MBB Game Notes: vs Northwestern

GAME #22 STORYLINES

• All distributed tickets for the Northwestern-Iowa contest that was originally scheduled for Jan. 18, will be valid for Tuesday’s rescheduled time.
• Tuesday’s game is “Chris Street Remembrance Day.” Thirty years ago, former Hawkeye Chris Street died in an automobile accident (Jan. 19, 1993).
• BTN will re-air the one-hour special on Chris Street’s life and legacy following Tuesday night’s Northwestern-Iowa basketball game (10 p.m. CT).
• Northwestern Coach Chris Collins was hosted by Chris Street and Paul Lusk on his official visit to Iowa before ultimately choosing to play at Duke for Coach Mike Krzyzewski.
• In last year’s meeting between Iowa and Northwestern in Iowa City, Connor McCaffery netted a season-high 17 points, bolstered by draining a career-high five 3-pointers.
• Iowa is tops in the Big Ten and 20th nationally in scoring offense (81.3). The Hawkeyes have led the league in scoring five of the last nine seasons, including the last four.
• Through 21 games, the Hawkeyes are shooting 601-of-1,323 (.454) from the field, while Iowa opponents are 603-of-1,324 (.455).
• Forward Kris Murray’s 22.1 scoring average in conference play (nine games) is second in the league. Murray was tabbed midseason third team All-America by Sporting News.
• The Hawkeyes are 8-1 this season when making nine or more 3-pointers in a game. Iowa has made 11+ 3-pointers in four of its last six contests.
• Iowa is 10-2 inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena this season. The Hawkeyes have won 14+ home contests each of the last four years, including winning 15 home games last season.
• Iowa has made 73 more free throws (336) than their opponents have attempted (263).
• Kris Murray has scored 30+ points four times this season (30 vs. Indiana; 32 at Penn State; 31 vs. Georgia Tech; 30 vs. Omaha). Murray is one of 11 players nationally with four or more 30-point performances, including one of three from the Big Ten (Purdue’s Edey; Indiana’s Jackson-Davis). He is one of four Hawkeyes to score 30+ at least four times in the Fran McCaffery era joining Luka Garza (13), Keegan Murray (5), and Peter Jok (5).
• Filip Rebraca has reached double digits in scoring 13 of 15 games, including netting 15+ points in seven of Iowa’s last 11. He is one of 11 players nationally to average 13+ points, 8+ rebounds, 1+ blocks, while shooting 56 percent or better from the field. Rebraca pulled down career rebound No. 1,000 versus Michigan on Jan. 12.
• Iowa is ninth in the country in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.57), 16th in fewest turnovers per game (10.5), 19th in fewest fouls per game (14.2), and 20th in assists per game (16.4).
• Fran McCaffery won his 500th game as a head coach on Dec. 8 and win No. 250 at Iowa on Dec. 17.
• Kris Murray was named the ESPN Men’s Basketball National Player of the Week and Big Ten Co-Player of the Week on Dec. 5. He amassed 31 points, 20 rebounds, four assists, four 3-pointers, and two blocks in Iowa’s win over Georgia Tech. He is the first Hawkeye to amass 30 points and 20 rebounds in the same game since Bruce King in 1977. Murray is also the only NBA, WNBA, or Division I men’s or women’s player in the last 20 years to total 30+ points, 20+ rebounds, 4+ assists, 4+ 3-pointers, and 2+ blocks in the same game.

REMEMBERING CHRIS STREET

• Chris Street was averaging 14.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game through 15 games his junior season and earned MVP honors at the 1992 San Juan Shootout.
• Street holds the school record for most consecutive free throws made. He made 34 straight over a span of six games Jan. 2 – Jan. 16, 1993.
• Street amassed 17 double-doubles, a total that ranks 13th in school history.
• Street led the team in rebounds per game (8.2) and field goal percentage (.564) in 1992.
• Street’s 247 rebounds during the 1992 season are second most by a Hawkeye sophomore in program history.
• Street’s five steals against East Tennessee State in 1991 are tied for the most by a Hawkeye in an NCAA Tournament game.
• A total of 34 players and staff have earned the annual Chris Street Award, which is presented to the Hawkeye who best exemplifies the spirt, enthusiasm, and intensity of Chris Street.
• Street’s career totals: 676 points, 533 rebounds, 102 assists, 71 steals, 32 blocks.

