Iowa women’s basketball team’s thrilling victory over Maryland in overtime was dramatic. No. 10 Iowa (17–2, 8–0 Big Ten) shocked No. 15 Maryland in College Park on January 22, 2026, winning 85–78 in overtime.
The Hawkeyes gained a significant lead early on, but it almost disappeared in the end, but they managed to hold on in overtime. Chit-Chat Wright contributed 18 points and five assists, while Ava Heiden, a sophomore center, led Iowa with 20 points and eight rebounds. Iowa remained undefeated in league play thanks to their well-rounded attack.
Resilience is highlighted in Iowa’s women’s basketball victory. Thanks to accurate shooting and strong defense, Iowa jumped out to a 33–27 halftime lead and extended it to 66–49 early in the fourth quarter. However, Maryland mounted a valiant comeback, scoring 34 points in the closing minutes to overcome the 17-point deficit.
The Terps cut Iowa’s lead to one with 22 seconds remaining, and junior Oluchi Okananwa made a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to tie the score at 73. The shot forced overtime and sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Iowa steadied itself in overtime. Wright and Heiden led the Hawkeyes to a 12-5 victory over Maryland in the extra session. Heiden added four points in overtime after Wright scored eight points, six of which came from crucial free throws. Iowa’s defense, meanwhile, tightened up, preventing Maryland from scoring in the last three and a half minutes, enabling Iowa to pull away and win 85–78. After the game, Iowa coach Jan Jensen praised her team’s composure when “their backs are against the wall,” saying, “We just had to stay the course.”
Wright praised the ability to remain composed under duress. Regarding her strategy during the late-game drama, she remarked, “Just stay calm and collected; I don’t try to let anybody rush me.” In overtime, her consistent free-throw shooting helped seal the victory.
This Iowa team has been characterized by its resiliency, according to Jensen. Jensen praised the Hawkeyes’ ability to overcome frustration in the fourth quarter, saying, “This is what this team has been all year; they’ve just been resilient.”
Okananwa scored 14 points in the second half and overtime, and center Isimenme Ozzy-Momodu recorded a career-high 18 points and 12 rebounds for Maryland. But in the end, the Hawkeyes outlasted the Terrapins and won. Iowa had its best conference start since 1995–1996, going 8–0 in Big Ten play.
Iowa supporters had much to celebrate after the win. The Hawkeyes’ clutch performance caused social media to erupt with pride, and headlines emphasized the “Iowa women’s basketball win” as a game that made a statement.
Coach Jensen’s team will relish this momentum as they head back home to take on No. 12 Ohio State next, determined to maintain their winning streak and demonstrate once more that they can withstand even the most trying circumstances.
