Thrilling Matchup: Minnesota vs. Iowa
In a thrilling matchup on Thursday night, the University of Minnesota women’s basketball team defeated the No. 10-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes with a narrow score of 91-85, marking their fifth consecutive win.
Game Highlights
The Gophers improved their record to 17-6 overall and 8-4 in the Big Ten, achieving their longest streak in conference play since the 2018-19 season. Conversely, Iowa, who now stands at 18-5 and 9-3 within the conference, succumbed to their third loss in a row, coinciding with the absence of starting guard Taylor McCabe, the team’s top three-point shooter, who has been sidelined for the season due to a knee injury.
Second Half Dominance
During the game, Minnesota dominated the majority of the second half, showcasing an impressive shooting percentage of 51.6%, including a stellar performance from beyond the arc where they converted on 10 of 14 attempts. The Gophers established a commanding lead, reaching a high of 20 points at 77-57 with less than eight minutes remaining. In addition to their scoring prowess, Minnesota also controlled the boards, boasting a rebounding advantage of 41-28.
Key Contributors
Key contributors for the Gophers included:
- Grace Grocholski: 21 points
- Mara Braun: 16 points
- Tori McKinney: 15 points
- Amaya Battle: 12 points and 14 rebounds
- Finau Tonga: 10 points
On the opposing side, Iowa’s offense was led by:
- Ava Heiden: 24 points
- Chazadi Wright: 20 points and a career-high 12 assists
- Journey Houston: 15 points
- Hannah Stuelke: 14 points
Recent Struggles for Iowa
The Hawkeyes entered this game following a disappointing West Coast trip, where they lost to both USC and UCLA by a combined margin of 35 points, resulting in a tie for the top spot in the Big Ten. Unfortunately for Iowa, the struggles continued, culminating in the end of their 11-game winning streak against Minnesota.
Significance of the Victory
Minnesota’s victory is particularly noteworthy as it marks the program’s first win over a ranked opponent on the road since 2005.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the Gophers will face Rutgers on Sunday, while Iowa is set to host Washington on February 11.
Stay informed on the latest developments in women’s college basketball by following the AP Top 25 throughout the season.
