ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team captured a much-needed victory on Wednesday night, defeating the Michigan Wolverines 79-66 at Crisler Center. This triumph not only ended Iowa's two-game losing streak, but also served as valuable momentum heading toward postseason play.
Leading the charge for Iowa was fourth-year guard Sydney Affolter, who delivered her best performance yet, scoring 24 points along with 11 rebounds. Affolter set the tone early, scoring 14 points in the first quarter alone, showcasing her shooting prowess by going perfect from three-point range with four makes.
The Hawkeyes started strong, hitting 10 of their first 16 shots and building a 25-18 lead by the end of the first quarter. Affolter's explosive start included draining three consecutive three-pointers followed by a coast-to-coast layup during one electrifying stretch.
Lucy Olsen also had a phenomenal night, contributing 20 points and playing a pivotal role. After not scoring in the first quarter, she erupted for 16 points during the second quarter, helping Iowa secure a comfortable 49-32 lead at halftime.
On the other hand, Michigan struggled to maintain offensive rhythm throughout the contest, relying heavily on Syla Swords, who led her team with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Unfortunately for the Wolverines, they were unable to capitalize on their chances, partly due to Iowa’s stifling defense which limited their shooting to just 40% from the field.
The second half saw Michigan attempt to mount a comeback, as they cut Iowa's lead down to six points at one point thanks to some sharpshooting from beyond the arc. Despite this, Iowa’s resolve never wavered, and they managed to finish strong. A late run helped the Hawkeyes tally 28 points off turnovers throughout the game, capitalizing on Michigan's 16 turnovers.
The final quarter showcased Iowa’s ability to rally when needed. Despite the Wolverines making strides to cut their deficit, the Hawkeyes pushed forward, scoring 11 of the last 17 points of the game. It was this late push and consistency throughout the game which sealed the deal for Iowa.
Reflecting on the victory, Affolter stated, "Just being able to get this win means a lot. It gives us a lot of confidence coming from those games playing against really tough teams." Olsen echoed similar sentiments, expressing satisfaction with the solid performance and the importance of the win. "It was nice to not decide it on one or two possessions. We hate losing, so I’m happy we bounced back," she said.
Head coach Jan Jensen praised her team's performance and noted the importance of confidence as they move forward. After facing tough teams like Ohio State and UCLA, this win reinforces the Hawkeyes’ growth and adaptability.
With this victory, Iowa improves to 19-9 overall and 9-8 in Big Ten play, placing them favorably as the regular season closes. They will be aiming to build on this success as they prepare for their final regular-season game against Wisconsin, making for what promises to be another exciting matchup.
Iowa's impressive shooting stats, particularly from beyond the arc, were pivotal. The Hawkeyes shot 75% from three-point range during the game, indicating their offensive prowess on this night.
The game served as not just another win, but as reassurance for the Hawkeyes as they look to secure their postseason standing. Fans will look forward to seeing if Affolter and Olsen can carry this momentum forward as they gear up for the next steps after the regular season concludes.