. The last time Iowa accomplished that feat was the 1997-98 season.

COACHING EXPERIENCE
Fran McCaffery has one of the most experienced coaching staffs in the country. The Iowa men’s basketball staff has 65 years of combined collegiate head coaching experience and more than 130 years of collegiate coaching under their belts.

HAWKEYES RANK HIGH IN STATISTICS
Iowa leads the Big Ten in scoring (83.3) and scoring margin (+13.0). The Hawkeyes also rank second in the conference in rebounding margin (+7.8), assists (16.3), and blocked shots (5.0). Iowa ranks fifth in the country in fifth in scoring (83.3); ninth in rebounding margin (+7.8); 11th in scoring margin (+13.0); 13th in assists (16.3); 22nd in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.4); and 40th in blocks (5.0). Individually, Mike Gesell ranks 23rd in the country in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.8) and Roy Devyn Marble ranks 66th in steals (1.6).

IOWA TIP-INS
? Iowa finished its nonconference schedule 11-2 for the second straight season.
? Iowa’s senior class amassed 53 home wins during their four-year career. The 53 wins tie for fourth in program history. Iowa’s 1988, 2008 and 2009 seniors won 54 home games.
? Michigan won three straight games in January over top-10 ranked opponents (Wisconsin, Iowa and Michigan State). The Wolverines became the first team since Iowa in 1987 to post three straight victories against top-10 teams.
? Iowa had three players (Basabe, Uthoff and Olaseni) post double-doubles in its victory over Fairleigh Dickinson. It marked the first time in 20 years three Hawkeyes recorded double-doubles, in the same game, in points and rebounds.
? Zach McCabe and Roy Devyn Marble were named to the Battle 4 Atlantis all-tournament team.
? Iowa scored 80-plus points in each of its first five games for the fourth time in school history (also 1986-87, 1994-95 & 1997-98).
? Iowa played overtime games two days apart (Xavier and Villanova) for the third time in program history. The Hawkeyes played five extra minutes against Maryland (Dec. 25, 1984) and Cornell (Dec. 27, 1984), and Michigan (Jan. 9, 1992) and Illinois (Jan. 11, 1992).
? Iowa’s overtime win over Xavier marked its first overtime victory since March 7, 2009 (versus Penn State — double overtime).
? Iowa’s win over UTEP was the team’s seventh consecutive to start the season. The last time an Iowa team won seven straight to start a year was 2000-01; that team won its first nine.
? Iowa beat Minnesota, 94-73, on Jan. 19 in Iowa City. The 21-point loss is the Gophers’ most lop-sided loss of the season. The 94 points are its most against Minnesota in a non-OT game since scoring 99 points versus the Gophers on Feb. 18, 1989.
? Iowa’s 249 points and 19.0 assists average, in three games, are Battle 4 Atlantis tournament records.
? Iowa’s win at Ohio State on Jan. 12, marked only the third time in the last four seasons that Ohio State allowed 80-plus points and the first time since 2008 that a team registered 84-plus points against the Buckeyes.
? In Iowa’s win at Ohio State on Jan. 12, it marked the first time since 1989 that Iowa had five double figure scorers in Columbus.
? Aaron White is the first Hawkeye since Jared Reiner (2002-03) to score at least 20 points and grab 15 or more rebounds in a game. White had 20 points and 15 rebounds in Iowa’s win over Nebraska-Omaha.
? The Hawkeyes erupted for 100-plus points in consecutive contests (Maryland-Eastern Shore and Abilene Christian) for the first time since the beginning of the 1997-98 campaign where Iowa topped the century mark three straight games (105 vs. Chicago State; 112 vs. North Texas; 101 vs. Long Island).
? In Iowa’s season opener, Jarrod Uthoff (14 points, seven rebounds, four blocks) became only the second Big Ten player since the 1996-97 season to register 14-plus points, seven-plus rebounds and four-plus blocks in his first career game (Ohio State’s Greg Oden, 2006-07).
? The Hawkeyes blocked 12 shots versus UNC Wilmington, one shy of the school record of 13 set last year vs. Illinois. Junior Gabriel Olaseni rejected five shots, all in the first half.
? Fran McCaffery has posted upper division finishes in each of the past two seasons at Iowa and 14-of-18 seasons as a head coach. He has posted 20 wins or more six of the last eight seasons, including the last two at Iowa (2013 and 2014).
? Fran McCaffery guided Iowa to win improvements in each of his first three seasons, going from 11 wins, to 18, to 25 last year. McCaffery’s highest win total as a head coach is when he coached Siena to back-to-back 27-win seasons in 2009 and 2010.
? Darius Stokes earned a scholarship after being a walk-on the last three years. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native went through “Senior Day” ceremonies last weekend.
? Okey Ukah has been added to the roster as a walk-on. The Iowa City native is a junior.

