IOWA CITY — The No. 22 Iowa women’s basketball team survived an upset-minded Northern Iowa, earning a 92-86 win to cap off the non-conference slate on Friday.
The Hawkeyes (10-2, 0-1 Big Ten) led by as much as 18 points during the second quarter, showcasing their power against the Panthers (5-6, 0-0 Missouri Valley). Yet, as the game unfolded, the Panthers mounted a formidable challenge, trimming Iowa’s lead to just one point with 4:38 remaining on the clock.
From the onset, the Hawkeyes demonstrated their offensive prowess, but as senior guard Maya McDermott noted, her team had been there before. "Last year, we were down to Murray State 20-plus. So, we knew we could do it. We just have to believe.\u2026 We just had to settle in. Shots were finally falling the second half and we just believed we could. So, we did it," she said. This kind of resilience was clear as UNI stormed back after trailing significantly at halftime.
ESPN Analytics had assigned Iowa an impressive 98.6% win probability when A.J. Ediger scored to push the Hawkeyes to a 53-35 lead just before halftime. But the Panthers played the second half with what McDermott called "house money." "We had nothing to lose," she stated. "We were composed and...that just runs through our coaches believing us and putting confidence in us." This sentiment underscored the Panthers' tenacity as they rallied.
UNI’s comeback was led by McDermott, who finished the game with 30 points, along with Kayba Laube, who added 20 points. Together, this dynamic duo combined for 27 points after halftime, contributing significantly to the pressure they put on Iowa as the clock ticked down.
Despite the Hawkeyes' strong lead, the game turned when Laube's offensive foul overturned what would have been a tying layup at 83-83 with just 2:50 remaining. This was a turning point for both teams, illustrating the tense nature of the contest.
Following the game, both McDermott and UNI head coach Tanya Warren remained optimistic about their future endeavors. "Iowa State and Iowa are ranked as they should be," McDermott said, reinforcing her belief in their competitiveness. "Yes, we might lack size, especially without Grace Boffeli, but we know we can compete with them." Warren added insight, noting, "We have lost six games. Four of those six losses are one possession games and they are BCS schools. We have a lot of talent in our locker room. We believe. If we can stay healthy, we believe we have a chance. We are a very good program."
Notable performances continued to emerge from the Hawkeyes as they contended fiercely with UNI. Iowa's junior forward Hannah Stuelke made significant plays late, finishing with 14 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. She scored pivotal buckets during the final moments and played outstanding defense, exemplifying Iowa's ability to execute under pressure.
With Iowa managing to fend off the Panthers' late surge, guard Taylor McCabe also returned to form, scoring 15 points on five three-pointers. "Before Christmas, you never really know when your minutes are going to come...we're just going to play to our team strengths and play to what we think is going to win. Tonight, I just had it rolling," she reflected, echoing the tight-knit dynamic the team developed.
The game highlighted the undeniable talent within Iowa and the competitive spirit shared among the state's women's basketball programs. Coach Jan Jensen recognized the importance of local rivalry matchups, stating, "It’s local. It kind of makes sense. You are right down the road...if you appreciate someone pushing toward a goal and being so passionate, you can appreciate the women’s game."
At the match's conclusion, it was evident this match encapsulated not only the rivalry but the shared determination of both teams to showcase their capabilities. Iowa's victory might have placed them as the state's champion for the year, with McCabe adding, "We wanted to be state champs so bad. Coach J made such an emphasis on it." This encapsulates the emotional stakes involved, affirming why these encounters matter so much to both teams and their supporters. Moving forward, both teams aim to capitalize on the momentum gained, as conference play approaches.
