LINCOLN, Neb. – No. 13 ranked Iowa women’s basketball team secured a solid 80-67 victory over Nebraska on Monday afternoon at Pinnacle Bank Arena. With this win, the Hawkeyes have achieved 20 wins for the 10th consecutive season, marking a significant milestone in the program’s history.
Sophomore Ava Heiden delivered an outstanding performance, contributing 27 points on an impressive 12-for-15 shooting, along with 11 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks. This remarkable game marked Heiden’s sixth double-double, showcasing her growing influence on the court.
Iowa’s dominance started right from the first quarter with a 10-0 run, as the team capitalized on five forced turnovers from Nebraska. Sophomore Taylor Stremlow also made her mark, going a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. The Hawkeyes shot an impressive 71.4 percent from the field, leading by a significant 25-13 margin at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw Heiden continue her stellar play, going 6-for-6 in the paint and scoring 14 of Iowa’s 20 points for the quarter. Meanwhile, the defense kept Nebraska in check, limiting them to 50 percent shooting. At halftime, the Hawkeyes had established a commanding 45-27 lead.
After halftime, Nebraska attempted to rally, cutting the gap to 11 points midway through the third quarter. However, Iowa responded robustly with an 11-1 run, highlighted by a crucial jumper from sophomore Chit-Chat Wright. The third quarter concluded with Iowa leading 69-49.
Iowa started the fourth quarter strong with another 7-0 run, with Heiden contributing five points to set a tie for her career-high with 27 points. The Hawkeyes’ ability to force turnovers proved vital in the game, as they capitalized on 18 turnovers from Nebraska, scoring 27 points as a result—setting a season-best against a Big Ten opponent.
This victory not only strengthens Iowa’s position in the standings but also highlights their resilience and impressive teamwork as they continue their season.