BLOCK PARTY
Junior Gabriel Olaseni has blocked at least three shots five times this season. His 42 blocks rank ninth in the Big Ten (1.35 average). The center rejected five shots in the season opener against UNC Wilmington. Sophomore Jarrod Uthoff has blocked 33 shots (1.1 average), a total that ranks 12th in the league. As a team, Iowa ranks second in the Big Ten, and 38th nationally, in rejections (5.1).

ATTENDANCE ON THE RISE
Iowa’s attendance has increased each season since Fran McCaffery’s arrival in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes averaged 11,635 in 16 games in 2011; 11,908 fans in 19 contests in 2012; 13,625 in 20 games in 2013; and 14,976 in 17 games this season. Iowa’s attendance boost from 2012 to 2013 ranked as the eighth-largest in the country. Iowa averages 14,949 fans this season. The Hawkeyes sold out 11 games this season, including 8-of-9 Big Ten games.

HAWKEYES FINISH RUNNERS-UP AT BATTLE 4 ATLANTIS
Iowa won its first two games over Xavier (77-74 in overtime) and UTEP (89-53) before being edged by Villanova in the championship game (88-83 in overtime) at the Battle 4 Atlantis holiday tournament held at Paradise Island in the Bahamas. The Hawkeyes rallied from a 15-point deficit in their first contest against Xavier to win, but surrendered a 15-point first-half advantage to Villanova in the championship. Both contests went to overtime. Iowa cruised to a 36-point victory over UTEP in the semifinals. Seniors Roy Devyn Marble and Zach McCabe were honored on the all-tournament team. Marble led all scorers averaging 20.3 points, while also averaging 4.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists in the three games. His 61 points in the three contests tie the tournament record with Minnesota’s Andre Hollins (2012), while his 24 points against Villanova are the most by a player in a Battle 4 Atlantis championship game. McCabe averaged 13 points, shooting 50 percent from the field (14-of-28) and 3-point territory (8-of-16).

WORLD TRAVELERS
Iowa traveled to France and the United Kingdom in August to compete in six exhibition games. The Hawkeyes posted a 5-1 record against professional teams, boasting a +22.0 scoring margin. Aaron White led the team, averaging 13.6 points, followed by Peter Jok (13.3), Melsahn Basabe (12.6) and Roy Devyn Marble (11.2). Prior to traveling with his teammates to Europe in August, White also competed for Team USA at the World University Games in Russia in July. The Hawkeye junior played in five countries in five months: Russia (July), England (August), France (August), United States (November), and Bahamas (November).

HAWKEYEBASKETBALL.COM
Check out the Iowa basketball team’s 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 and game highlights, along with news stories and other content.

2014-15 BIG TEN SCHEDULE STRUCTURE ANNOUNCED
The Big Ten Conference office announced the single-plays and home-and-away opponents for the 2014-15 men’s basketball league schedule. Maryland and Rutgers begin conference play in the Big Ten next season. The conference schedule will remain at 18 games, with each team playing five teams twice (home and away) and eight teams once (four at home and four on the road). Iowa will play the following five teams twice next season: Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State and Wisconsin. Illinois, Maryland, Michigan State and Rutgers will visit Iowa City for the only regular season meeting. Iowa will travel to Indiana, Michigan, Penn State and Purdue.