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THE SETTING
Iowa (11-9, 3-4) hits the road for a contest at Illinois (12-8, 2-5) on Wednesday. Tipoff is slated for 8:06 p.m. (CT) at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois.
ON THE AIR
Radio: Iowa games are broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network. Gary Dolphin handles the play-by-play, while Bob Hansen provides expert analysis. The network includes more than 40 stations that blanket the state of Iowa and portions of Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. The Hawkeye Radio Network coverage includes a 60-minute pregame show.
TV: Kevin Kugler and Seth Davis will call the action Tuesday on BTN (BTN2GO).
GAME #21 STORYLINES
• Iowa is gunning for its first three-game win streak at the State Farm Center since 1975-77.
• The Hawkeyes were the last Big Ten team to receive its first of two league byes last weekend.
• Both Iowa and Illinois coaching staff’s will be wearing sneakers with their suits on Wednesday to help raise cancer awareness.
• Thursday’s game will feature two of the Big Ten’s top scorers: Iowa’s Peter Jok (21.6 ppg) and Malcolm Hill of Illinois (17.8 ppg).
• Iowa’s lineup of four freshmen (one redshirt) and one senior is its youngest consistent lineup in program history. Iowa’s 1943-44 squad started three freshmen, one sophomore, and one senior.
• Four of Iowa’s last six games were decided by six points or less, including two three-point contests decided in overtime.
• Nicholas Baer is the only reserve in the Big Ten with 130+ points, 120+ rebounds, 25+ steals, and 25+ blocked shots this season.
• Peter Jok has scored 25+ points eight times this year, a total that ties for the sixth most nationally. Jok ranks 19th in country — fourth among players from Power 5 conferences — in scoring per game (21.6). He also ranks ninth nationally in free throw accuracy (.912) and 33rd in 3-pointers made (3.0).
• Peter Jok, the Big Ten’s leading scorer, is currently averaging 21.6 points per game, including 19.6 per contest in conference play. The last Big Ten player to average at least 21 points per game was Minnesota’s Kris Humphries (21.7) in the 2003-04 campaign.
• After missing 16 games recovering from a fractured wrist, senior Dale Jones returned to action in Iowa’s last game against Maryland. Jones played four minutes, collecting two rebounds and recording two 3-point attempts.
• Peter Jok is the first Big Ten player with four 30-point games before the month of February since Michigan’s Louis Bullock in 1998-99. Additionally, Jok is the first Hawkeye with four 30-point games in a season since Adam Haluska had five in 2006-07.
• Three of Iowa’s top four scorers this season are true freshmen. Tyler Cook is second (12.4), followed by Cordell Pemsl (9.3), and Jordan Bohannon (9.0).
• Peter Jok ranks 19th in Iowa career scoring with 1,301 points. The Hawkeye senior is 42 points from surpassing James Moses for 18th place.
• Freshmen Cordell Pemsl, who ranks first in the Big Ten and 26th nationally in field goal percentage (.626, 72-of-115), has scored in double figures in eight of 13 starts.
• Freshman Jordan Bohannan is two assists from notching his 100th assist of the season, while senior Peter Jok is eight triples away from making his 200th career 3-pointer.
NOT YOUR AVERAGE BAER
Sophomore Nicholas Baer ranks first on the squad in blocks (1.25), steals (1.45) and rebounding (6.1), and is tied for third in assists (1.85). His is the only reserve in the Big Ten with 130+ points, 120+ rebounds, 25+ steals, and 25+ blocked shots this season. Baer is tied for fifth in the Big Ten in steals (1.5) and ninth in blocked shots (1.3).
Iowa is 8-3 this season when Baer scores at least seven points in a game.
The native of Bettendorf, Iowa, has led the team in steals six times this year, being credited with three steals or more in a game a team-best five times.
Baer posted his first career double-double in Iowa’s win over Northern Iowa on Dec. 17, with 11 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. He has pulled down 10 or more rebounds in two of his last four games (11 at Nebraska and 10 versus No. 17/19 Purdue).
NATIONALLY-RANKED MARYLAND HOLDS ON TO BEAT HAWKEYES IN IOWA CITY
No. 25 Maryland won for the first time in Iowa City, recording an 84-76 win over the Hawkeyes last Thursday.
