Iowa Women Dominate Ohio State After Early Injury Setback

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The Carver-Hawkeye Arena was buzzing with anticipation on Sunday afternoon as the No. 10 Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team hosted the No. 12 Ohio State Buckeyes in a clash that would test the mettle of both Big Ten powers. But what started as a nightmare for Iowa quickly transformed into a showcase of resilience, depth, and sheer willpower, as the Hawkeyes powered their way to a commanding 91-70 victory—cementing their position as one of the nation’s elite squads.

Just 23 seconds into the game, the energy in the arena shifted dramatically. Taylor McCabe, Iowa’s sharpshooting junior guard and a key defensive leader, suffered a non-contact left knee injury and had to be carried off the court. The crowd fell silent, teammates gathered in concern, and the coaching staff braced for a challenging afternoon. McCabe returned to the bench in street clothes with her knee wrapped in ice, and head coach Jan Jensen later confirmed she would undergo an MRI that evening. "Any time that situation happens like it happens, you’re probably hoping against hope in certain situations," Jensen said after the game. "But we don’t know for sure. So I have a strong face and we’re definitely going to be uplifting her. But I think it’s a tough one."

With McCabe lost for the day, freshman Addie Deal was thrust into a pivotal role. The 6-foot guard from Irvine, California, wasted no time making her presence felt. Deal poured in a career-high 20 points on 8-for-17 shooting, dished out five assists, and grabbed three rebounds over a season-high 32 minutes. Her poise and confidence under pressure drew praise from teammates and coaches alike. "I’m confident in my abilities," Deal said after the game. "I think teammates do a great job of just finding each other. I love the way we play, super unselfish. So I think just playing in this offense with these people really helps me do what I need to do."

Ohio State, riding a seven-game winning streak and boasting a potent offense, jumped out to an early 8-2 lead behind the hot hand of Ava Watson. But the Hawkeyes responded in emphatic fashion. Deal’s second contested step-back bucket ignited a 12-0 Iowa run, and by the end of the first quarter, the Hawkeyes led 24-14. Senior forward Hannah Stuelke was a force early, tallying 10 points and five rebounds in the opening period. As the game wore on, Iowa’s depth became increasingly apparent. Kylie Feuerbach knocked down back-to-back threes to open the second quarter, and five different Hawkeyes contributed to a 24-point quarter that sent Iowa into halftime with a 48-32 advantage.

Stuelke, already a proven leader, delivered yet another stellar performance. She recorded her sixth double-double of the season, finishing with 18 points and a game-high 15 rebounds, along with an assist, a block, and a steal in 30 minutes. Her dominance inside was critical, especially with Ohio State lacking depth in the post. Sophomore center Ava Heiden also stepped up, matching Stuelke’s scoring with 18 points and adding eight rebounds of her own. Chit-Chat Wright, the energetic sophomore point guard, contributed 14 points, helping round out a quartet of double-digit scorers for the Hawkeyes.

It wasn’t just the scoring that set Iowa apart. The Hawkeyes owned the glass, outrebounding Ohio State 48-30, including a staggering 40-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. Iowa’s relentless effort translated into a 42-14 edge in points in the paint, and the bench outscored Ohio State’s reserves 33-3. Defensively, the Hawkeyes forced 11 turnovers, eight of them steals, and recorded five blocks, turning those opportunities into 16 points on the other end.

Despite Ohio State’s best efforts from beyond the arc—hitting 14 of 34 three-point attempts—the Buckeyes could never close the gap. Iowa’s defense inside the arc was stifling, and every Ohio State run was met with a timely Iowa basket or stop. By the end of the third quarter, the Hawkeyes had stretched their lead to 71-51, and the final frame saw them maintain a comfortable double-digit advantage throughout.

While the outcome was never truly in doubt after halftime, the Hawkeyes refused to let up. Coach Jensen’s squad played with a sense of urgency and togetherness, determined not to repeat the late-game lapses that had nearly cost them against Maryland just days earlier. "I think something about our team is always being ready when you’re called whatever it is," senior guard Kylie Feuerbach told reporters. "It’s very difficult, obviously, right from the bat. So obviously praying for her and hoping everything is okay. But obviously we had just about 40 more minutes left in the game, so staying locked in and ready to go. I think all of us collectively just made sure we stayed together and focused on the next possession. But she was in the back of all of our minds."

The victory marked several historic milestones for Iowa. Not only did the Hawkeyes snap Ohio State’s seven-game win streak, but they also improved to 18-2 overall and 9-0 in Big Ten play—their best conference start since the 1995-96 season. For the first time in program history, Iowa has defeated three straight top-15 opponents, with recent wins over Maryland and Michigan State adding to the Buckeyes’ scalp.

Looking at the stat sheet, Iowa’s efficiency was on full display: the team shot 37-for-64 from the floor (57.8%), 9-for-22 from deep, and 8-for-12 from the free-throw line. Every key contributor delivered, and the Hawkeyes’ balanced attack proved too much for the Buckeyes to handle. Even in adversity, Iowa’s depth and chemistry were undeniable. As Deal put it, "As soon as my number is called, I’m going to go out there and give it my all. Obviously, praying for (Taylor). Hope for the best."

Now, the Hawkeyes turn their focus to a challenging West Coast road trip, with matchups against USC on January 29 and No. 3 UCLA on February 1 looming. It’s a stretch that could further define Iowa’s season, but if Sunday’s performance is any indication, this group is ready for whatever comes next.

With momentum surging and a roster that continues to answer every challenge, Iowa’s women look poised to make even more noise in the Big Ten and beyond. The only question that remains: just how high can this resilient Hawkeye squad fly?