Hawkeye Big Ten honors fuel Iowa’s 7-0 conference start
Hawkeye Big Ten honors have been piling up in Iowa City after a big weekend of women’s basketball. Senior Hannah Stuelke and freshman Addie Deal were named the Big Ten’s Player and Freshman of the Week, respectively, after both starred in wins over ranked opponents. Their combined efforts powered Iowa to a 7-0 start in Big Ten play the program’s best conference beginning since 2023-24. The two stars were electric in games against Oregon and Michigan State, and their performances have Iowa City buzzing for the faithful, a confirmation that this squad might really be special.
Hawkeye Big Ten honors highlight Iowa’s conference wins
The pair was incredible when the No. 11 Hawkeyes hosted the Oregon Ducks last Thursday. In the 74-66 victory at home, both players scored 18 points, with Deal scoring a career-high 18 on 7-of-9 shooting and Stuelke coming close to a triple-double (18 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists). Notably, Deal converted the game into a one-woman deep shooting clinic by making all four of her 3-point attempts. After Caitlin Clark’s rookie season in 2021, Deal became the first Iowa freshman to score 18 points in a Big Ten game. Iowa won the game handily, going on an early 13-3 run into the second half to secure a pivotal conference victory.
Iowa continued its winning streak by traveling to East Lansing, building on the victory over Oregon. The Hawkeyes defeated No. 15 Michigan State 75-68 on Sunday night to extend their winning streak to six games. With 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists her fourth 20-point game of the year Stuelke led the offense once more. Ava Heiden and Chit-Chat Wright, two sophomore teammates, also scored in double figures, and Deal, a freshman, came off the bench to lead Iowa in the second quarter.
Deal finished with eight points and two assists after making two early 3-pointers to help the Hawkeyes pull away. With a 41-29 halftime lead going into halftime, Iowa’s defense clamped down, limiting MSU to just 30.8% shooting in the second quarter. And as a result of those victories, Iowa rose to its highest ranking to date No. 10 in the nation. Iowa defeated the Spartans 75-68 in East Lansing, making the Hawkeyes 7-0 in Big Ten play for the first time since 2023–2024. The Spartans were never able to mount a strong enough comeback.
Even though Big Ten play is still in its early stages, the conversation surrounding the conference is straightforward: Iowa already appears to be a serious threat on a national level as well as in the Big Ten. This Hawkeyes team may have just made their debut with a six-game winning streak, a rising national ranking, and weekly awards in their trophy case.
This week has been all about momentum and excitement, even outside of the box score and statistics. Viewers at home and at Carver-Hawkeye Arena witnessed the Hawkeyes play with style and assurance. The national media also took notice: Iowa made it into the AP Top 10 for the first time in two years, and the team’s mix of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming rookies has analysts talking. Stuelke and Deal’s accolades feel like a statement in this early season: Iowa is a title threat, not just a contender. For background, the program’s victory on Sunday marked its 100th triumph over Big Ten rivals since 2020.
On January 22, No. 10 Iowa (16-2, 7-0 Big Ten) will travel to play No. 15 Maryland. The phrase “Hawkeye Big Ten honors” will probably keep coming up, regardless of what happens next. For the time being, though, Stuelke and Deal are enjoying the fruits of what has been an incredible week, and Hawkeye supporters have every reason to think that more headlines may be on the horizon.
