Iowa’s Resilient Comeback Against Ohio State

After losing senior guard Taylor McCabe to a non-contact injury on the first possession of the game and facing an early 8-2 deficit, things looked bleak for Jan Jensen and the Iowa Hawkeyes. However, what followed was one of the most complete performances of the season, as the No. 10 ranked Hawkeyes secured a dominant 90-71 home win over the No. 12 Ohio State Buckeyes.

This victory boosted Iowa’s record to an impressive 18-2 overall and 9-0 in conference play, setting up a challenging road trip on the West Coast later this week.

Freshman Steals the Spotlight

Freshman Addie Deal stepped up in a big way when it mattered most. Coming off the bench after McCabe’s injury, she delivered her best performance of the year, scoring a career-high 20 points, while adding 5 assists and 3 rebounds. Her breakout performance was a key factor in the team’s success, but it wasn’t the only standout moment.

Senior Hannah Stuelke continued her dominant run with an 18-point, 15-rebound double-double, showcasing her all-around skills. Ava Heiden also contributed 18 points, and Chit-Chat Wright added 14 points, mostly in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Kylie Feuerbach provided 8 points and 9 assists, while Taylor Stremlow chipped in 8 points off the bench.

A Complete Game from Iowa

The Hawkeyes dominated in multiple areas throughout the game. They outscored Ohio State significantly in the paint, with a 42-14 margin, and had a +18 rebounding advantage. The team also outscored the Buckeyes by 33 points from the bench, although McCabe’s brief appearance meant that 20 of those points were essentially “free” due to her limited playing time.

Despite the early struggles, Iowa never trailed again after a 6-0 run led by Stuelke tied the game. From there, the Hawkeyes maintained control and built a substantial lead.

Key Moments That Shaped the Game

Ohio State struggled with turnovers and foul trouble, which hurt their chances. Ava Watson picked up her second foul with just over three minutes left in the first quarter, leading to a 12-0 run by Iowa that extended their lead to 20-11. The Buckeyes tried to respond in the second quarter, cutting the lead to four, but Feuerbach responded with two clutch three-pointers and a defensive block.

Throughout the game, Iowa consistently answered any challenge from Ohio State. Whether it was Wright grabbing an offensive rebound that led to a three-pointer or Deal getting an and-1 after being fouled, the Hawkeyes showed resilience and poise.

A Strong Finish

In the second half, Iowa exploded to end the first half with a 44-29 lead. Deal’s passing was particularly effective, as she found Stremlow and Wright for two consecutive three-pointers. After adjusting to Ohio State’s press, the Hawkeyes took control with a 52-34 lead at halftime.

Stuelke continued her dominance, both offensively and defensively, while the Buckeyes attempted to cut into the lead with three-pointers. However, Iowa held strong, not letting the Buckeyes gain momentum.

With 3 minutes remaining and a 17-point lead, the game looked secure. But Cambridge hit a three-pointer, briefly making it a 14-point game. Wright immediately responded with another three and a beautiful pass to Heiden. Ohio State answered again with a three, but Feuerbach found Wright once more for another three that sealed the win.

Looking Ahead

While the team has been successful at home, their ability to maintain this level of performance on the road will be crucial moving forward. This win is a testament to the depth and resilience of the Hawkeyes, and it sets a positive tone for their upcoming challenges.

The sky is truly the limit for this team, and fans are eager to see what they can accomplish next. With confidence high and momentum on their side, the Hawkeyes are ready to take on whatever comes next.

GO HAWKS!