Hawkeye Women’s Basketball Squad Completes Epic Road Comeback
The Hawkeye women’s basketball squad staged one of the most dramatic comebacks of the season, erasing a 16-point deficit to shock Indiana 56-53 in Bloomington. The 14th-ranked Hawkeyes (14-2, 5-0 Big Ten) leaned on defensive stops, clutch scoring, and resilience in the second half to extend their unbeaten run in conference play.
The Hawkeyes women’s team looked to be in trouble at halftime, trailing 35-19. However, a thrilling comeback that kept fans on the edge of their seats was sparked by a dominant third-quarter surge, outscoring the Hoosiers 17-2.
Third-Quarter Surge Sparks the Comeback
After halftime, the Hawkeyes women’s team was fierce. Hannah Stuelke scored ten of her twelve points in the second half, while Chit-Chat Wright energized the team on defense. With 13 points from Ava Heiden, Iowa had a well-rounded attack that Indiana was unable to stop.
The Hawkeyes stole momentum going into the final frame by cutting the Hoosiers’ lead to just one by the end of the third quarter. The Hawkeyes women’s team’s capacity to adapt mid-game, persevere in the face of difficulty, and perform well under duress was demonstrated during that stretch.
Fourth-Quarter Drama
The last part was extremely tense. The Hawkeyes women’s team led 42-39 with less than five minutes remaining, forcing Indiana to call a timeout. Later, Iowa maintained a 54-50 lead in the final seconds of the game by making free throws and using disciplined defensive rotations to win.
With 19 points, Indiana senior guard Shay Ciezki led her team, but it was insufficient to offset the Hawkeyes women’s team’s well-rounded performance. Iowa maintains its standing as a top-tier conference contender, while Indiana is still winless in Big Ten play (0–6).
Early Struggles Made Victory Sweeter
It wasn’t a smooth first half. The Hawkeyes women’s team had trouble offensively, shooting just 2-of-14 in the first quarter and making mistakes that gave Indiana an early advantage. The Hoosiers dominated the paint and rebounding battle, leading 35–19 at the half. They were nevertheless within striking distance thanks to Iowa’s defense. The Hawkeyes women’s team used forced turnovers, five steals, and fast-break opportunities to reduce the deficit and create an unforgettable comeback in the second half.
Injury Report and Key Contributions
Before the game, sophomore wing Emely Rodriguez was sidelined and graduate guard Kylie Feuerbach was questionable. The Hawkeyes women’s team relied on its starters despite having few options for rotation. Heiden’s steady shooting, Stuelke’s timely goal, and Wright’s fierce defense all contributed to the comeback.
Looking Ahead
This victory was more than just a triumph; it was a declaration. The Hawkeyes women’s team demonstrated their ability to overcome hardship, maintain composure under duress, and perform well during the most pivotal moments of the game.
This performance gives players and fans alike confidence that Iowa is contending rather than just competing. This comeback could be a turning point in a season full of high expectations, demonstrating that no lead is safe when the Hawkeyes women’s basketball team is playing.
