The No. 22-ranked Iowa women’s basketball team (10-2, 0-1 Big Ten) rebounded from their recent loss to Michigan State with a hard-fought 92-86 victory against Northern Iowa (5-6) on Friday night at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. This win not only salvaged their non-conference slate but also underscored the competitive nature of women's basketball within the state.
Iowa initially took control of the game, leading by as much as 18 points during the second quarter. Despite this large lead, the Panthers clawed their way back to narrow Iowa's margin to just one point with 4:38 remaining on the clock. It was the Hawkeyes' determination and stellar performances from several players, particularly Taylor McCabe, Lucy Olsen, and Addison O'Grady, which secured the win.
McCabe, who had struggled for minutes earlier this season, erupted for a season-high 15 points, making five three-pointers, all of which contributed significantly to Iowa's offensive efforts. "Before Christmas, you never really know when your minutes are going to come ... with every opponent being so different," said McCabe, reflecting on the uncertainty players often face leading up to games.
Olsen led the team with 21 points, along with seven assists and five rebounds, solidifying her position as the heartbeat of Iowa's offense. Her ability to create plays and find open teammates proved invaluable against the Panthers. According to her, McCabe's shooting made it easier for the entire team to perform. "I know it’s going in every time," Olsen remarked. "It’s great when she’s hitting. It’s really hard to defend all of us when Taylor’s hitting her shots."
O'Grady recorded 18 points, showcasing her improved form just when the team needed it; she had previously combined for only six points across the last two games. Her six points scored during the final quarter proved especially pivotal to Iowa’s success. Head coach Jan Jensen expressed her satisfaction with O'Grady's performance, noting, "She just got a little bit tougher this week."
The game proved to be quite the spectacle, particularly with Eaton's Maya McDermott pouring on 30 points, making her presence felt on the court. A returning senior and standout player, McDermott is among the top five scorers nationally, displaying skills and shooting accuracy even against top-tier defenses. "She’s one of the best guards in the country, hands down," stated long-time UNI coach Tanya Warren.
Despite their familiarity with each other, the game illustrated the competitive spirit of Iowa women's basketball. The contest was highlighted by the palpable energy and intensity, as both teams fought for bragging rights of being the best basketball program within the state. It was not lost on Iowa guard Taylor McCabe, who noted, "We were playing with something bigger on the line. We wanted to be state champs so bad. Coach J made [winning against UNI] such an emphasis."
This win against Northern Iowa capped off Iowa’s non-conference schedule with the Hawkeyes holding onto the unofficial state championship title (3-0 against UNI, Drake, and Iowa State for the season). Even as the team prepares to face increasingly challenging Big Ten matchups, this rivalry has shown to be pivotal for the fans and players alike.
Looking toward the future, Iowa's next challenge awaits against Purdue on December 29, where they will aim to continue building on this momentum. With tipoff set for 2 p.m. CT, fans will be eagerly awaiting to see if the team can maintain their form and chemistry developed through this hard-fought victory.
Overall, this victory serves as both a reminder of the tenacity and skill within Iowa women’s basketball and as preparation for the intensity of the upcoming Big Ten season. Head coach Jensen emphasized the importance of local matchups: "It’s local. It kind of makes sense. You are right down the road. Your business-sense is like, ‘Yeah, can you give me a mid-major from Virginia?’ but ... the emotional toll it takes is different for this state. And we understand the importance of it."
