The Hawkeye Women’s Basketball Team won the first and fourth quarters against Minnesota but the second and third quarters were all Golden Gophers as they outshot and out rebounded Iowa to build a 20 point lead toward the end of the third quarter. Iowa put several different looks on the floor with 8 players getting minutes as Head Coach Jan Jenson tries to find a combo to replace Taylor McCabe’s contributions.
The Hawkeyes led 25-24 at the end of the first quarter. The Golden Gophers flipped the script in the second quarter as Iowa struggled to get any shots to fall. Minnesota went on a 15-3 run during the first five minutes putting the Hawks behind by nine points at 39-30. The game got significantly more physical in the paint with multiple fouls both directions. The momentum slowed significantly with continual whistles as well as a pause for review. The Hawks showed glimmers of hope including a 3 pointer by Houston at the end but ultimately Minnesota extended their lead to ten ending 49-39 at the half as Iowa’s short average for the second quarter ended under 30%.
In the third quarter, Iowa incurred quick fouls on Steulke, Heiden, and Deal in succession and struggled early with shooting and rebounding again. The Gophers extended their lead after a 6-0 run. Then, Iowa’s Journey Houston absolutely ignited the crowd with 7 points in short order but Minnesota always seemed to have an answer. While their was some excitement in the third, Iowa fell further behind as Minnesota continued to outshoot and out rebound the Hawkeyes. Iowa ended the third quarter down by 17.
The Hawkeyes began chipping away at their deficit in the final quarter including Heiden getting a bucket and one and Wright hitting a triple set of free throws. Four minutes in, the gameplay became really physical with whistles and deafening fans expressing their displeasure. Heiden picked up her fourth foul but stayed in the game and didn’t let it affect her play drawing a foul in the paint shortly thereafter and missing a pair from the charity stripe with a score of 81-67 with just over four minutes to play. Iowa’s Deal fouled out with a questionable call on her fifth. Heiden also fouled out after contributing 24 points. Buckets and fouls continued to be traded. Wright hit a notable 3 bringing the gap to 8 with under a minute to play. The Hawks finally had shots falling and a commendable comeback in the fourth putting them within 5 points but it was too little too late. Final score was a Golden Gopher win 91-85.
Iowa’s next game will be home against Washington next Wednesday as the attempt to break their 3-game losing streak after a record breaking successful start to the season. Coverage is brought to you by Muscatine Power and Water and Ed Morse Chevy, Buick and GMC.
