IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team, ranked No. 22, managed to fend off the Northern Iowa Panthers with a nail-biting 92-86 victory on Friday night, thanks to standout performances from several players.
Lucy Olsen led the charge for Iowa, scoring 21 points, and Addison O’Grady contributed significantly with 18 points. Despite holding onto a 16-point lead at halftime, the Hawkeyes had to execute 11 of 12 free throws in the fourth quarter to maintain their edge over the Panthers, who showcased remarkable shooting, hitting 55% of their shots in the second half.
The game became intense as Northern Iowa cut the lead down to one possession multiple times during the fourth quarter. The Panthers' Elise Jaeger made it 85-83 with just over a minute to play, forcing Iowa to dig deep. A clutch basket by Hannah Stuelke, paired with Sydney Affolter's free throws, pushed the lead back to 89-83, securing the win for the Hawkeyes.
Iowa's impressive free-throw performance saw them finish the game shooting 20 of 22 from the line. The team also benefitted from Taylor McCabe, who emerged with 15 points, including five three-pointers, displaying her capability as she transitioned back to the court after earlier limited minutes this season. McCabe's defensive skills were pivotal, including a key steal late in the game, underscoring her commitment to the team's success.
On the other side, Northern Iowa's Maya McDermott was outstanding, scoring 30 points with 17 of those points coming during the second half. Kayba Laube added 20 points, and both Ryley Goebel and Shateah Westering contributed 11 points. Northern Iowa's strong second-half push was evident as they quickly narrowed the gap after halftime, showing their determination and resilience.
The first quarter saw Iowa take control early, establishing a 23-12 lead, with solid shooting figures as they connected on 8 of 17 attempts, including three three-pointers. The second quarter followed suit, with both teams combining to score 55 points, allowing Iowa to extend the lead to 53-37 at halftime.
After the break, Northern Iowa showed significant improvement, kickstarting the third quarter with a 12-3 run, making it 60-52 after only three minutes. Despite Iowa’s best efforts to maintain their lead, they found themselves faltering as the Panthers kept pressing. An 8-of-15 shooting effort by UNI during the third quarter highlighted their accuracy and intention to fight back.
The fourth quarter was where the game hung on the edge of uncertainty for both teams, reflecting the rivalry's intensity. With just over four minutes left, McCabe hit her most significant shot after UNI clawed their way back, maintaining Iowa’s offensive pressure.
Head coach Jan Jensen expressed satisfaction with how her team handled the pressure of the game, realizing they had to tap deep within themselves to secure the victory. “Winning is hard. And in-state rivalry games are really hard,” Jensen remarked post-game, acknowledging the spirited competition.
The matchup was also pivotal as it tied with Iowa's historical performance, marking their 12th sweep of their in-state rivals – Drake, Iowa State, and Northern Iowa – since 2000. This victory served as more than just another game; it emphasized Iowa's standing within women's college basketball, illustrating the importance of upholding these fierce rivalries.
Iowa's next challenge awaits, as they prepare to face Purdue at home on December 29th, marking the beginning of conference play. The Hawkeyes, now with a 10-2 record, aim to continue improving as they transition back to competitive matchups.
Meanwhile, Northern Iowa will be facing Indiana State on the same day, seeking to rebound from this close loss and regroup with lessons learned from the showdown against Iowa.
This compelling game outcome not only highlights individual talents but also continues to build on the legacy of women’s basketball within Iowa, showcasing thrilling matchups and reinforcing the importance of local rivalries.
