The Iowa women’s basketball team, ranked No. 12, is set to face Lindenwood on December 13, 2023, following a tough road loss to Iowa State. The Hawkeyes fell to the No. 10 ranked Cyclones with a score of 74-69. The game marked a challenging moment for star sophomore Ava Heiden, who fouled out and played under 16 minutes.
Iowa’s Key Matchup Against Lindenwood
With a record of 9-1 this season, the Hawkeyes are looking to bounce back quickly from their defeat. Facing the Lions, currently 7-2, marks Iowa’s final mid-major game before a critical showdown against the top-ranked UConn on December 20.
Critical Free-Throw Performance Needed
- Free-throw shooting is a crucial area for improvement. Iowa managed only 50% in their last performance against Iowa State.
- This season, the Hawkeyes have averaged 22 free-throw attempts per game in their previous mid-major wins.
- Enhancing their 65% free-throw shooting percentage could significantly impact their overall performance.
Lindenwood’s Upset Potential
Lindenwood comes in ranked No. 79 in the NET rankings and is establishing itself as a strong contender in the Ohio Valley Conference. The Lions previously reached the WNIT and are looking for further success this season.
- The Lions have notable victories such as a 68-52 win over Drake.
- They also faced Baylor, losing 76-63 in a competitive match.
Nationally, Lindenwood ranks 23rd in 3-point shooting percentage at 37.5% and 40th in assists per game at 16.9. Key players for the Lions include:
- Aleshia Jones – 15.9 points per game
- Ellie Brueggemann – 13.4 points per game
- Brooke Coffey – 12.6 points per game
Iowa’s Interior Advantage
The Hawkeyes possess a height advantage with Ava Heiden and teammates Hannah Stuelke and Layla Hays. Compared to Lindenwood’s roster, which has only one player taller than 6’1″ playing significant minutes, Iowa should have a strong performance in the paint.
Looking Ahead
As the game approaches, all eyes will be on Chit-Chat Wright. After a standout performance against Iowa State, scoring 21 points, she is essential for Iowa’s offensive flow.
Heading into the Lindenwood game, the prediction for the outcome favors Iowa. They are expected to regain their footing, with a projected score of Iowa 85, Lindenwood 69. This match serves as a crucial stepping stone before the highly anticipated game against UConn.
