The upcoming basketball matchup featuring the Iowa Hawkeyes and Michigan State Spartans is generating significant excitement among fans, particularly as both teams head into the game with impressive records. The contest will air on BTN, with play-by-play provided by Chris Vosters and color commentary from Brenda VanLengen. Furthermore, the game will be broadcasted through the Hawkeye Radio Network, reaching a wide audience across Iowa and parts of neighboring states.
Historically, Iowa has established itself as a dominant force in the Big Ten Conference. The program was the first in the conference to reach consecutive National Championships in 2023 and 2024. In the 2023-24 season, the Hawkeyes tied for the most wins in Big Ten history, achieving a remarkable 34 wins alongside Purdue and Maryland. Their consistent performance has also earned them a spot in the national attendance top 10 for the past six years, highlighting their strong fan support.
Iowa’s recent successes include winning four of the last seven Big Ten Tournament titles and maintaining a streak of nine consecutive 20-win seasons, marking one of the longest such runs in program history. The team boasts an impressive 136-20 record at home in Iowa City since 2016, and a commendable 99-30 record against Big Ten opponents since the 2019-20 season. Notably, six former Hawkeyes have found success in the WNBA since 2019, showcasing the talent that the program continues to produce.
Jan Jensen, who became the sixth head coach of the Iowa women’s basketball team in May 2024, has made an immediate impact, leading the squad to 23 wins in her first season, the second most in the program’s history for a coach’s debut. She currently holds a record of 38-13 overall and 16-8 in conference play, which has positioned Iowa for yet another strong postseason run. The Hawkeyes aim for their first 7-0 start in Big Ten play under Jensen, mirroring their previous successful beginning during the 2023-24 season.
On the other hand, Michigan State is also enjoying a notable season, reaching a school-record start of 17-1, with a pivotal 73-71 victory over No. 24 Nebraska solidifying their latest achievement. The Spartans have not only boasted a nine-game winning streak, their longest since the start of last season, but they also hold a 6-1 conference record, their best since the 1996-97 season.
As the Hawkeyes and Spartans prepare to clash once more, Iowa leads the all-time series 44-31 and has triumphed in nine of the last twelve encounters. This matchup promises to be riveting, as both teams seek to continue their successful campaigns in what is shaping up to be a thrilling matchup in the Big Ten.