• Iowa erased a 15-point first-half deficit, taking a 72-69 advantage with 3:19 remaining int he contest, but Maryland outscored Iowa 15-4 the final 3:18 of the contest.
• Iowa pulled down 40 rebounds, including a season-best 20 offensive rebounds. The Hawkeyes outscored Maryland, 19-7, in second-chance points.
• The Hawkeye defense forced 21 Maryland turnovers and outscored the Terrapins, 30-19, in points off turnovers.
• Iowa was 19-of-25 from the free throw line with both Tyler Cook and Ahmad Wagner going 6-of-8 from the charity stripe.
• Forward Ahmad Wagner tied a career high with 12 points (Kennesaw State and Delaware State). Senior Peter Jok netted a team-best 14 points and four steals, while freshman Jordan Bohannon contributed 11 points and a team-best five assists and four steals.
• Four Maryland starters scored in double figures: Melo Trimble (20), Anthony Cowan (15), Justin Jackson (12), and Damonte Dodd (10).
SCOUTING ILLINOIS
• Illinois enters Wednesday’s game 49th in the RPI. The Fighting Illini posted a 10-3 nonconference record; since league play began on Dec. 27, Illinois has won two of its seven Big Ten games.
• Illinois is 0-4 in Big Ten road games, but is 2-1 in home contests. The Illini beat Ohio State (75-70) and Michigan (85-69), but fell to Maryland (62-56).
• Two Illini average double figures: Malcolm Hill (17.8) and Maverick Morgan (10.2).
• Illinois has three players who have made 30 or more 3-pointers: Jalen Coleman-Lands (42-of-11, .378); Malcolm Hill (33-of-92, .359); Tracy Abrams (30-of-70, .429).
• Illinois dropped its last game, 66-57, at Michigan last Saturday afternoon. Malcolm Hill was the lone Illini in double figures (16 points). Illinois shot 2-of-12 (.167) from 3-point range and committed 17 turnovers.
• Illinois has six seniors on its squad, including two who are in their sixth year of eligibility.
• Illinois ranks 82nd nationally in field goal percentage (.466) and 100th in rebounding margin (+3.3). Individually, Malcolm Hill ranks 26th in the country in free throws made (104), 30th in free throw attempts (131), and 74th in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.3).
• John Groce is in his fifth season as head coach at Illinois (89-69, .563).
ALL-TIME SERIES RECORDS
Illinois holds an 83-71 advantage in the series that began with a 46-36 Iowa win in 1908. The Hawkeyes have won five of the last seven meetings. The two teams split a pair of contests last year: Iowa won at Champaign (77-65), while Illinois was victorious at the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis (68-66).
Illinois holds a 61-16 advantage in games played in Champaign. After losing 11 straight contests played at the State Farm Center between 2000-2012, the Hawkeyes have won the last two games played in Champaign: 81-74 in 2014 and 77-65 a year ago.
The last time Iowa won three straight games in Champaign was between 1975-77.
LAST MEETING
• Trailing by 11 points with 3:33 left in the game, Iowa scored 11 consecutive points to even the contest at 66-66 with 1:40 remaining. However, the Illini held on for a 68-66 win over Iowa at the 2016 Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis.
• Peter Jok scored 25 of his 29 points over a time frame of 8:30 (spanning halves). Jok fouled out with 4:02 remaining in the contest.
• Iowa outrebounded Illinois by 10 (40-30) and outscored the Illini 14-2 in second chance opportunities.
• Jalen Coleman-Lands paced the Illini with 17 points, bolstered by 5-of-10 shooting from 3-point range. Maverick Morgan contributed 14 points and a team-best seven rebounds.
ROOKIE FLOOR GENERAL
After having two veteran point guards graduate last spring (Mike Gesell and Anthony Clemmons), Jordan Bohannon has done a fantastic job directing the Hawkeye offense as a freshman. Bohannon ranks first on the team in assists (4.9), second in minutes played (28.4), free throw accuracy (.893) and 3-pointers made (40), and fourth in scoring (9.0). He has netted 17 or more points in four games, led the squad in assists a team-best 15 times, and turned the ball over only 14 times in seven conference games. His 2.6 assist-to-turnover ratio in league play ranks fifth.
Bohannon netted 12 of his 17 points in the second half and overtime in Iowa’s triumph over Michigan on New Year’s Day. He also had six assists and no turnovers. The native of Marion, Iowa, nearly had his first double-double versus No. 17/19 Purdue on Jan. 12, with 12 points and a personal-best nine assists.
