Carver-Hawkeye Arena is illuminated by the Iowa vs. Michigan State match. One of the most anticipated Big Ten women’s basketball games of the season takes place tonight between Iowa and Michigan State, two programs ranked in the Top 15. Carver-Hawkeye Arena will host a high-stakes game that feels much bigger than a January matchup, with momentum, rankings, and conference positioning all on the line.
Iowa, ranked 13th, comes into the competition on a strong wave. With a perfect 6-0 record in Big Ten play and a 15-2 overall record, the Hawkeyes demonstrate confidence, depth, and balance on both ends of the court. On the other side of the court is No. 15 Michigan State, who are equally dangerous at 17-1 and 6-1 in conference play. They come to Iowa City with a reputation for perseverance and late-game performance.
The Big Ten statement game is set for Iowa vs. Michigan State. A glimpse of why Iowa is so hard to contain was provided by their most recent game. On January 15, the Hawkeyes defeated Oregon 74-66 without the need for a single hero. Rather, they relied on group excellence. Hannah Stuelke, a senior forward, finished with a career-high 18 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, and two steals. She continues to be Iowa’s offensive engine due to her ability to influence the game in a variety of ways.
However, Addie Deal, a rookie guard, had the night. Deal scored a career-high 18 points on an incredibly effective 7-for-9 shooting performance while playing with poise well beyond her years. In just 20 minutes off the bench, she was perfect from beyond the arc, making all four of her 3-pointers. It was perceived by Iowa supporters as a breakthrough moment, the kind that heralds the arrival of a new star in the program.
Meanwhile, Michigan State comes off an exciting victory over No. 24 Nebraska, 73-71. With five seconds remaining, sophomore Juliann Woodard calmly made two crucial free throws to seal the victory, while senior forward Grace VanSlooten led the Spartans with 22 points.
Michigan State is a real threat in hostile territory because of their ability to remain composed under pressure, which has defined their season. In the past, Iowa has had an advantage. The Hawkeyes have won nine of the last twelve meetings, including five of the last six, and have a 44-31 series advantage. However, records and rankings indicate that this one won’t follow a script.
Injury report
Both senior forward Jada Gyamfi, who was declared permanently out earlier in December, and sophomore wing Emely Rodriguez will be absent from Iowa. With guard Theryn Hallock (10.6 points per game) and forward Isaline Alexander (9.6 points per game) absent, Michigan State is also short-staffed.
How to watch Iowa vs Michigan State
TV: Big Ten Network
Tipoff: 7 p.m. CT
Location: Carver-Hawkeye Arena
Brenda VanLengen will offer commentary on the broadcast, while Chris Vosters will handle play-by-play. Fubo, which provides a free trial for new users, allows fans to stream the game. Additionally, Rob Brooks and Kathryn Reynolds can be heard on the Hawkeye Radio Network. This Iowa vs. Michigan State game feels like a litmus test for both teams as January basketball heats up.
It’s an opportunity for Iowa to defend home court and continue their winning streak in the conference. It’s a chance for Michigan State to change the story and declare itself a serious contender for the Big Ten championship. In any case, the atmosphere will be electrifying, and the result may reverberate well into March
