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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