Thrilling Overtime Showdown
In a thrilling overtime showdown on Thursday night, the No. 10 Iowa Hawkeyes secured an 85-78 victory over the No. 15 Maryland Terrapins, despite nearly squandering a significant 17-point advantage in the closing moments of regulation. Iowa, boasting an impressive record of 17 wins and just 2 losses, remained undefeated in conference play with an 8-0 standing, marking their best start in Big Ten action since the 1995-96 season, when they won their first 12 games.
Standout Performers
Ava Heiden was a standout for Iowa, contributing 20 points, while Chazadi Wright also made a notable impact, adding 18 points to the scoreboard. Maryland showed resilience, staging a dramatic comeback from a 66-49 deficit late in the fourth quarter, culminating in the game being tied at 73 on a crucial 3-pointer by Oluchi Okananwa just 9.3 seconds before the end of regulation.
Game Dynamics
This nail-biting match saw Maryland, whose season record now stands at 17 wins and 4 losses, briefly take the lead in overtime. However, their offensive struggles in the final moments allowed Iowa to pull ahead once more. This loss follows a disappointing 97-67 defeat for Maryland against UCLA last weekend, marking their second consecutive loss.
Iowa held the lead at halftime, 33-27, and extended it thanks to an 8-2 run that concluded the third quarter. The fourth quarter saw Journey Houston scoring three consecutive baskets that seemed to set Iowa on a comfortable path. Yet, the dynamic shifted as Maryland responded, starting with a three-point play from Addi Mack, triggering a series of events that would lead to a dramatic comeback attempt.
As the clock wound down, Maryland managed to cut the deficit to a mere three points after aggressive plays and quick turnovers from Iowa. After Kylie Feuerbach made a pair of free throws to widen the gap, Okananwa delivered a stunning 3-pointer to level the game, showcasing the team’s tenacity.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Iowa will face No. 12 Ohio State on Sunday, while Maryland prepares to host Washington on Wednesday night. The atmosphere and stakes in this year’s Big Ten matches continue to rise as teams vie for positioning in the ongoing season.