PEMSL MAKING THE MOST OF HIGH PERCENTAGE SHOTS
Freshman Cordell Pemsl has had a great start to his collegiate career. The native of Dubuque, Iowa, has started 13 games, while coming off the bench seven times. In 20 total games, Pemsl has scored in double digits 10 times and is averaging 9.3 points and 5.1 rebounds, while shooting a Big Ten-best 62.6 percent (72-of-115) from the field. He has scored in double figures in eight of the 13 starts.
PETER JOK SCORCHING THE NETS
After averaging 7.0 points per game as a sophomore, Peter Jok averaged 16.1 points last year as a junior (+9.1), and is averaging a Big Ten-best 21.6 points this season as a senior (+5.5). The +9.1 improvement last year was tops among Big Ten players.
Jok was named to the preseason All-Big Ten first team, while also being named to the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award, Naismith Trophy and John Wooden Award watch lists, and a candidate for the Senior CLASS Award. Jok scorched the nets for 42 points against Memphis and 33 against Omaha on Dec. 3. Jok nearly had a triple-double against Stetson (15 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists) and a double-double against No. 25/25 Iowa State (23 points and nine rebounds).
Jok, who has led the Hawkeyes in scoring each of the last six games, has been recognized as the Big Ten Player of the Week twice this season (Nov. 21 and Dec. 12). He averaged 28.5 points, six rebounds, two steals, and two assists against Seton Hall and UTRGV for the Nov. 21 award. Jok averaged a team-best 19 points, 8.5 rebounds, and five assists in contests versus Stetson and No. 25 Iowa State for the Dec. 12 distinction.
Jok, who scored career point No. 1,000 against Memphis, made his first 24 free throw attempts this season before misfiring on his first attempt at Notre Dame. Jok has had free throw streaks of 27 and 26 the last two seasons. The school record for consecutive free throws made is 34 set by Chris Street (Jan. 2-Jan. 16, 1993).
Jok ranks 19th nationally in points per game (21.6), ninth in free throw accuracy (.912), and 33rd in 3-pointers per contest (3.0). His 21.6 scoring average is fourth among players from Power 5 conferences. Jok has scored 25 points or more eight times this year, which ties for sixth nationally.
Jok has made 192 career 3-pointers, which are the seventh most in program history. He is only two triples from surpassing Brody Boyd (2001-04) for sixth place with 193.
RECENT GRADUATES PLAYING PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL
A number of recent Iowa basketball graduates are playing professionally: Melsahn Basabe (Greece), Anthony Clemmons (Austria), Mike Gesell (Denmark), Jarryd Cole (France), Matt Gatens (NBA D-League: Iowa Energy — injured), Devyn Marble (Italy), Gabriel Olaseni (Italy), Darius Stokes (Australia), Jarrod Uthoff (NBA D-League: Raptors 905), Aaron White (Russia), and Adam Woodbury (NBA D-League: Fort Wayne Mad Ants).
KRIENER MAKING MOST OF OPPORTUNITY
Iowa got six crucial points against nationally-ranked Purdue on Jan. 12, from freshman reserve Ryan Kriener. The skilled big man followed up that performance with a career night at Northwestern on Jan. 15, posting personal bests in scoring (14), minutes (22), and 3-pointers made (1). He had six rebounds, four points, one assist, and one steal in Iowa’s last game versus Maryland. Prior to the last three games, Kriener had only seen action in one other Big Ten game (at Purdue on Dec. 28). Kriener is shooting 59 percent (23-of-39) from the floor this season.
A CLOSER LOOK AT IOWA’S FRESHMEN PRODUCTION
• For the first time in program history, Iowa has had four freshmen score at least 20 points in a game: Tyler Cook (24 vs. Seton Hall); Jordan Bohannon (23 at Notre Dame); Isaiah Moss (21 versus Stetson); Cordell Pemsl (21 versus Stetson).
• For the first time in school history, Iowa has had five freshmen reach double figures in scoring in a game: Tyler Cook, Jordan Bohannon, Cordell Pemsl, Ryan Kriener, and Isaiah Moss.
• Iowa freshmen have accumulated 53 combined starts this season, which ties for fifth most in program history. Iowa’s 2013 freshmen class had 81 starts, followed by 2010 (62), 2009 (59), 2003 (54), and 2001 (53).
