The Hawkeyes are at a critical juncture as the No. 14 Iowa women’s basketball team approaches the New Year.
ESPN’s most recent women’s college basketball power rankings provided an overview of Iowa’s current position and served as a reminder of how narrow the margins can be at the top of the sport, even though the majority of the Big Ten schedule is still to come. Iowa fell four places, from No. 11 to No. 15 in the national power rankings, according to ESPN’s most recent update. The Hawkeyes have a 10-2 overall record and a 1-0 record in Big Ten play going into the last few days of December, but their recent performance against top teams was a major factor in the assessment.
Iowa’s 90-64 loss to No. 1 UConn on December 20 was the primary cause of the decline. The Hawkeyes had severe ball security issues against the top-ranked team in the country, making 26 turnovers that allowed the Huskies to score 41 points. Even on a night when Iowa actually shot the ball well, that deluge of giveaways proved too much to overcome.
The Hawkeyes were by no means ineffective when it came to shooting. They went 6-for-8 at the free-throw line, made 8 of their 17 attempts from beyond the arc, and finished 25-for-51 from the field. Usually, those numbers would be sufficient to maintain competition in the majority of games. However, the turnovers swiftly and decisively turned the tide of the game against UConn’s unrelenting pressure and transition attack.
Given the timing, the loss to UConn was particularly depressing. It occurred just ten days after Iowa’s defeat by in-state rival Iowa State, resulting in a brief but noticeable setback during an otherwise promising nonconference run. However, ESPN analyst Charlie Creme noted that there were significant takeaways, especially since the Big Ten playoffs are quickly approaching.
Hannah Stuelke might have given her best performance of the season against the Huskies given the level of competition. The sophomore forward demonstrated poise and aggression against one of the nation’s most physical frontcourts, scoring 17 points on an effective 8-of-11 shooting night. Her capacity to complete plays while maintaining composure gave an indication of her potential value once conference play really picks up.
Chit-Chat Wright, a point guard, was also commended for her effort and poise. Wright played 35 minutes, turned the ball over just three times, and scored 16 points while managing UConn’s relentless ball pressure. Her stability stood out as an indication of development and resiliency at a pivotal point in a game characterized by errors.
Creme wrote, “Iowa’s loss was discouraging, especially coming so soon after the Iowa State defeat.” “But with a crucial first month of Big Ten play approaching, there were encouraging signs.”
Iowa is still chasing some well-known conference heavyweights in the larger Big Ten picture. According to ESPN’s power rankings, the Hawkeyes are behind three league rivals: No. 4 UCLA, No. 7 Michigan, and No. 10 Maryland. Once conference play picks up speed, those matchups could quickly change people’s perceptions as measuring-stick games. Iowa has one more chance to stabilize and gain momentum before the calendar flips. On Sunday, December 28, Penn State will play Iowa’s final game before the New Year at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa will be trying to get back on track at home, while the Nittany Lions come into the game with a 7-5 overall record and a 0-1 start in Big Ten play.
The tipoff time is set for 3 p.m. CT, and the Big Ten Network will broadcast the game. The Hawkeyes have the opportunity to tidy up the details, rebuild their confidence, and show everyone why they are still a contender in the Big Ten. Interest in the program is still strong outside of the court. Iowa’s decline in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, its position in the most recent NET rankings, and the lessons learned from the UConn defeat have all been covered recently. Along with stories about transfers acclimating to life in the Midwest and compliments for McKenna Woliczko on “Hawk Talk,” there has also been talk about Nike’s new Caitlin Clark-branded commercial that debuted on Christmas Day.
