Iowa women’s basketball on Sunday was unfazed by the snow outside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. If anything, it appeared to give the Hawkeyes an advantage. Iowa appeared to be a team settling into its identity as they returned to Big Ten play for their conference home opener. With a 99-76 victory over Penn State, the No. 14 Hawkeyes improved to 11-2 overall and 2-0 in league play. It was convincing, loud, and full of energy. Above all, it was well-balanced.
Iowa set the tone from the first tip. There were no protracted pauses or times when it seemed like the game might veer off course. Rather, the Hawkeyes set the pace, punished Penn State inside, and relied on a combination of youthful confidence and veteran steadiness to send supporters home grinning on a wintry afternoon. What, then, did Iowa’s most recent Big Ten victory teach us? There were three things that were very evident.
Chit-Chat Wright sets the tempo
Chit-Chat In Jan Jensen’s first season as the program’s leader, Wright has subtly emerged as one of the most crucial players, and Sunday served as yet another reminder of her worth. The transfer from Georgia Tech came across as assertive, self-assured, and totally in charge. Before the rest of the lineup settled into a rhythm, she scored 12 of her points early on. Wright finished the afternoon with 16 points, three rebounds, and six assists. Only a portion of the story is revealed by those figures. She directed traffic, maintained the offense’s organization, and ensured the Hawkeyes received high-quality looks, providing Iowa with the serene presence they needed.
When she was sidelined earlier in the season, Iowa felt her absence, and now that she is well again, the difference is clear. Wright is a true floor general who knows when to push, when to slow things down, and when to give others the opportunity to shine. Her steady hand will be crucial as Big Ten play intensifies and defenses become more formidable. Her confidence in her ability to guide this offense where it wants to go should only grow as a result of performances like this one.
Ava Heiden delivers a career day
Ava Heiden had the most memorable performance on Sunday. With a career-high 27 points and nine rebounds, the sophomore center had the best performance of her early career. She shot 13-of-19 from the field and scored in a number of ways, demonstrating her efficiency and tenacity. Inside, Penn State just couldn’t respond to her. Heiden was not limited to the periphery. She consistently made the correct read, mixed in mid-range jumpers, and displayed patience in the post. She countered each time the Lady Lions attempted to adapt. It was the kind of performance that makes opponents reconsider their strategy.
Heiden has already had a breakout season, and Sunday seemed to make a big impression. She appears at ease in Jensen’s scheme and growing more assured as the offense’s main attraction. Calling her an early contender for Big Ten Player of the Year is not out of the question. Heiden appears to be the next great post player in Iowa’s long line of successful players. Her development speaks to the general optimism surrounding this roster, even beyond the numbers. The Hawkeyes are young, gifted, and obviously enjoying working together to solve problems.
Owning the paint and the glass
There was more than one player that contributed to Iowa’s dominance. The boards were where it was most evident. The Hawkeyes outrebounded the Lady Lions 48–27, crushing Penn State on the glass. The 21 offensive rebounds, which directly resulted in second-chance points and wore down Penn State over the course of four quarters, were even more telling. In the paint, Iowa outscored the Lady Lions 56–34, and that difference was crucial to the outcome. Journey Houston, a freshman forward, played a significant role in that endeavor. On her way to an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double, she pulled down six offensive rebounds, demonstrating the kind of vigor and bravery that can change games. Another indication of how deep and adaptable Iowa’s frontcourt has grown was Houston’s performance.
The Hawkeyes have several players who can dominate portions of a game, including Heiden, Houston, Hannah Stuelke, and rookie Layla Hays. Jensen’s philosophy of attacking the paint and winning the rebounding battle is a perfect fit for that group. They did just that on Sunday. This victory felt like more than just another conference triumph as Iowa approaches the New Year. The team appeared to be settling into a rhythm, embracing its advantages, and gaining momentum at the ideal moment. The Hawkeyes are setting themselves up for success in the upcoming Big Ten season if this performance is any indication.
