In a crucial Big Ten game, No. 14 Iowa travels to Evanston to take on Northwestern. It will be more than just another Big Ten game in early January when No. 14 Iowa takes on Northwestern on Monday night. As the Hawkeyes get ready for what is probably their final game against longtime Northwestern coach Joe McKeown, the game combines conference stakes, opposing momentum, and a sense of finality. The Big Ten Network will broadcast the game nationally on Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Illinois. Hawkeye Radio Network affiliates are another way for fans to listen.
Iowa has clarity and confidence going into the competition. Along with Illinois, UCLA, and USC, the Hawkeyes are one of just four conference teams still undefeated in league action. They are 12-2 overall and 3-0 in Big Ten play. Northwestern, which is 6-8 overall and 0-3 in the Big Ten, has had difficulty establishing itself in conference play. However, Big Ten road games are rarely easy, and Iowa is more aware than most that records don’t always reflect the whole picture.
This matchup has historical significance as well. McKeown has been a head coach for 40 seasons, including 18 at Evanston. He is currently in his final season at Northwestern. Many consider Monday’s game to be the last in this long-running coaching rivalry, as Iowa and Northwestern may not play each other every season going forward.
Iowa has a recent advantage on the court. The Hawkeyes have defeated Northwestern five times in a row, including an 85-80 triumph in Iowa City during the previous campaign. As the season goes on, Iowa has demonstrated the poise that was needed in the final moments of that game.
Iowa is riding high from a convincing victory over ranked opponents going into Monday’s match. The Hawkeyes defeated No. 20 Nebraska 86-76 at home on Thursday night in a game that put their poise to the test. Late in the fourth quarter, Iowa was locked in a 70-70 tie. They responded with a decisive 10-0 run, turning a tense situation into a spectacular conclusion.
A well-rounded offensive effort drove that surge. With 24 points, Chit-Chat Wright led the way, attacking with assurance and scoring when Iowa most needed it. After that, Hannah Stuelke had a fantastic game with 21 points and 10 rebounds, demonstrating once more her capacity to influence the game on both ends of the court.
Ava Heiden continued to establish herself as one of Iowa’s most dependable scoring options by adding 18 points. With 15.7 points per game, Heiden now leads the Hawkeyes in scoring, followed by Stuelke at 14.0 and Wright at 13.2. As the Big Ten schedule gets more demanding, that trio has grown to be the foundation of Iowa’s offense, offering consistency, flexibility, and balance.
Despite its difficulties in the conference, Northwestern has a potent individual presence going into Monday’s game. The 6-foot-4 senior forward Grace Sullivan has been among the league’s top scorers. She ranks second among Big Ten scorers going into the game with an average of 23.0 points per game. She does this with incredible efficiency, shooting 60.1 percent from the field. Iowa’s defense will be clearly challenged by Sullivan’s size and scoring ability, especially in the paint.
Controlling tempo and maintaining defensive discipline will be crucial for Iowa. The Hawkeyes have demonstrated their ability to weather runs, close games, and make last-minute adjustments—qualities crucial for Big Ten road success. Additionally, they have demonstrated the ability to rely on a variety of scoring options instead of just one hot hand.
Iowa’s road swing continues later this week, and Monday’s game is part of a challenging stretch. Tipoff for the Hawkeyes’ next game is set for 4 p.m. on Sunday at Indiana. Because of this, Monday’s game is a crucial chance to keep up the momentum and maintain perfection in conference play.
As January progresses, Iowa is in a prime position: battle-tested, unbeaten in the league, and steadily gaining confidence. Northwestern will be inspired by senior leadership, home-court energy, and the importance of McKeown’s farewell season even though they are still looking for their first Big Ten victory. It will be more than just standings and streaks when the ball is raised on Monday night.
It will be about resiliency, execution, and the kinds of moments that characterize conference basketball. It’s another opportunity for Iowa to demonstrate that its impressive start is not coincidental. For Northwestern, it’s a chance to cause trouble, protect home court, and pay tribute to a coach who has worked for forty years.
Either way, Welsh-Ryan Arena will be the stage for a meaningful Big Ten battle.
