Whether you are expected to win by 20 points or not expected to win at all, the objective is all the same in March, Survive and advance. That’s was the the feeling in the Iowa locker room along with a collective sigh of relief after the Hawkeyes 58-48 win over upset-minded 15 seed Farleigh Dickenson.
In a game where both teams played aggressive defense and the Hawkeye’s out rebounded and out shot the upset minded Knights, how did FDU stay so close throughout a back and forth low scoring game?
They hit 10 three pointers to Iowa’s single three to offset being out shot and out rebounded. They were able to stay in striking distance with their outside shooting but never led in the game.
It was far from a perfect showing, but the Hawkeyes are advancing to play Virginia Monday in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32. They led by as little as a single point in the middle of the fourth quarter, but outscored FDU 14-5 down the stretch to close out a 58-48 win. FDU seemed to hit a three every time they needed to in order to keep the game close but in reality they only made 10 of 32 attempts. Iowa countered by going to the free throw line repeatedly in the second half.
The Hawkeyes could have won going away by an even bigger score if they hit their free throws in the 4th quarter. At one point they missed 7 out of 9 and only hit 17 of 29 for the game.
Ava Heiden was the star of the day for the Hawkeyes, scoring 29 points on 11 of 16 shooting while hitting all seven free throw attempts. In the second half she took over the game consistently scoring inside to keep Iowa ahead. She also had 11 rebounds and three assists.
Hannah Stuelke added her 9th double double of the season and Kylie Feuerbach recorded a career high 11 rebounds. Iowa moves to 16-1 in games that Taylor Streamlow is in the starting lineup
Iowa will play Virginia on Monday in the Round of 32 at Carver Hawkeye Arena. Game time is still to be determined and coverage is brought to you by Muscatine Power and Water.
