Cold weather can’t stop UI students from heating up the Field House hardwood.

One of the most popular intramural sports, basketball in the men’s league also serves as one of the most competitive recreational activities on campus.

Tipping off on Jan. 31, hoopsters will showcase their talents on the court, and intramural sports graduate assistant Dan Payne said he expects another big turnout this year.

“A lot of teams signed up,” he said. “Last year, we had 191 teams. We’ll maybe have a little more this year.”

The Men’s Open League, which fields the most squads, is usually the most competitive division, Payne added.

The division also boasts last year’s All-University title winner, MGR Express, which returns this semester. The MGR Express is made up of Iowa men’s basketball managers and video coordinators.

UI senior Dan Cincinnati, who is in his fourth year as both a basketball manager and intramural captain for the MGR Express, said his team is looking to repeat.

“We always made it to the Final Four, and last year was our first year winning,” he said. “We’re always around basketball, so we definitely hope to win.”

Something that has been evident in intramural basketball, especially the last two seasons, is overall parity in the league, Payne said.

“For the most part, there are about 10 or so teams that are at the top,” he said. “Twenty or 30 that are just in it for the fun of the game, and the rest are pretty much even.”

That quality was present in both the Fraternity and Residence Hall leagues, as well. Phi Psi, which entered two squads, and JG’s Apostles, were last year’s champions in their respective categories.

While only three out of almost 200 teams that entered are crowned winners in the end, UI students are eager to play regardless of outcome.

Sophomore Jeff Simak, whose Droppin’ Dimes team was runner-up in the Residence Hall league last year, said he is ready to get the season started. Droppin’ Dimes will compete among other Residence Hall squads again this winter.

“We’ve got some new players on our team,” said Simak, who serves as the Dimes’ team captain. “I’m excited to see what we can do.”

Unlike a conventional pickup game, contests are timed with two 14-minute halves, and officials call fouls among other rules. There is a headband policy, too, for those thinking about mocking Detroit Pistons’ Ben Wallace. Headbands are allowed.

But while sophomore Ryan Nolte of Droppin’ Dimes may not be sporting any sweat prevention this year, he prefers the official style of play that comes with participating in intramural sports.

“I think it means a little bit more,” said Nolte, who will be playing intramural basketball for the second straight year. “It brings a little more intensity and more meaning to the game.”

Intensity is practically guaranteed with many teams out to win it all. Yet some are in it for the love of the game.

“I’m hoping we just go out there and have some fun,” Simak said. “We’ll let the wins come.”