The Iowa women started slow but flipped the switch behind Dani Carnegie, who led all scorers with 21 points, five rebounds and five assists in her Hawkeye debut. First-year McKenna Woliczko added 10 points, eight rebounds and three blocks, while Chit-Chat’ Wright contributed 14 points and three 3-pointers.
After a slow start, Iowa found its rhythm midway through the first quarter, sparked by a 3-pointer from Woliczko. The Hawkeyes used a 7-0 run, beginning with a layup from second-year Layla Hays, to build a 10-4 advantage. Iowa converted five free throws in the opening period and carried a 17-14 lead into the second quarter.
The Hawkeyes leaned on their defense in the second quarter, holding Towson to just nine points. After going scoreless for more than four minutes, Iowa regained its offensive rhythm with a 3-pointer from second-year Journey Houston. The Hawkeyes closed the half on a 10-0 run, holding the Tigers scoreless over the final 5:17. Third-year Taylor Stremlow highlighted the defensive effort with two steals and a block as Iowa took a 33-23 advantage into halftime.
Iowa continued to build its lead in the third quarter, scoring eight points in the paint and outscoring Towson, 19-14. Wright provided a spark with a 3-pointer and three free throws, while Woliczko added four points and six rebounds in the period. The Hawkeyes extended their lead to as many as 17 before entering the final quarter ahead, 52-37.
The Hawkeyes pulled away in the fourth quarter, outscoring Towson, 21-8, to secure the 73-45 victory. Iowa shot 50 percent (8-of-16) from the field in the final period, led by Carnegie’s 10 points. The Hawkeyes closed the contest on a 12-0 run, holding the Tigers scoreless over the final 3:56.
The Hawkeyes return to action Thursday against Eastern Illinois at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m., on MC 93. Iowa will then travel to face No. 2 UConn on Sunday.
