The Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team is set to face off against the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) Panthers this Sunday at 2 p.m. at the McLeod Center in Cedar Falls. The matchup will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and can also be followed via the Hawkeye Radio Network affiliates.
Iowa enters this contest with an impressive record of 3-0, having won their last five encounters against UNI and 17 of the past 18 matchups, including a hard-fought 92-86 victory in Iowa City last season. The Hawkeyes are on a dominant streak, winning ten consecutive games against in-state rivals. Their latest triumph came against Drake, where they delivered a decisive 100-58 win at home.
As of Friday morning, Iowa ranks among the top ten nationally in several key statistical categories: they lead in assists per game with an average of 27.7, boast a fifth-best field goal percentage of 56.8%, hold an eighth-ranked rebound margin of plus-22.0, and also stand eighth in points per game with 101.7. The team’s balanced offensive approach has seen six players reach double figures in scoring over their last two games, with five averaging 11 points or more this season. Leading the charge for Iowa is sophomore Ava Heiden, who averages 16.3 points and 10.0 rebounds per game.
On the other hand, the UNI Panthers are looking for their first win of the season after suffering defeats to North Dakota State at home and Saint Louis on the road. UNI features five players from Iowa, including starting lineup members Ryley Goebel from Center Point-Urbana and Jenna Twedt from Benton Community/Kirkwood Community College.
As both teams prepare for this exciting matchup, the Hawkeyes will aim to continue their strong performance, while UNI will strive to turn their fortunes around. The game promises to be a thrilling display of talent as local rivals clash on the court.