The NCAA Women’s Tournament has kicked off, and the Iowa Hawkeyes are set to take on the Murray State Racers in a first-round matchup that promises excitement and skill on Saturday, March 22, 2025. Scheduled for an 11 a.m. local time tipoff at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Oklahoma, this game marks the beginning of what fans hope will be another thrilling run for Iowa.
The Hawkeyes, entering the tournament as a 6-seed with a record of 22-10, face off against the 11-seed Racers, who come in boasting a stellar record of 25-7. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN, allowing fans across the nation to tune in and support their teams.
Iowa's journey into the tournament intertwines with the departure of star player Caitlin Clark, who moved on to the WNBA, and the retirement of longtime head coach Lisa Bluder after 24 successful years. Taking the helm is new coach Jan Jensen, who quickly adapted to the job by securing 22 wins in her inaugural season. Jensen leads a team eager to build upon past successes, having reached the championship game the past two years. "Everything is gravy at this point for this season but still…don’t let it end today," wrote The Gazette, reflecting the team's hopeful spirit.
Meanwhile, the Racers from Murray State arrive with credentials that could intimidate any opponent. Averaging an eye-popping 87.8 points per game, they are officially the top-scoring team across the NCAA. This offensive prowess is complemented by a roster that features four players scoring in double figures, with senior forward Katelyn Young leading the charge at 22.2 points per game. Murray State has also won ten consecutive games heading into this matchup, highlighting their current performance trend.
Iowa hopes to leverage its size advantage against a smaller Murray State squad. However, they will need to adapt to the absence of freshman forward Teagan Mallegni, who is sidelined due to concussion protocol. Although her contributions averaged merely 8.8 minutes and 3.2 points per game, Mallegni's familiarity with the team's dynamics will be missed should Iowa encounter foul trouble during the game.
On the court, keep an eye on Iowa’s leading scorer, senior Lucy Olsen, who puts up an impressive 18 points per game this season. Her ability to navigate the Racers' defense could prove critical to Iowa's success. Alongside her, junior forward Hannah Stuelke adds depth, contributing 12.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per contest. The Hawkeyes need their players to turn up the heat, especially given the opponent’s ability to maintain a high-scoring pace.
The urgency of this stage in the tournament cannot be overstated. For teams like the Hawkeyes, each game is a chance not only to advance but also to build momentum for a hopeful deep run. "The quest for another deep NCAA tournament run will begin Saturday against one of the most prolific offenses in the country," said The Gazette, hinting at the challenging dynamics of this match.
Fans know that anything could happen as teams shake off the regular-season rust and gear up for the intensity of tournament play. For Iowa, their strategy will need to encompass both discipline on defense and explosiveness on offense if they want to quell Murray State's high-scoring antics.
As noon approaches, the stage is set for what could be a classic NCAA tournament showdown. Both teams boast distinct strengths and a burning desire to win, making this a must-watch for basketball enthusiasts. With everything on the line, the Iowa Hawkeyes are ready to face the Murray State Racers, hoping to turn potential into performance as they strive for victory.
Whether you’re a die-hard Hawkeyes supporter or a neutral fan intrigued by the tournament's excitement, this matchup represents everything that makes NCAA women's basketball thrilling. Every dribble, pass, and shot counts, and as teams vie for glory, every moment becomes pivotal. So grab your snacks, settle in, and get ready for a captivating game of college basketball. GO HAWKS!
