On Sunday night, during Iowa women’s basketball’s 99–76 victory over Penn State, a new player subtly made her presence known. As Big Ten play intensifies, freshman guard Journey Houston recorded her first double-double of her young college career, continuing a steady ascent that the Hawkeyes can no longer ignore.
Iowa had a 2-0 record in conference play and an 11-2 overall record going into the game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Penn State, on the other hand, came hoping to stabilize itself following a difficult start to league play. One of the most encouraging developments of the evening was Houston’s performance off the bench, but by the final buzzer, Iowa’s depth, pace, and physicality proved to be too much.
Houston scored 11 points and pulled down 11 rebounds in just 19 minutes of play, displaying a level of efficiency and drive that defied her freshman status. She was flawless at the free-throw line, going 3-for-3, and finished 4-for-5 from the field. Her work on the glass, where she repeatedly extended possessions and disrupted Penn State’s rhythm by grabbing six offensive and five defensive rebounds, was even more impressive.
Houston, a six-foot-tall native of Davenport, Iowa, appeared at ease performing the grunt work inside while maintaining the poise of a guard. Against a Penn State team that attempted to slow Iowa’s pace by controlling the paint, her rebounding effort was particularly noteworthy. Houston’s activity, on the other hand, changed that narrative by generating opportunities for a second chance and energizing the bench and the audience.
Houston’s ongoing development has come at a crucial moment for head coach Jan Jensen. The absence of graduate guard Kylie Feuerbach and sophomore Emely Rodriguez, two players who were supposed to offer stability and experience, has been difficult for Iowa. Houston has taken full advantage of the minutes that have opened up in their absence, demonstrating that she can be relied upon in situations that are more than just developmental.
This performance wasn’t a one-time event. Houston has established itself as a dependable all-around option by gradually gaining confidence throughout the nonconference schedule and into Big Ten play. Her ability to score effectively, rebound from the guard spot, and contribute without demanding the ball fits in perfectly with Iowa’s system and enhances the Hawkeyes’ established scorers.
The victory itself demonstrated Iowa’s adaptability and fortitude. It is never coincidental to score 99 points against a conference rival, and the Hawkeyes demonstrated that they can overwhelm teams even when they are short-staffed. All members of the rotation made contributions, but Houston’s double-double represented something greater: a program that keeps developing talent and adjusts to new situations.
Particularly in the Big Ten, where physical play and scouting can quickly reveal weaknesses, freshman seasons are rarely linear. Houston appears to be adjusting more quickly than most, based on her performance against Penn State. In a game that could have easily overwhelmed a rookie, her calm demeanor, willingness to crash the boards, and instincts around the rim stood out. Houston won’t have much time to enjoy the moment in the future. The Hawkeyes’ next test is quickly approaching as they get ready to host rival Nebraska on New Year’s Day. A high-profile encounter at Carver-Hawkeye Arena is anticipated as the Cornhuskers, ranked No. 24, go into the game undefeated at 12-0 overall and 2-0 in conference play.
Houston will have another chance to demonstrate that her breakthrough performance was not an anomaly during that game, which is set for a 1 p.m. CT tip and will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network. Iowa may once more rely on her vigor and adaptability to counter Nebraska’s depth and physicality as injuries continue to affect the rotation.
For the time being, Houston’s first career double-double is a sign and a milestone. She is making minutes matter rather than merely filling them. The emergence of a freshman who can influence games in a variety of ways could be crucial as Iowa advances into Big Ten play with hopes of winning a championship. For Houston and the Hawkeyes, Sunday night felt less like a surprise and more like the beginning of something long-lasting.
Beyond the numbers, Houston’s performance demonstrated Iowa’s love of internal rivalry. Her presence seemed to increase the overall intensity, and her teammates consistently rewarded her effort. Over the course of a long season, those moments matter even though they don’t always appear in box scores. Houston is quickly learning what it takes to contribute at this level, and Iowa is better off as a result, if Sunday was any indication. As conference play progresses, expectations will only increase.
