IOWA CITY, Iowa– Iowa’s postseason run under Jan Jensen continued Friday with a 64-58 victory over No. 10 seeded Illinois at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Hawkeyes’ balanced attack and strong defensive performance proved too much for Illinois, who were playing their third game in three days.
Hawkeyes Control the Game
Iowa quickly established control, drawing two early fouls on Illinois star Cearah Parchment. A three-pointer from Chit Chat Wright and a subsequent triple from Maddie Weber helped Iowa jump to a 7-2 lead. The Hawkeyes then went on a 12-2 run, forcing an Illinois timeout.
Iowa relentlessly attacked the basket, with Kylie Feuerbach and Taylor Stremlow consistently scoring. The Hawkeyes’ physicality proved to be a key advantage, with Heiden, Stuelke, and Stremlow dominating the glass. Iowa led 30-18 at halftime.
Second Half Dominance
Iowa continued to control the game in the third quarter, holding Illinois to just 1-of-7 shooting from deep and 33 percent shooting overall. Illinois was held without a field goal for over five minutes. Iowa outscored Illinois 16-8 in the third quarter.
With four minutes remaining, Iowa pulled its starters, allowing Illinois to close the gap with a 17-2 run. Despite the late surge, Iowa secured the 64-58 win, with four players scoring in double figures and Stremlow contributing nine points, six assists, and four rebounds.
Key Performances
Taylor Stremlow has emerged as a key catalyst for Iowa’s offense, demonstrating impressive all-around play and a growing role in the Hawkeyes’ offensive sets. Ava Heiden continued her strong play, drawing early fouls on Parchment and contributing through passing and off-ball movement.
Looking Ahead
The Hawkeyes will remain in Indianapolis for a Saturday afternoon matchup against the winner of Michigan and Oregon. A possible next step for Iowa is to continue their strong defensive play and balanced scoring attack as they advance through the Big Ten Tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the game?
The final score was Iowa 64, Illinois 58.
Who were the standouts for Iowa in this game?
Taylor Stremlow and Ava Heiden were highlighted as key performers for Iowa.
What is next for the Hawkeyes?
The Hawkeyes will play against the winner of Michigan and Oregon on Saturday afternoon.
With a strong start to the tournament secured, what will be key for the Hawkeyes as they continue their pursuit of a championship?