SCOUTING NORTHWESTERN

• Northwestern (40 NET Ranking) enters Tuesday’s game 15-5 overall and 6-3 in conference play. The Wildcats’ most recent Big Ten game was a home win against Minnesota, 81-61.
• Northwestern is 3-1 on the road in Big Ten play this season, with its wins coming at Michigan State, Indiana, and Nebraska.
• Northwestern is 3-2 in two-possession games this season.
• The Wildcats are first in the conference in turnover margin (12th nationally, 4.8). They are second in field goal percentage defense (18th nationally, 39.3), steals per game (8.3), turnovers forced per game (15.10), and winning percentage (75.0).
• Senior guard Boo Buie ranks second in the Big Ten in free throw percentage (19th nationally, .890) and is third in field goal attempts (284). Buie leads the team in field goals made (107) and free throws made (65).
• Senior guard Chase Audige ranks second in the league in steals (7th nationally, 52), and steals per game (5th nationally, 2.6). He leads the team in 3-pointers made (44) and steals (52).
• The Wildcats are shooting at 40.3 percent from the field, 32.7 percent in the 3-point range, and 75 percent from the free-throw line.
• Chris Collins is in his 10th season as head coach of the Wildcats. Collins led Northwestern to their first NCAA Tournament appearance and win in 2017.

ALL-TIME SERIES RESULTS

Iowa holds a commanding 123-60 advantage over Northwestern. The Hawkeyes have won 15 of the last 18 meetings, including eight straight. Iowa swept the Wildcats last season winning both contests by an average of 28.5 points: 82-61 in Iowa City and 112-76 in Indianapolis.

Iowa holds a dominate 71-18 advantage in games played in Iowa City, including a 31-4 record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The Hawkeyes have won the last eight contests played against the Wildcats in Iowa City, dating back to 2013. Iowa’s 31 wins over Northwestern in Carver-Hawkeye Arena are the most over any opponent.

LAST MEETING AGAINST NORTHWESTERN

All 14 players scored in a 112-76 convincing victory over Northwestern in the Big Ten Tournament second round contested on March 10, 2022, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

• The Hawkeyes drained 11 of its Big Ten Tournament single-game record 19 3-pointers in the first half. Ten different Hawkeyes made at least one 3-pointer.
• Iowa broke four Big Ten Tournament single game records: total points (112); 3-pointers made (19); field goals made (43); and margin of victory (36).
• Iowa broke/tied eight team records in a Big Ten Tournament game: total points (112); points in a half (64); field goals (43); 3-pointers made (19); 3-point attempts (29); field goal percentage (.614); 3-point field goal percentage (.655); and assists (25).
• Jordan Bohannon sank a game-best five triples, one shy of the school record in a Big Ten Tournament game (6 by Bohannon in 2017 and Jeff Horner in 2006).
• All-American Keegan Murray led all scorers with 26 points and grabbed eight rebounds in only 21 minutes. Murray made 11 field goals to tie Dean Oliver’s single-game Iowa Big Ten Tournament record set in 2000.
• The Wildcats had only 18 total rebounds in the contest. Boo Buie had 12 points, two rebounds, and two assists.

HAWKEYES COMPLETE SWEEP OF RUTGERS, WIN IN IOWA CITY

Four Hawkeye starters scored in double figures in a 93-82 triumph over Rutgers on Sunday in Iowa City to complete the regular season sweep over the Scarlet Knights.

