NORMAN, Okla. – The sixth-seeded Iowa women’s basketball team cruised past the 11th-seeded Murray State Racers, boasting a commanding 92-57 victory in the opening round of the NCAA tournament at the Lloyd Noble Center on March 22, 2025. This impressive win saw five Hawkeyes score in double figures, demonstrating the depth and collaborative effort of the team.
Leading the charge for the Hawkeyes was senior guard Lucy Olsen, who not only scored 12 points but also showcased her playmaking ability by dishing out 12 assists, marking her first double-double of the season. Freshman forward Ava Heiden also shined brightly, contributing 15 points on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting, making a significant impact in her NCAA Tournament debut.
Murray State, which entered the tournament boasting the nation’s top scoring offense with an average of 87.8 points per game, faced a challenging first half. The Racers quickly seized a 6-2 lead, but Iowa responded fiercely. The game saw a notable 13-0 run by the Hawkeyes, ultimately allowing them to take an 18-12 lead by the end of the first quarter.
The momentum shifted decisively in the second quarter as well. While Murray State began to gain some ground, Iowa maintained its lead thanks to a strong contribution from its bench players. Freshman guard Taylor Stremlow and Aaliyah Guyton each added crucial points as the Hawkeyes held a 42-30 advantage at halftime.
The second half was a different story for the Racers, especially after their leading scorer, fifth-year Katelyn Young, suffered a lower-body injury early in the third quarter. Young, who had scored over 3,000 career points and was among the standout players in Division I women’s basketball, was unable to return to the game after scoring six points.
With Young sidelined, the Racers struggled offensively. The Hawkeyes seized the opportunity, executing expertly and increasing their lead to 72-40 by the end of the third quarter. Iowa’s remarkable shooting performance continued, as the team went 7-for-9 from the field in the second half, demonstrating a high level of efficiency and teamwork.
The fourth quarter saw Iowa comfortably maintain its lead, even allowing for substitutions from the bench. With every eligible Iowa player having scored, the final whistle blew with Iowa winning by a resounding 35 points, further solidifying their status as a dominant force in the tournament.
“It’s really special to be in the NCAA tournament, and we’ve just had so many people step up at different times this year,” said Iowa head coach Jan Jensen, emphasizing the depth and resilience of her squad.
The implications of this victory are notable. This win continues Iowa’s trend of success in the NCAA tournament, marking the sixth consecutive opening-round victory for the Hawkeyes. They have improved their overall NCAA tournament record to 17-5 since 2019, showcasing the team’s growth and competitiveness on the national stage.
In addition to Olsen and Heiden, contributions came from players such as Taylor Stremlow and Sydney Affolter, who exhibited remarkable teamwork and offensive synergy throughout the match. Stremlow, in particular, recorded 10 points, reflecting the depth of the Hawkeye roster.
With this victory, Iowa now advances to face the winner of the contest between the third-seeded Oklahoma and 14th-seeded Florida Gulf Coast in the second round, scheduled for March 24, 2025. As the tournament progresses, the confidence and camaraderie displayed by the team present a formidable challenge for their opponents ahead.
Iowa’s fans can look forward to the next game with optimism, as the core of this team has consistently demonstrated its ability to rise to the occasion. With key players stepping up and fresh talent emerging, the Hawkeyes’ momentum could be a driving factor as they push deeper into the tournament.
The remarkable start to their NCAA tournament run reflects not just skill, but also strategic execution and team spirit, pivotal elements that have characterized Iowa women’s basketball in recent years.
In closing, this win against Murray State is just the beginning for the Hawkeyes, as they aim for greater heights in the upcoming matches. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see if Iowa can maintain this level of performance and continue their quest for a successful tournament run.
