NORMAN, Okla. — The Iowa women’s basketball team saw their hopes dashed as they faced off against the Oklahoma Sooners in the NCAA Tournament second round on March 24, 2025. In a game that started with promise for the No. 6 seed Hawkeyes, it quickly devolved into a challenging encounter, marked by turnovers and an inability to control the boards, ultimately ending their season in a hefty 96-62 defeat.
The game unfolded at the Lloyd Noble Center, and it tipped off at 3 p.m. CT. Iowa, looking to advance to the Sweet 16, started strong but fell behind when Oklahoma unleashed a torrent of scoring. Despite an initial burst that gave Iowa a brief 10-4 lead, it didn't take long for the Sooners, the No. 3 seed, to turn the tide. By the end of the first quarter, Oklahoma was in control with a 20-11 advantage.
Lucy Olsen shone brightly for Iowa, finishing her last collegiate game with 20 points. Kyle Feuerbach and Hannah Stuelke also contributed with 14 and 10 points, respectively, but the team's scoring depth fell short against Oklahoma's relentless assault. The Sooners dominated the court, exemplified by their staggering 64-33 rebounding advantage, which included 13 offensive boards for Raegan Beers. This advantage set the tone and highlighted Iowa's struggles on both ends of the floor.
As the game progressed, Oklahoma continued to build on their lead, particularly showcasing their prowess in the second quarter where they outscored Iowa 30-16. Skylar Vann was a key player for the Sooners, scoring 17 points and spearheading their offensive surge. This decisive quarter left Iowa reeling, as they struggled to respond effectively on both offense and defense.
Throughout the game, Iowa battled a significant turnover problem, committing a total of 19 over the course of the matchup. This contributed to the team spending much of the game playing from behind. As noted by Gus Martin, an observer of the game, there were moments where a lack of offensive fluidity hindered Iowa, and they often relied too heavily on Olsen’s scoring, which proved insufficient against Oklahoma’s well-rounded team play.
One of the turning points came in the second half when Oklahoma's Sahara Williams briefly left the game after a concerning fall but returned quickly, providing the Sooners with a consistent scoring threat when it mattered most. Her performance, which included 13 points, added insult to injury for Iowa as they failed to contain Oklahoma's multiple scorers. Meanwhile, the Sooners’ shooting may not have been flawless, executing just 30% from beyond the arc, but they capitalized on second-chance efforts and dominated the paint—their consistent pressure wore down the Hawkeyes.
The emotional highs and lows were palpable as the fourth quarter commenced, and Iowa's season slipped further from their grasp. With 2:15 remaining, Olsen and fellow player Affolter received heartfelt applause as they were subbed out, marking the end of their season amid visible emotions. The fervor of college basketball was on full display, reverberating through the arena as the fans paid tribute to their efforts throughout the season.
Final statistics reflected the magnitude of the matchup: Oklahoma shot 45.9% from the field while Iowa struggled, achieving just 33.3%. The Hawkeyes' performance, particularly in terms of rebounding, saw them outmatched significantly. Commentators noted that overcoming such discrepancies usually doesn't bode well for teams hoping to advance in the tournament.
The victory granted Oklahoma a place in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2013, as they prepared to continue their tournament journey with higher aspirations. Their coach, Jennie Baranczyk, remarked on the hard-fought victory and the relief of finally surpassing the second-round hurdle that had plagued them in recent tournaments.
As Iowa returns home with a season record of 23-11, there’s a sense of pride amidst the disappointment. With the exit of key figures like Olsen, the team must now reflect on the growth they exhibited and prepare for the future. This season was an impressive culmination of development for coach Jan Jensen’s squad, though their trip through March Madness came to a close earlier than hoped.
While their quest for a Sweet 16 berth ultimately ended in Norman, the resilience and tenacity displayed throughout the season will remain a strong foundation for the next challenges ahead. For now, the Hawkeyes look to regroup and renew their efforts as they set their sights on future seasons.
