There was no better way for Iowa women’s basketball to begin the 2026 season. The Hawkeyes overcame No. 25 Nebraska in an 86–76 victory that was equal parts perseverance, poise, and grit in front of a heated rivalry atmosphere. Now that they have gained momentum, 14th-ranked Iowa turns the page and returns to the road for its next Big Ten test, which will take place inside Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Illinois, against Northwestern.
With a perfect 3-0 record in conference play and a 12-2 overall record, the Hawkeyes are riding high going into the game. That Nebraska victory was a test of resolve rather than just another point in the victory column. Ten ties and seven lead changes occurred during the game, which required Iowa to maintain composure under pressure. The Hawkeyes found another gear when it mattered most, finishing the game on a commanding 16–6 run that silenced the Huskers and bolstered Iowa’s mounting self-assurance.
Chit-Chat Wright, a sophomore point guard, put on the best performance of her young career, scoring a career-high 24 points while coolly leading the offense through stressful situations. Throughout the evening, her ability to manage tempo and strike when opportunities arose was crucial. Hannah Stuelke, a senior forward, had an equally significant impact, recording her second 20-point double-double of her career with 21 points and 10 rebounds. During pivotal moments, Iowa was anchored by her timely scoring and physical presence inside.
Additionally, that victory maintained a well-known pattern in the rivalry. As a reminder of how well the Hawkeyes have handled crucial Big Ten games over the years, Nebraska has now lost 12 of its last 14 meetings with Iowa. More significantly, it prepared Iowa for the next challenge as conference play picks up speed. A Northwestern team that is still trying to gain momentum in the early stages of the Big Ten season will be waiting next.
The Wildcats are 0–3 in conference play and 6–8 overall going into the game, but that record doesn’t adequately convey the difficulty of playing at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Big Ten road games are rarely easy, and Iowa is aware that in order to win another league game, it will need to have the same advantage and concentration as it did against Nebraska.
But history is on the Hawkeyes’ side. Iowa has won five straight games in the series and has an impressive 62-18 all-time record against Northwestern. These figures indicate long-term success, but once the ball is in the air, nothing is guaranteed. This game offers Iowa a chance to maintain its winning streak in the conference and keep getting closer to the top of the Big Ten standings.
It won’t take long for fans who want to follow along. The Big Ten Network will broadcast the Iowa women’s basketball game against Northwestern live. The tipoff time is set for 7:30 p.m. Central Time. Play-by-play will be handled by Kylen Mills, and color analysis will be provided by Shimmy Miller from the Welsh-Ryan Arena booth.
Viewers will be guided through what ought to be another fierce conference battle by their coverage. Iowa supporters can watch the game live via Fubo if they would rather stream it. Fans who wish to watch every possession without a cable subscription can do so with the streaming service’s free trial for new users.
Iowa supporters can watch the game live via Fubo if they would rather stream it. Fans who wish to watch every possession without a cable subscription can do so with the streaming service’s free trial for new users. Both within the program and among Hawkeye supporters, the Nebraska victory created a lot of excitement.
After her breakthrough performance, Wright thought back on it, highlighting the confidence she’s gained as the season has gone on and the trust her teammates showed. The team’s perseverance in that game demonstrated how much this group has grown since the first few weeks of the season, particularly during a back-and-forth first half.
The roster as a whole has shown that growth. Iowa has proven to be a challenging opponent for everyone on the schedule due to their ability to execute late, defend with discipline, and share the scoring load. Those habits will be put to the test every night as conference play progresses, beginning with Northwestern.
Iowa knows how important it is to stack wins wherever they can be found, especially now that January has begun and the Big Ten grind is well underway. In addition to keeping the Hawkeyes undefeated in league play, a road win in Evanston would solidify their place among the conference’s best teams.
Hawkeye supporters can watch, stream, and follow the game on social media via Hawkeyes Wire as tipoff draws near for updates, reactions, pictures, and more coverage. Even though the season is still young, Iowa is headed in the right direction. Tuesday night in Evanston under the lights will mark the beginning of the next chapter.
