On a brisk Thursday night at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Indiana, the No. 12 Iowa women’s basketball team put on a show of resilience and offensive prowess, fending off a determined Purdue squad to notch an 83-74 victory. This win, secured on February 19, 2026, lifted Iowa’s record to an impressive 21-5 overall and 12-3 in Big Ten play, further cementing their spot among the conference’s elite as the regular season winds down.
Coming into the contest, the Hawkeyes faced a significant hurdle: senior forward Hannah Stuelke, one of their most reliable frontcourt presences, was ruled out with an upper-body injury and listed as day-to-day. This forced head coach Jan Jensen to dig deeper into her roster, handing freshman Journey Houston her first career start. The move paid off in spades, as Houston seized the opportunity and delivered a career performance, tallying 16 points on 5-for-9 shooting and 6-for-7 from the free-throw line, along with five rebounds and two assists. "Houston was huge down the stretch," observed Gus Martin, highlighting the rookie’s poise in high-pressure moments.
But the night belonged to Iowa’s dynamic sophomore duo, Ava Heiden and Taylor Stremlow. Heiden, the 6-foot-3 center, was simply unstoppable in the paint, finishing with a game-high 21 points on a remarkable 10-for-12 shooting, while also pulling down 13 rebounds, dishing out three assists, and collecting three steals. This marked her second consecutive double-double and her seventh of the season. Heiden’s dominance was felt from the opening tip, as she quickly answered Purdue’s first basket and set the tone inside. "Heiden’s two rebounds at the end of the quarter now gives her back-to-back double-doubles and seven on the season," noted one game recap, underscoring her consistency.
Meanwhile, Stremlow was scorching hot from the perimeter. The sophomore guard poured in a career-best 19 points—her second straight game setting a new personal high—on 7-for-10 shooting, including a blistering 5-for-6 from beyond the arc. She also matched her season high with eight assists, added three rebounds, and nabbed two steals. Stremlow’s shooting was a catalyst for Iowa’s explosive 29-point first quarter, where she drained shot after shot and helped the Hawkeyes build an early cushion. "Stremlow leads with 19 points. Purdue went on a little run to close the half, but overall, just a tremendous offensive showcase by the Hawkeyes," wrote Gus Martin at halftime.
Senior guard Kylie Feuerbach also chipped in with a steady 10 points, providing veteran leadership and timely baskets, while sophomore guard Chit-Chat Wright, despite an off night shooting (just 1-for-7 from the field), contributed with her trademark defensive energy and ball movement. The absence of not only Stuelke, but also sophomore guard Emely Rodriguez (out for her 20th straight game with a back injury) and senior forward Jada Gyamfi, meant Iowa had to rely on its depth. This led to extended minutes for freshmen Teagan Mallegni and Layla Hays, who both gained valuable experience in a high-stakes conference road game.
The Hawkeyes’ offensive efficiency was on full display throughout the contest. At halftime, Iowa was shooting a sizzling 23-for-30 from the floor (76.7%), including 7-for-11 from three-point range, and had forced six Purdue turnovers. By the end of the night, the team finished with a 59.3% mark from the field. This hot shooting, combined with a relentless attack on the glass and solid ball movement, allowed Iowa to control the tempo for most of the game.
Purdue, meanwhile, entered the matchup shorthanded as well, missing senior guard Madison Layden-Zay, who averages 10.2 points per game. The Boilermakers struck first and showed flashes of offensive rhythm, but Iowa’s defense quickly clamped down. The Hawkeyes forced turnovers early, which translated into fast-break points and a commanding 29-14 lead after the opening quarter. Purdue’s attempts at a comeback were stymied by Iowa’s ability to answer runs with timely baskets from Heiden, Stremlow, and Houston.
In the second quarter, Iowa stretched its lead to as much as 21 points, with Feuerbach and Stremlow continuing to pour it on. Purdue went over six minutes without scoring, and the Hawkeyes took full advantage. "Just absolute domination from Iowa right now," Martin remarked as the lead ballooned. By halftime, the Hawkeyes held a 51-32 advantage, and it looked like smooth sailing.
Yet, as the second half unfolded, Purdue showed grit. The Boilermakers chipped away at the deficit, taking advantage of some uncharacteristic Iowa turnovers—six in the third quarter alone—and a brief offensive lull from the visitors. The Hawkeyes’ lead was trimmed to 11 at one point, but every time Purdue threatened, Iowa found an answer. Heiden and Stremlow steadied the ship, and Houston’s contributions in the clutch helped keep Purdue at bay. "Purdue battled to make this more competitive, but a quick run to close the quarter has Iowa still holding a comfortable lead," Martin summarized at the end of the third period.
In the final frame, Iowa’s composure proved decisive. The Hawkeyes maintained a double-digit lead for much of the quarter, and even as Purdue mounted one last push, the outcome was never truly in doubt. The final buzzer sounded with Iowa ahead 83-74, a testament to the team’s depth, adaptability, and offensive firepower. The win keeps Iowa firmly in the hunt near the top of the Big Ten, with a pivotal home clash against Michigan looming on February 22.
For Jan Jensen’s squad, this victory was about more than just the scoreline. It was proof that even with key players sidelined, the Hawkeyes can rely on their young talent and playmakers to deliver. The experience gained by Houston, Mallegni, and Hays could pay dividends as the postseason approaches. As the regular season nears its conclusion, Iowa’s blend of veteran leadership and emerging stars has them primed for a deep run—and after a gutsy win at Purdue, confidence is running high in Iowa City.