• Rutgers’ two highest point totals allowed this season are both to the Hawkeyes (93 Sunday; 76 on Jan. 8).
• Iowa has won six of the last seven overall contests against Rutgers, dating back to 2020. Iowa improved to 5-1 all-time against Rutgers in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
• All-America candidate Kris Murray led Iowa with 24 points, reaching 20+ points a team-best eighth time this season.
• After missing the last six games (anxiety), junior Patrick McCaffery returned to game action today. He totaled nine points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal, and a block.
• Junior Ahron Ulis scored 16 points (12 in the first half), reaching double figures for the third straight game (17 at Michigan State; 12 at Ohio State). Ulis has made a 3-pointer in a career-best six straight contests.
• Payton Sandfort had seven points and matched a personal high with eight rebounds.
• Connor McCaffery totaled 11 points and a team-high six assists. McCaffery amassed 14 combined assists in two games against the Scarlet Knights this season.
• The Hawkeyes equaled a season high with 12 3-pointers made (eight in the first half). Seven different Hawkeyes made a triple (all in the first half). Iowa improved to 8-1 when making nine or more 3-pointers in a game this season.
• Iowa forced 18 turnovers, Rutgers’ second highest in a game this season (19 at Miami).
• Iowa improved to 11-1 when leading at the half.

PLAYING BIG

Fifth-year senior Filip Rebraca has taken his game to another level this season. Rebraca is one of nine players nationally on a college men’s basketball roster over the age of 25. He ranks first on the squad in blocks (29) and field goal percentage (.565), and second in rebounds (8.4) and points per game (13.7). He is pulling down three offensive boards per outing, fourth best in the Big Ten and 43rd nationally. His field goal percentage (.565) ranks 46th in the country.

Rebraca netted career point No. 1,500 against Eastern Illinois (Dec. 21). He has scored 495 points the last two seasons as a Hawkeye (57 games) and 1,129 points in three seasons at North Dakota. He grabbed career rebound No. 1,000 in Iowa’s win over Michigan.

The under-sized center (6-foot-9) has netted double figures a team-best 16 times this year and posted a team-best eight double-doubles, tying for third most in the league. Rebraca has scored in double figures in 13 of 15 games and netted 15+ points in seven of Iowa’s last 11. He has rejected multiple shots seven times this season and his 1.4 blocks per game ranks seventh in the conference.

Rebraca earned Big Ten Player of the Week accolades after his career night against Southeast Missouri State (Dec. 17). The fifth-year senior posted career bests in points (30) and assists (6), while also snagging a game-best nine rebounds. He only missed one field goal attempt (12-of-13).

Rebraca had another stellar outing versus Eastern Illinois. He tallied a game-best 24 points, collected a career-high five steals, and snagged eight rebounds. He totaled 16 points and grabbed a season-high 13 rebounds at Nebraska, and amassed 19 points and 10 rebounds in Iowa’s triumph over then-No. 15 Indiana. Rebraca posted double-double No. 7 in the overtime win over Michigan (13 points, 12 rebounds).

MIDSEASON RALLY

Payton Sandfort had a sluggish start to the 2022-23 Big Ten season. The sophomore guard was 0-for-19 from the field, including 0-for-10 from 3-point range, over Iowa’s first three Big Ten games (Wisconsin, Nebraska, Penn State).

Over the last seven games, Sandfort is averaging 12.7 points and 5.3 rebounds, shooting 47.5 percent (29-of-61) from the field and 44 percent (15-of-34) from long distance. He made a career-best four 3-pointers in two games: Rutgers (4-of-5) and Michigan (4-of-9). Sandfort has netted double figures in six of the last 11 games, including four in a row. Iowa is 6-2 when Sandfort makes multiple triples in a game.

Sandfort was instrumental in Iowa’s overtime victory over the Wolverines on Jan. 12. He scored Iowa’s final seven points of regulation (63 seconds), including a four-point play with 20 seconds remaining to force overtime. Sandfort tallied 24 of his career-high 26 points in the second half and overtime. He totaled seven points and matched a personal best with eight rebounds in Iowa’s 11-point win over Rutgers on Sunday in Iowa City.

Off the court, Sandfort excels in the classroom earning Fall Semester Dean’s List distinction in 2022.

MURRAY NAMED TO WATCH LISTS

Junior Kris Murray has been named to the Big Ten Preseason All-Big Ten Team, the Wooden Award Midseason Top 25, Oscar Robertson Midseason Watch List, the Karl Malone Award Watch List, and a midseason third team All-America by Sporting News.

