Even though Iowa women’s basketball didn’t have an easy time in Orlando, the Hawkeyes managed to win the game once more. No. 20 Iowa defeated Miami 64-61 in their second game at the WBCA Showcase inside State Farm Fieldhouse, improving to 6-0 and taking home two useful resume boosters. This game turned into another test of Iowa’s poise in the absence of sophomore guard Chit-Chat Wright, who remained out due to injury, much like Thursday’s hard-fought victory over No. 10 Baylor. Similar to the first game, the Hawkeyes managed to make enough timely plays to defeat a Power Four opponent who would not go quietly.
Iowa almost lost a significant lead.
Iowa appeared to be in control for the majority of the evening. The Hawkeyes had a commanding lead and looked like they were about to end the game early in the fourth quarter. Senior guard Kylie Feuerbach set up senior forward Hannah Stuelke for a layup with 9:18 left, extending Iowa’s lead to 59–46. With 8:30 remaining, Stuelke broke free once more for another simple bucket, extending the lead to 61–49. Iowa then reached a dead end.
Stuelke’s layup ended up being Iowa’s last field goal of the contest. A nearly catastrophic eight-plus-minute scoring drought ensued. The Hawkeyes were forced to make difficult choices and make snap decisions as Miami steadily reduced their possession total. Feuerbach calmly made three free throws in the last minute to keep the Hurricanes at bay before Iowa scored again. In Iowa’s film room, watching that late-game collapse will probably become mandatory. The fourth quarter was a sobering reminder of how quickly momentum can change and how crucial it is to close with poise for a team still figuring itself out without last year’s stars and breaking in new pieces.
The offense is powered by Heiden, Stuelke, and McCabe.
Iowa’s success was built on its timely perimeter shooting and interior production, even though the last stretch was unsteady. With perhaps her most outstanding performance to date, sophomore center Ava Heiden maintained her breakout start to the season. With a game-high 20 points on a scorching 9-for-11 shooting clip, six rebounds, two steals, and a block, the 6-foot-4 post dominated portions of the game. Every time the offense faltered elsewhere, Iowa was stabilized by her effectiveness and control in the paint.
Stuelke delivered her usual dependability once more. With 12 rebounds, the athletic 6-foot-2 forward scored 17 points on 8-of-15 shooting to record her first double-double of the season and her 12th overall. In close games, she has been Iowa’s rock, and Saturday night was no exception. Taylor McCabe, a senior guard, was also very important, particularly from long range. McCabe was the only player to make a three-pointer on a night when Iowa was unable to do so. She finished with 11 points and made all three of Iowa’s triples, adding much-needed energy to a game where outside shots had otherwise failed.
Iowa’s three-point problems persist
The rest of Iowa’s roster struggled mightily while McCabe produced from deep. The Hawkeyes were only 3-for-21 from beyond the arc, which has usually been one of their strong points. Later in the season, Iowa will need more perimeter balance against more formidable opponents, particularly when dealing with defenses that aggressively collapse on Heiden and Stuelke.
A bright spot in Chit-Chat Wright’s absence
Wright’s injury gave freshman guard Addie Deal, a highly anticipated five-star signee, more time to adjust to the college game. Deal was 2-for-5 from the field, scored four points, and played 15 minutes. Even though her game is still exhibiting the anticipated signs of adjustment, the experience she is currently gaining could be beneficial as Big Ten play draws near.
Emely Rodriguez’s peaceful evening
Throughout Iowa’s first five games, sophomore guard Emely Rodriguez was a consistent rotation player, but her playing time drastically decreased. Rodriguez played just four minutes against Miami and missed both of her shot attempts following a poor performance against Baylor, where she shot 2-for-9 and made six turnovers. As Lisa Bluder and her team figure out the guard rotation and roles going forward, it’s a situation worth keeping an eye on.
A fruitful business trip
Iowa leaves Orlando with two victories over Power Four opponents and a perfect record, despite the mistakes and late-game drama. Although early-season games don’t always show how good a team is, Iowa’s NCAA Tournament record will most likely improve months later if they defeat Miami and Baylor. Sometimes careless? Yes. Overall, encouraging? Of course. The Hawkeyes demonstrated perseverance, grit, and enough output from their rising stars to be confident about their position going into December.
