INDIANAPOLIS
The Hawkeyes returned to the hardwood in Indy tonight for a second round Big 10 tournament match against #6 seed Michigan State. The last matchup between these two teams came down to the wire with MSU taking the W. The Hawkeyes once again want to prove that basketball prowess runs deeper than just their esteemed alumni. After the game last night Coach Jensen stated they would have a tough match ahead tonight and she was dead right. The Gainbridge Fieldhouse held a sparse crowd, but it was disproportionately cheering for an Iowa win.
The Hawkeyes starting lineup should look familiar consisting of veterans McCabe, Affolter, Feuerbach, Olsen, and Stuelke. Michigan took the tipoff only to have it stolen by Stuelke and dished to McCabe for a three. Next time back down the court Olsen snagged a steal to wake up the Spartans. The first couple of minutes were full of sloppy passes both ways but also some great Iowa defense. The Hawks held that 3-0 lead for three minutes until Michigan State finally got a bucket to fall. Both teams came in playing very physical, fast, and high pressure forcing several turnovers in addition to a couple of Iowa fouls (Stuelke & Olsen) in the first 5 minutes.
The Spartans were able to go on a 9-0 run putting them up by 6 before Iowa was able to put up an answer in the form of an Olsen jump shot. Michigan State was outshooting Iowa 40% to 20% early but at this point it looks like whoever is able to clean up their passes and offense skills will be able to take control. You could see the frustration mount for Iowa after continued poor passing. Olsen was able to push the Hawks back within 2 points (12-14) but the Spartans continued to answer. The quarter ended 12-16 Michigan State as Iowa struggled to put the ball in the net shooting just 25% and only 2-9 from the three-point line. For Iowa to get back in this game, they need to be on target with their passing and have some luck with their shooting. Olsen carried the team in the first quarter putting in 9 of Iowa’s 12 points, with McCabe putting up the other three.
The second quarter started at a notably slower more controlled pace and Stuelke was able to capitalize by putting up two points on the first Iowa possession, closing the gap to two. A reverse by Affolter on the next possession tied the score at 16 and woke up the Iowa fans. Free throws by Stuelke gave Iowa their first lead since the opening possesion. Iowa kept the momentum as Olsen was able to sneak a layup in for 2 putting Iowa up by 4 and causing Michigan State to use a timeout.
Another layup for Olsen after the timeout extended the lead to 6. With five minutes left in the half, Iowa was up 24-16 and Stuelke was on fire on both ends of the court. Iowa got their defense under control and pushed the score to 28-16 with 3:37 left in the half when MSU used their second time out to figure out how to try to put a stop to the Iowa momentum. Iowa put Heiden in who picked up a quick foul. Mallegni also picked up a defensive foul putting MSU at the line as Iowa continued to switch up looks on the court. Stuelke also picked up her second foul as both teams were moving around the court with lightning speed. Michigan was able to inch closer and closer, coming within 5 before Iowa putting in the last bucket of the half. The score was 32-25 with Iowa leading at the half. Both teams will need some rest and a revised game plan to compete in the final 20 minutes. Iowa only shot 2 for 14 from three and will need better shooting to keep the lead.
[foogallery id=”295822″]Michigan dropped back to back threes out the gate in the third quarter putting them down by one and forcing an Iowa timeout after one minute of play. Shortly after the time, Stuelke picked up a bucket and Olsen picked up her third foul which will undoubtedly be a factor going forward. McCabe was able to help keep Iowa in the lead by knocking down a three. That victory was short-lived as Stuelke picked up her third foul and Coach Jensen was charged a technical foul. Affolter was able to help pick up the pieces with a fast break layup giving Iowa 39 to MSU 37 with 7min left in the quarter. Iowa continued to be fired up on the bench with the team being warned to stay by their seats.
A three by MSU tied up the game at 40 with 6 minutes left in the third and this game has taken a turn away from Iowa. A Spartan bucket followed by a steal on an inbound turned into another MSU bucket put the Spartans up 41-44 with 5:20 on the clock and Iowa is going to have to find another way to get control of this game with three fouls looming on their top two scorers this game and lots of minutes left. The Michigan defense has been relentless, and Iowa’s frustration is boiling over. Another Iowa timeout hopes to reset the team. The Spartans continued to put on the pressure but McCabe was able to drop a three getting Iowa within two. Olsen then once again snuck in the lane tying it back up at 46 with 3 minutes in the third. Again, a short-lived celebration with Stuelke picking up a fourth foul on the next play and Iowa continues to struggle to get their game back on track. Iowa struggled to get calls their way until Heiden was able to draw a foul under the basket and sink one of two from the line. Heiden was also able to put in a tough bucket soon thereafter and another on the next play while also drawing a foul. Out of nowhere Heiden has 6 points, and Iowa is up by 4 with one minute left in the quarter. The Spartans’ aggressive defense finally got a call putting Olsen at the line to hit 2 and set the score at 54-48 Iowa where it would remain as the clock wound down. With nothing to lose, it is clear the Spartans are calculating they can be highly aggressive on defense and push the Hawks into foul trouble as long as calls keep going their way. Iowa is going to have to be careful but still on point offensively in the fourth to keep their lead. They are on their way ending the quarter on an 8-0 run over the previous two minutes.
In the final quarter, Heiden picked up another two points early, but MSU continued to answer. Feuerbach picked up her first foul, but also drew a Spartan foul a minute later. With limited minutes on play, it looks like Heiden was not on the scouting report as she continues to make moves and another pair of back-to-back buckets (10 points thus far). Despite having 3 fouls, Olsen continues to drive aggressively on offense and got back to the line with 7:13 left to put the Hawks up 61-53. More MSU pressure on Olsen and another MSU foul may force them to rethink their defensive style on Iowa’s leading scorer. Another McCabe 3 to extend Iowa’s lead to 9 with just over five minutes left (64-55). Iowa is finally hitting a respectable shooting percentage and calls in their favor.
With 5 minutes left to play, Iowa put Stuelke back in the middle. Iowa went into a drought for two minutes which was broken by Stuelke with under 3 minutes to play. MSU took a timeout with 1:38 to play and Iowa up 70-61. Iowa burned clock the next play and Feuerbach drained a three (73-61). Heiden and Stuelke playing side by side helped Iowa keep possession and Heiden once again found herself at the free throw line where she hit one. MSU took their final timeout with 33 seconds left and a deficit of 13 points.
Iowa will play Ohio State in round 3 tomorrow evening on Big Ten Network. Big Ten Tournament coverage sponsored by Uptown Motors and Sedona Staffing.
