The early-December conference game can be one of the most difficult tasks on the schedule for an Iowa women’s basketball team that is still learning how to succeed as a team. It’s that strange time when the stakes are “Big Ten,” the calendar says “non-conference,” and there is a lot of pressure to avoid making a mistake too soon. The No. 12 Hawkeyes (8–0) will soon have the opportunity to handle it with an undefeated record on the line.
Jan Jensen’s team will play Rutgers (7–2) at Jersey Mike’s Arena on December 6 after defeating tough mid-majors Western Illinois and Fairfield. On FS1, tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. Even though this isn’t Iowa’s most spectacular December game, it might be the most important one when the Hawkeyes review their season record.
A Historically Sneaky Big Ten Test
Iowa has encountered at least one early-December league landmine every season since the COVID-19 era changed scheduling. It hardly bothered them in certain years. These games felt more like formality than danger when Caitlin Clark and Iowa’s seasoned core were in charge. Without much drama, Iowa easily defeated Michigan State in 2021, Wisconsin and Minnesota in 2022, and Wisconsin once more in 2023.
However, last year served as a sobering reminder that nothing in the Big Ten is guaranteed. Four days after an emotional Cy-Hawk victory led by seniors Sydney Affolter and Lucy Olsen, Iowa faltered at Michigan State. A winnable road game became a teachable moment when a nine-point lead in the fourth quarter vanished. The Hawkeyes made sure the lesson stuck when they faced Michigan State once more in March, winning handily 74–61. Although there isn’t a Michigan State-caliber opponent in this year’s early-December test, Jensen is aware of the risks associated with taking any Big Ten road game for granted.
”Getting the older kids to translate how difficult it is to win on the road is a concern because we’re more young than older,” Jensen stated. “It’s definitely not just another road game for me. I’ve discussed the thrill and significance of winning conference play 1-0.
The Scarlet Knights still possess size, physicality, and just enough fresh talent to turn a drowsy performance into a trap, even though Rutgers isn’t as strong as it once was. Since Rutgers joined the conference, Iowa has won 13 of 14 meetings, demonstrating their ability to handle the matchup. The Hawkeyes ought to be a double-digit favorite on paper. However, Jensen is aware of the long-term consequences of losing this game, particularly in a season where every victory counts for rhythm and seeding. “Any coach will tell you the most important game before Christmas is the conference one, regardless of how much people want to talk about what we did in Florida or the excitement of Iowa State or Connecticut later this month,” she stated.
Lingering Injuries Keep Iowa Guessing
Iowa didn’t have the one variable it needed going into Big Ten play. Chit-Chat Wright, Emely Rodriguez, and Teagan Mallegni are three sophomores who have been sidelined. The Hawkeyes were hoping for more information this week. Rather, they have repeatedly received the same responses: “day-to-day, no updates, no return timeline yet.” Wright hasn’t played since suffering an upper-body injury on November 20 against Baylor. Mallegni (tonsils) and Rodriguez (back) last played against Miami on November 22.
It’s not coach jargon. They really are day-to-day, according to Jensen. “I still don’t understand testing and protocols. I’m crossing my fingers for Chat and Emely, but Teagan is probably still a ways off. This week, none of the three practiced. Jensen anticipates a gradual return rather than a single, massive wave. Wright and Rodriguez will need to regain rhythm, while Mallegni probably just needs to regain stamina.
The bright side? Role players from Iowa have stepped up to the plate. The Hawkeyes have remained undefeated and gained confidence in their depth thanks to the efforts of Taylor Stremlow and Addie Deal. Reintegrating three rotation players in the middle of the season is a challenge in and of itself. Jensen stated, “You have to form your team a little differently again.” “Roles are realigned. Subpatterns shift. However, we’ve gained a lot of experience, which is advantageous.
A New-Look Rutgers Team Presents Unknowns
Rutgers hardly looks like the team from the previous season, much like many teams in today’s transfer-heavy environment. The Scarlet Knights needed a makeover because they had six new players and had only 33 victories in three seasons under head coach Coquese Washington. Only one player in their starting lineup is shorter than six feet one inch, and they have experienced both encouraging flashes and predictable growing pains. Despite a home loss to Stony Brook and a stumble at Auburn, its lone Power Four opponent thus far, Rutgers is coming off a three-game winning streak. Iowa’s greatest asset might be its size, particularly if the backcourt is still understaffed.
Prediction: Iowa 72, Rutgers 60
Before Iowa’s discipline and defense settle the game, expect them to feel things out early. The Hawkeyes should start Big Ten play with a victory if they maintain focus, steer clear of early December déjà vu, and handle the injury uncertainty.
