Number 14 The Big Ten game that Iowa women’s basketball will play at home to end the season feels significant for reasons other than just the standings.
The Hawkeyes will host Penn State in their Big Ten home opener on Sunday afternoon at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in an attempt to turn things around following a difficult defeat and reaffirm their status as a contender in the league. Penn State travels to Iowa City with a 7-5 overall record and a 0-1 conference record, while Iowa has a 10-2 overall record and a 1-0 record in Big Ten play. The Big Ten Network will broadcast the game nationally, with a tipoff time of 3 p.m. CT.
After losing to No. 1 UConn 90-64 on December 20 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, the Hawkeyes see this game as an opportunity to bounce back. Despite the lopsided outcome, that game served as a benchmark against the top-ranked team in the country and taught Iowa many valuable lessons as they get ready for the rigors of Big Ten play.
One of Iowa’s strong points against UConn was senior forward Hannah Stuelke, who led the team with 17 points on an effective 8-of-11 shooting effort. She also completed the stat sheet with five assists and five rebounds, demonstrating her all-around influence when the offense is playing well. With 16 points on 6-of-12 shooting and a consistent presence on the perimeter, sophomore guard Chit-Chat Wright also had a great performance.
But in that particular game, turnovers made all the difference. Iowa made 26 turnovers against UConn’s unrelenting defensive pressure, which the Huskies turned into 41 points. That deficit was too much to overcome and served as a reminder of how deft the Hawkeyes must be with the ball, particularly when facing teams that enjoy making mistakes.
As conference play intensifies, Iowa will try to tidy up and play with more poise now that they are back on their home court. The Hawkeyes will rely on that home-court energy as they take on a Penn State team looking to secure its first league victory. Carver-Hawkeye Arena has long been one of the most difficult settings in the Big Ten.
Penn State is 0-1 in Big Ten play going into the game, but the Nittany Lions have proven they can be dangerous and competitive when they establish a rhythm. Setting the tone early, guarding the basketball, and reestablishing the offensive flow that got them through most of their nonconference play will be Iowa’s main priorities.
The game is available on the Big Ten Network for fans who intend to watch from home. Sloane Martin will be in charge of play-by-play for the TV show, while Shimmy Miller will provide color commentary. The Hawkeye Radio Network will broadcast the game, with Rob Brooks providing play-by-play and Kathryn Reynolds providing analysis, for those who would rather hear it on the radio.
Fans without access to traditional cable can also choose from streaming options. Fubo, which provides a free trial for new subscribers, is a convenient choice for viewers wishing to watch Iowa’s Big Ten home opener against Penn State without making a long-term commitment.
Games like this one become more significant as Iowa moves on to the center of its Big Ten schedule. The conference schedule leaves little opportunity for disappointments, and the Hawkeyes have already witnessed how narrow the margin for error can be against elite competition. The game on Sunday is a chance to recover, gain self-assurance, and get off to a fast start in the new year.
With the support of their home crowd and the knowledge gained from their defeat to UConn, Iowa will try to play calmly and sharply against Penn State. Hawkeye supporters will be watching closely to see how this team reacts as Big Ten play gets underway. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