NICHOLAS BAER PLAYED OVERSEAS IN AUGUST
Nicholas Baer averaged 8.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and two steals in four games (3-1) overseas on the USA East Coast All-Star Team.
This marked the sixth consecutive year that a Hawkeye traveled overseas with the USA East Coast basketball team. In 2011, Matt Gatens and Bryce Cartwright traveled overseas; Zach McCabe went in 2012; Jarrod Uthoff was on the roster in 2013; Mike Gesell and Adam Woodbury competed in 2014; while Dom Uhl traveled with the team in 2015.
HAWKEYE FASTBREAKS
• Iowa is 6-0 this year when allowing fewer than 70 points.
• Ten of the 14 Big Ten teams have three or more losses in conference play entering this week’s competition.
• Ryan Kriener became the 10th different Hawkeye to have reached double figures in a game this season after netting 14 at Northwestern on Jan. 15.
• Iowa is 58-11 when scoring 80 points or more, the last seven seasons. The Hawkeyes are 63-2 when holding opponents to fewer than 61 points, the last seven years.
• Iowa has scored 90 points or more six times this season.
• Peter Jok totaled 29 points, six rebounds, and a career-best eight assists vs. No. 17/19 Purdue on Jan. 12. Jok became just the third Big Ten player with at least 29 points, six rebounds, and eight assists in a game versus a ranked foe in the last 20 years (Minnesota’s Nate Mason in 2017 and Denzel Valentine of Michigan State in 2016). Additionally, he is the first Hawkeye to post those numbers in any game since Adam Haluska had 31 points, nine assists, and nine rebounds vs. Coppin State in 2006.
• Peter Jok poured in 42 points against Memphis on Nov. 26. The 42 points are the most by a Hawkeye in 40 years and tie for the fourth most in a single-game in program history, tying Bruce King’s 42 points against Pittsburgh in 1976.
• Jordan Bohannon was 7-of-15 from long distance at Notre Dame on Nov. 29; the 15 attempts tied Justin Jackson for the second most 3-point attempts in a single-game in Iowa history.
• After scoring in double figures once in 27 games last year, Brady Ellingson has netted double digits four times this season.
• Peter Jok tied a Carver-Hawkeye Arena record against Omaha, making all 12 free throw attempts. The perfect 12-of-12 mark tied Luke Recker (2001 vs. Kansas State), Val Barnes (1992 vs. Ohio State), and Roy Marble (1988 vs. Northern Iowa).
• Iowa played in back-to-back overtime games (Michigan and Nebraska) for the first time since Dec. 25 and Dec. 27, 1984.
• Iowa surpassed the century mark for the 97th time in program history with a 116-84 win over Savannah State on Nov. 13. The 116 points equal the seventh most points in a game in school history and are the most points by a Big Ten team this season.
• Iowa posted school records in 3-pointers made (18) and attempted (43) in its victory over Savannah State on Nov. 13.
• Iowa made all 13 of its free throw attempts at No. 15 Purdue on Dec. 28. The last time a Hawkeye team made all of its free throws (min. 10 attempts) was at Virginia (15-of-15) in the NIT quarterfinals on March 27, 2013.
• Isaiah Moss was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week on Dec. 12. It marked the first time a rookie Hawkeye was honored by the conference office since Nicholas Baer on Dec. 21, 2015.
• Peter Jok joined Reggie Evans (twice) and Aaron Fuller as the only Hawkeyes to post 30+ points and 10+ rebounds in a single game the last 20 years. Jok totaled 30 points and 11 rebounds against Seton Hall (Nov. 17). His efforts earned the team captain Big Ten Player of the Week honors on Nov. 21.
• Peter Jok scored 27 points in Iowa’s opener vs. Kennesaw State. The 27 points are the most by a Hawkeye in a season opener since Adam Haluska poured in 29 against The Citadel in 2006.
• Freshman Tyler Cook (10) joined Aaron White as the only two players to grab 10 or more rebounds in their first game as a Hawkeye in the past 20 years.
• The 183 points in the Iowa-Nebraska double overtime game on Jan. 5 are the most points scored in the 28-game series history.
• Iowa athletic teams swept Iowa State in four competitions Dec. 7-10 (women’s basketball, men’s basketball, women’s swimming, and wrestling). The Hawkeyes lead the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series, 14-7. With only three athletic events remaining, Iowa has clinched the series for 2016-17.