It marks the fourth straight season that one or more Hawkeyes have been selected to the preseason all-conference squad, voted upon by a selected panel of media. Joe Wieskamp was selected in 2019 and 2020, Luka Garza was tabbed the Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year in 2020, while Kris’ twin brother Keegan was recognized in 2021. Keegan was also the recipient of the 2022 Karl Malone Award.

Murray is averaging a team-best 20.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per outing. Murray has increased his scoring average by 12.1 points per game this season compared to last year. His 20.8 points per contest ranks 16th nationally. Murray did not play in four contests in December (Iowa State; Wisconsin; Southeast Missouri State; Eastern Illinois) due to a lower body injury.

Murray returned to the lineup on Dec. 29 at Nebraska, registering game bests in points (17) and blocks (3), while also clearing eight rebounds. He scored 22 of his game and career-best 32 points in the second half at Penn State on Jan. 1. Murray reached 30 points for a second straight game, totaling 30 points and 10 rebounds in Iowa’s victory over No. 15 Indiana on Jan. 5. He amassed 17 points and seven rebounds in Iowa’s road triumph at Rutgers. Murray played all 45 minutes in Iowa’s overtime triumph over Michigan, amassing 27 points, eight rebounds, three blocks, three assists, and a steal. He netted 17 of his 19 points in the second half in the victory over Maryland and netted a game-best 24 points on Sunday in the win over Rutgers.

He was Iowa’s leading scorer (9.7) and rebounder (4.3) off the bench last season. The native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was second on the team in 3-point percentage (.397), blocks per game (0.9) and field goals made (124), third in offensive (1.6) and defensive (2.7) rebounds per contest, and fourth in steals (0.8) per game. Murray made at least one 3-pointer in a team-best 17 consecutive games (Jan. 22-March 13). His 31 blocks and 43 triples rank seventh and eighth, respectively, by a Hawkeye sophomore.

MISSING HAWKEYES

Iowa has had a number of players miss games this season due health reasons. Below is the list of players and games missed.

Tony Perkins: Omaha (thigh)
Riley Mulvey: Georgia Tech, Duke (illness)
Kris Murray: Iowa State, Wisconsin, SEMO, Eastern Illinois (lower body)
Ahron Ulis: Wisconsin (hip contusion)
Connor McCaffery: Eastern Illinois (wrist)
Josh Ogundele: Penn State, Indiana, Rutgers, Michigan, Maryland, OSU, MSU, Rutgers (knee)
Patrick McCaffery: Indiana, Rutgers, Michigan, Maryland, OSU, MSU (anxiety)

COMEBACK HAWKEYES

Iowa posted its third-largest comeback in school history when it rallied to beat No. 15 Indiana (91-89) on Jan. 5, in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes trailed by 21 points (28-7) early in the first half. Iowa caught the Hoosiers and took their first lead with 11:35 remaining in the second half.

Iowa’s two largest comebacks were 23 points against Gardner-Webb on Nov. 17, 2022, and 22 points at Illinois on Jan. 14, 1987.

The Hawkeyes rallied from a 10-point second half deficit, including trailing by seven with under two minutes left in regulation, to upend Michigan in overtime on Jan. 12 in Iowa City.

HAWKEYES WELCOME NEWCOMERS

Iowa welcomes four new faces to the 2022-23 roster: Dasonte Bowen, Josh Dix, Dante Eldridge, and Amarion Nimmers.

Bowen and Dix are true freshman, hailing from Boston and Council Bluffs, respectively. Eldridge and Nimmers are non-scholarship student-athletes. Eldridge, a junior, is the son of assistant coach Courtney Eldridge. Nimmers is redshirting this season.

ANOTHER SIXTH-YEAR PLAYER

Connor McCaffery decided to utilize his COVID bonus year and return for his sixth season with the Hawkeyes.

