Draws for Iowa Women’s Basketball The Best Team at ESPN for High-Stakes Cy-Hawk Conflict This year, the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series is bringing out the best of ESPN in addition to the usual emotions, noise, and bragging rights. The network announced on Monday that its top women’s basketball broadcast team will cover the rivalry match between No. 11 Iowa State (10-0) and No. 12 Iowa (9-0, 1-0 Big Ten) at Hilton Coliseum. That in and of itself demonstrates the magnitude of this matchup.
After defeating Rutgers 79-36 to start Big Ten play, the Hawkeyes enter the matchup on a high note. The Scarlet Knights were crushed by Iowa’s defense, the offense took off right away, and the game seemed to be over before Rutgers had a chance to establish itself. Iowa is 9-0 and has been making an impression in addition to winning. Iowa State has been acting similarly, if not more loudly. After defeating Northern Illinois 105-52 on Sunday, the Cyclones enter the game at 10-0. This is just one of several lopsided wins that demonstrate the explosiveness of this year’s team. ISU’s impressive 106-95 victory over Big Ten rival Indiana earlier in the season gave their perfect start even more credibility.
As a result, both teams are confident, unbeaten, and fully aware of the stakes going into this Cy-Hawk match. These rivalry games are always important, but when both teams are ranked, unbeaten, and playing some of the best basketball in the nation, the impact is different. That will be reflected in the energy within Hilton Coliseum. It always does.
Naturally, history favors Iowa. In recent years, the Hawkeyes have dominated the rivalry, winning eight of the last nine games and three straight. They currently lead the series 32-23. Even though the win-loss column may indicate otherwise, the games rarely feel lopsided, which is what makes this rivalry so compelling. These teams know each other too well to let anything come easily, as evidenced by the fact that nine of the previous eleven meetings have been decided by ten points or less. The Cy-Hawk matchup in 2025 begins on Wednesday, December 10, at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN. This game has all the makings of another classic: both teams are undefeated, both are ranked nationally, and both produce highlight-reel moments practically every night.
Beyond the immediate thrill, Iowa is in an intriguing position for this matchup. The Hawkeyes recently lost a spot in the AP Top 25 despite easily defeating Rutgers. It’s more a sign of how competitive the market has become than an indictment. A victory over an undefeated opponent on national television could be the kind of announcement that puts Iowa back on the rise. Conversely, Iowa State has been rising steadily as a result of its perfect start and the breakthrough performances of a number of important players. The Cyclones appear deep, menacing, and self-assured. They will also think they can finally turn the series around with Hilton Coliseum behind them.
There are many subplots in the Cy-Hawk rivalry as usual. Iowa’s recent superiority. Iowa State’s desire for retribution. There are two devoted fan bases for this game. a nationwide viewership. Additionally, ESPN’s elite broadcast team is highlighting the occasion. In the center of college basketball nation, this matchup in December has everything you could possibly want. The game on Wednesday satisfies every fan’s desire for plotlines, tension, and intensity. Additionally, it gives the teams an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities before the season intensifies. One will remain unbeaten. One will accept its first defeat. And both will know that they just fought through one of their schedule’s most emotionally charged games when they leave the court.
The Cy-Hawk Series never fails, and given the excitement surrounding this year’s match, it’s difficult to think it won’t be thrilling.
