In a thrilling matchup at the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Showcase, the No. 19 Iowa Hawkeyes (5-0) emerged victorious against the No. 7 Baylor Bears (4-1), securing a 57-52 win in Orlando, Florida. This victory marks a significant achievement for Iowa, showcasing their resilience and strong defensive efforts throughout the game.
Key Performers of the Game
Sophomore Ava Heiden and Taylor Stremlow were the standout players for Iowa. Heiden recorded 18 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists, highlighting her dominance inside the paint with her third double-double of the season. Meanwhile, Stremlow made a noteworthy contribution with a career-high of 12 points, alongside four assists.
Game Highlights
- The first quarter opened defensively, with Iowa executing a 7-0 run.
- Iowa’s defense forced six turnovers, contributing to their 11 first-quarter points.
- Heiden played a crucial role, contributing four points, two assists, and two rebounds early on.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
The second quarter showcased a back-and-forth contest. Early baskets from Heiden and senior Hannah Stuelke gave Iowa a brief edge. However, Baylor responded with an exceptional run of 11 straight points, creating their largest lead of the game and forcing an Iowa timeout.
Post-timeout, Heiden drew a foul and converted both free throws, helping Iowa break its scoring drought. Senior Taylor McCabe and sophomore Chit Chat Wright each added three-point baskets, tying the game at 23-23 with two minutes remaining. Baylor managed to hold a narrow 28-25 lead at halftime.
Strong Second Half for Iowa
In the third quarter, Iowa demonstrated their tenacity, finishing the period with a slim 41-39 lead. The Hawkeyes capitalized on their free-throw opportunities, making five of seven attempts. Heiden led the quarter with seven points, while Stremlow added six.
The fourth quarter began with Baylor hitting a three-pointer, but Stremlow quickly responded with one of her own. After a series of exchanges, the score was tied at 48-48 with just over six minutes left.
An Impressive Finish
Iowa closed the game with a decisive 9-4 run. Notably, Baylor failed to score a single field goal in the final six minutes, allowing Iowa to secure a well-deserved victory against a top-10 opponent.
This triumph reinforces Iowa’s status as a formidable team in women’s basketball as they continue to build on their impressive start to the season.