McCaffery is averaging 7.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, and has made 21-of-57 (.368) from 3-point range this season. He posted 14 points, bolstered by shooting a perfect 8-of-8 from the foul line, in his first start of the season against the Cyclones. He registered his first career double-double versus Georgia Tech (10 points; 10 rebounds) and notched his second double-double versus Wisconsin (17 points, 10 rebounds). He did not play in Iowa’s nonconference finale on Dec. 21 (Eastern Illinois) due to a wrist sprain. McCaffery dished out a season-best eight assists (only one turnover) in Iowa’s win at Rutgers last Sunday. He was a +10 in Iowa’s overtime win against Michigan.

McCaffery has only missed two free throws this season (29-of-31). He made 19 consecutive free throws from Nov. 29 to Dec. 29, before missing his first and only attempt at Penn State on Jan. 1, 2023.

FRAN MCCAFFERY CONTINUES TO WIN

• With Iowa’s Big Ten Tournament win last March, McCaffery joined Hall of Fame coaches Rick Pitino, Bob Huggins, Eddie Sutton and Lefty Driesell as the only Division I coaches to lead teams to conference tournament titles in four or more different leagues.
• Fran McCaffery has guided Iowa to 20 wins or more in eight of the last 10 seasons. He has led Iowa to Big Ten upper division finishes nine of the last 10 years. Iowa, Michigan State, and Wisconsin have each recorded a Big Ten-best nine first division finishes since 2013.
• Fran McCaffery has coached a first-team All-Big Ten honoree seven of the last nine seasons. He has guided Iowa to 20+ wins seven of the last nine seasons and fifth place or better finishes in the Big Ten six of the last eight years.

STAFF CHANGES

Fran McCaffery has a couple changes to his staff following last season. Assistant Coach Kirk Speraw retired and Assistant Coach Billy Taylor left for a head coaching position at Elon. Replacing Speraw and Taylor are Courtney Eldridge and Matt Gatens. Eldridge was on staff the previous six seasons, most recently as director of player development and recruiting director. Gatens is a former Hawkeye and most recently was an assistant coach at Drake.

Tristan Spurlock, who played basketball at UCF, is the new Director of Player Development. Al Seibert’s title changed to Chief of Staff, while Kyle Denning is now the team’s Director of Operations.

PATRICK MCCAFFERY RETURNS FROM MENTAL PAUSE

Patrick McCaffery announced on Jan. 3, that was taking an indefinite leave to address anxiety. After focusing on his mental health and missing six games, the junior forward returned to game action on Sunday against Rutgers. McCaffery played 13 minutes off the bench, scoring nine points (making all three 3-point attempts), while also totaling two rebounds, two assists, one block and a steal.

“I have been battling anxiety for a while, and recently it has peaked, which has inhibited my preparation and performance on the court, said Patrick. It’s not fair to myself or teammates to be on the court when I am not myself. The anxiety has affected my sleep, appetite, and stamina, which has resulted in not having the energy level necessary to compete at my full capabilities. My struggle with anxiety affects every aspect of my well-being and makes it incredibly difficult to function normally. This is what I am battling right now. For this reason, I am taking an indefinite leave to address my situation. It might be two games, it may be four games, it may be more, but I will return when I feel like myself. My leave of absence is not related to my past battle with cancer.”

“Patrick is one of the millions of people who battle through anxiety on a daily basis,” Fran McCaffery said. “It has become more noticeable on and off the court over the past couple weeks. Patrick has the full support of his family, coaches, teammates, and administration as he fights through this. All of us admire his courage and willingness to be open about this struggle and we hope others know that they are not alone. We will be with him every step of the way.”

Patrick is averaging 12.8 points and 4.8 rebounds this season. He has netted double figures 10 times. His free throw percentage of 80.7 percent ranks sixth best in the conference.

PROFESSIONAL HAWKEYES

A number of recent Iowa basketball graduates are playing professionally: Keegan Murray (NBA Sacramento Kings), Luka Garza (G League Iowa Wolves), Jordan Bohannon (G League Iowa Wolves), Joe Wieskamp (NBA Toronto Raptors), Jarrod Uthoff (Japan), Devyn Marble (Poland), Tyler Cook (G League Salt Lake City Stars), Anthony Clemmons (Turkey), Gabriel Olaseni (Turkey), Ryan Kriener (Matsuyama), Melsahn Basabe (Nicaragua), and Aaron White (Serbia).