Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Iona - 12/6/11

DENVER - It's an exciting time to be a Pioneer.

Denver is 6-1 for the first time since returning to NCAA Division I. In fact, excluding DU's time in NAIA and Division II from 1979-98, this is the best start for the Pioneers since opening 6-0 in 1942-43. DU also started 6-1 in 1940-41, 7-1 in 1930 and enjoyed an 8-0 season in 1915 (prior to 1931-32, seasons were played starting in January).

Of course, the biggest challenge of the season might be this Wednesday, when Iona College (6-1) travels to the Mile High City.



"Iona has a rich basketball tradition. Jim Valvano was a coach there, and Jeff Ruland was a pro, and they went to the NCAA Tournament a couple of years ago," DU head coach Joe Scott said. "Most importantly, though, everyone in the country seems to be talking about them and have been since the beginning of the year. They're one of the top five - or maybe top three - mid-majors in the country. Both teams are 6-1, so you couldn't ask for a better game for our program. We're going to be ready for the challenge and embrace it."

Historically, as Coach Scott alluded to, Iona was coached by the legendary Jim Valvano before he left and eventually won the NCAA title with North Carolina State, and the Gaels have won seven MAAC championships and advanced to eight NCAA Tournaments.

It's this year's Gaels, however, that have created a buzz around New Rochelle, N.Y., just as the Pioneers have started to do around Denver.

In ESPN's Mid-Major Power 15, the Gaels are ranked No. 6 and the Pioneers are No. 7. Additionally, Iona is ranked No. 3 in the Mid-Major Top 25.

Iona's offense is leading the nation with 92.0 points per game and 22.6 assists per game. Gaels point guard Scott Machado is leading the way in that category with an eye-popping 11.4 assists per game, the best mark in the nation.  

The Pioneers, on the other hand, have held opponents to just 58.4 points per game and are leading the NCAA with an 83.2 free throw percentage.

Breaking the numbers down even more, according to ESPN.com, Denver and Iona rank 18th and 20th, respectively, in adjusted field goal percentage, which gives added weight to three-pointers. According to KenPom.com, the Pioneers are the sixth-most unselfish team in the nation, racking up assists on 68.6 percent of their field goals made, while Iona is 12th at 65.8 percent of its field goals made.

Both teams are 6-1. Denver's sole loss came at then-No. 18 California, and the Gaels only defeat was a 91-90 nail-biter to Purdue in their season opener in the Puerto Rico Tip Off.

And both teams have notable wins. DU beat Saint Mary's 70-58 and snapping Utah State's 33-game home winning streak with a 67-54 victory. Iona took down Maryland 89-63 in Puerto Rico and Saint Joseph's 104-99 in double overtime.

Mike Glover leads Iona in scoring and rebounding with 19.9 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, while Arizona transfer Lamont "MoMo" Jones is adding 14.3 points per game.

Tickets are still available for Wednesday's matchup. Men's basketball individual game tickets range from $9-$15. Single-game tickets may be purchased in person at the Ritchie Center Box Office, by phone at 303-871-2336 or online at DenverPioneers.com. DU students are admitted to all Denver men's and women's basketball games FREE with their Pioneer Card.

Yearly travel totals:  
Total Flights - 8

Total Mileage by Air - 4,680

Total Mileage by Bus - 453

Total Number of Hotels - 4

Total Number of Different Airports - 6

Total Number of Airline Delays - 3

Total Number of Cancelled Flights - 0

Total Number of Bags Lost - 0

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