This week, Iowa women’s basketball entered Orlando with the knowledge that the WBCA Showcase would reveal something about their identity.
The Hawkeyes were flawless through five games, but their biggest test of the young season came on Thursday night when they faced 10th-ranked Baylor. Iowa not only passed the test by the final buzzer, but they also secured a noteworthy victory that will be remembered well into March. Inside State Farm Fieldhouse, the Hawkeyes, ranked 20th, fought their way to a 57–52 victory over Baylor. The team’s tough performance was based on defense, poise, and the ongoing development of two sophomores who are quickly assuming bigger roles. It was not ostentatious. It was uncomfortable. However, it was the kind of victory that demonstrates the potential of this team.
The play of center Ava Heiden, who once again appeared to be a young post player finding her footing in real time, was one of the night’s most promising developments. Observing a sophomore mature those times when the game slows down, decision-making becomes more deliberate, and confidence stops wavering and eventually sticks has a certain allure. Heiden had that level of confidence when he played. Her presence in the paint was noticeable on both ends, and her continued development couldn’t come at a better time given Iowa’s need for interior production this season.
Guard Taylor Stremlow, who had a career-best performance off the bench, provided the other spark. Stremlow exemplified the “next player up” moments that coaches love to discuss. She gave Iowa energy, stability, and just the right amount of offensive punch on a night when every possession felt crucial. In competitions like this, depth wins games, and Stremlow demonstrated that she is more than capable of contributing to that.
However, Iowa was not unharmed by the night. Chit-Chat Wright, a sophomore guard, left the game early in the second half due to an injury. The Hawkeyes have confirmed that she won’t be available when Iowa plays again, but they haven’t provided any details. Although it’s not ideal to lose a quick, tenacious guard like Wright who offers a disruptive defensive presence and a spark plug mentality Iowa is forced to regroup in her absence.
And they have to regroup because the next challenge is almost here. Now, Iowa will focus on Miami, who have a perfect 4-0 record going into their match on Saturday. The sunshine wasn’t the only reason the Hurricanes visited Orlando. They also gained momentum, defeating Florida Atlantic, Hofstra, and Bethune-Cookman before defeating Davidson 66–58 to start their WBCA Showcase schedule. Miami has a fast-paced, self-assured style of play that can be problematic if opponents handle the ball carelessly.
The Hawkeyes must now swiftly start over after their biggest victory of the year. One of the peculiarities and demands of tournament-style showcases is that. Between the next scouting report and emotional highs, there is hardly any space to breathe. However, Iowa is quickly learning how to win difficult games without always depending on flawless offense, as evidenced by their tenacious performance against Baylor. What this matchup means going forward is, of course, the larger plot. Due to Iowa’s rigorous schedule, early resume wins are crucial, particularly for a program hoping to play well into the spring. The victory over Baylor made a statement. Even with fewer players, defeating Miami the following day would be another.
The viewing details are simple for fans who want to follow along. The game between Iowa and Miami will take place at State Farm Fieldhouse in Orlando, and it will only be available on ESPN+. The tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT, a prime time time that should attract a lot of attention from Hawkeye Nation as well as probably from unbiased viewers interested in seeing if Iowa can maintain the momentum that Thursday’s victory generated.
Early-season basketball has a rhythm: flashes of promise, lessons learned from mistakes, and evenings when everything comes together just enough to show a team’s potential. It seemed like one of those nights when Iowa defeated Baylor. While it didn’t address every question, it addressed the most important one, which was whether this group could compete with the best. Miami now looms, unbeaten and self-assured. Without Wright, Iowa will have a defense that just shut down a top-10 opponent, a center who is improving, and a bench player who just finished on a career high. This type of setup is what makes tournament basketball enjoyable. No forecasts, no assurances just another opportunity to discover what this young Iowa team is capable of.