• Iowa has won 44 of its last 47 nonconference home games, dating back to 2012.
• The Hawkeyes won 22 games, tied for third in the Big Ten, and won an NCAA Tournament game each of the last two seasons.
• Iowa has competed in postseason play the last five years (NCAA 2014-16; NIT 2012-13).
• Iowa has won 20 or more games in four consecutive seasons — its longest streak in 15 years.
IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,726 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Iowa’s overall record is 1,604-1,122 (.588). Iowa’s 1,604 wins are 39th most among Division I programs. That includes a 1,025-358 (.741) record in home games, a 575-761 (.430) record in contests away from Iowa City, a 755-761 (.498) mark in Big Ten games and a 430-132 (.765) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
HAWKEYES SWEPT BIG TEN WEEKLY HONORS
Senior Peter Jok and redshirt freshman Isaiah Moss were named Big Ten Player of the Week and Freshman of the Week, respectively, on Dec. 12. It marked the first time Iowa swept the weekly men’s basketball accolades (weekly freshman honors began in 2010).
Jok (6-6, 205 pounds) collected the third Big Ten weekly honor of his career and second this season. Jok helped lead the Hawkeyes to a pair of victories over Stetson (95-68) and No. 25 Iowa State (78-64). He averaged a team-best 19 points, 8.5 rebounds, and five assists in the two contests.
In Iowa’s upset over 25th-ranked Iowa State on Dec. 8, Jok lead all scorers and rebounders with 23 points and nine rebounds. Against Stetson, the team captain flirted with a triple-double recording 15 points, eight rebounds, and dishing out a career-high seven assists without committing a turnover.
Moss (6-5, 205 pounds) earned his first conference weekly recognition after averaging 17.5 points and five rebounds in Iowa’s two victories. The native of Chicago scored nine of his 14 points in the second half to help Iowa upend the 25th-ranked Cyclones.
Moss tallied personal bests in scoring (21), steals (2), and rebounds (6) in the Hawkeyes’ triumph over Stetson on Dec. 5. The shooting guard shot at a 50 percent clip from 3-point range in the two games (6-of-12), including going 5-of-8 (62.5 percent) from long distance against the Hatters.
BAER NOMINATED FOR GOOD WORKS TEAM
Nicholas Baer is a nominee for the 2017 Allstate NABC Good Works Team.
This prestigious community service award recognizes a distinguished group of student-athletes who have demonstrated a commitment to enriching the lives of others and contributing to the greater good in their communities.
College sports information directors and basketball coaches across the country nominated players who exhibit exceptional leadership skills and an unwavering commitment to volunteerism.
VOTE FOR McCAFFERY IN THE CHARITY COACHES CHALLENGE
Iowa’s Fran McCaffery is one of 48 collegiate coaches taking part in the annual Coaches Charity Challenge. Fan participation determines the ultimate winner over an eight-week period. The tournament is divided into four rounds.
Thanks to your votes, coach McCaffery was one of 24 coaches to advance to the next round. The coaches with the most votes will advance to the quarterfinals and earn more money for their charity. Visit Iowa’s social media sites @IowaHoops on Twitter and /hawkeyehoops on Facebook for more information on how to vote for McCaffery and Coaches vs. Cancer.
ALL-SESSION BIG TEN TOURNAMENT TICKETS ON SALE
All-session tickets for the 2017 Big Ten Basketball Tournament are on sale. The Big Ten Basketball Tournament will take place at the Verizon Center in Washington D.C., March 8-12.
Lower level tickets may be purchased through the UI Ticket Office. General public tickets may be purchased at Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
All-session tickets for the lower level at the Verizon Center are available for $400 through the Big Ten university ticket offices only. All-session tickets general public tickets are available for $200 or $250 (depending on seat location) through Ticketmaster or the Verizon Center box office only. Orders will be limited to eight all-session tickets.
The tournament features a discounted student ticket program. Students of Big Ten universities are able to purchase tickets for $20, good for only the session or sessions featuring their school. All students must have a valid student ID for entry. Student section seating are available in balcony sections.
ON THE HORIZON
Iowa will host Ohio State on Saturday (7 p.m. CT) in the only regular season meeting between two teams. It will mark the Hawkeyes’ first home Saturday conference game since March 7, 2015.
