The highly anticipated women’s basketball matchup between the Lindenwood Lions (7-2) and the #11 Iowa Hawkeyes (9-1) is set to take place on Saturday at 2:00 PM CT. This event marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs, with Iowa holding a solid historical record of 12-2 against teams from the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC).
The Iowa Hawkeyes have demonstrated impressive offensive capabilities this season, averaging 82.0 points per game with a field goal percentage of 49.7%. They also excel in three-point shooting, converting 36.7% of their attempts. Defensively, Iowa has been formidable, allowing just 55.7 points per game, with a notable rebounding margin of +13.6, reflecting their dominance on the boards.
On the other hand, the Lindenwood Lions, who are coming off a stellar 23-11 season that saw them reach the WNIT Super 16, have been strong offensively as well, averaging 75.0 points per game. With a field goal percentage of 45.0% and a three-point shooting rate of 37.5%, they pose a competitive challenge. However, their defense allows 58.3 points per game, creating a potential advantage for Iowa, particularly considering their rebounding prowess.
The Hawkeyes’ potential high scorer, Ava Heiden, aims to bounce back strongly after a recent game against Iowa State where she struggled due to foul trouble. Heiden’s overall season has been impressive, averaging 15.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, including five double-doubles. Her size and skillset could play a pivotal role in the matchup against a Lindenwood lineup that lacks depth in the center position.
For the Lions, guard Ellie Brueggemann stands out as the key player to watch. A First Team All-OVC selection from last season, she has continued to impress with her shooting prowess, including a remarkable three-point shooting percentage of 41.9% this season. If Brueggemann can exploit Iowa’s interior defense and score from beyond the arc, it could change the dynamics of the game.
Lindenwood’s Coach Amy Eagan has her team off to a strong start this season, demonstrating resilience with notable victories against teams like Drake and Vermont. Aleshia Jones, promising in her first Division I season, is averaging 15.9 points and has shown an ability to score from various positions on the floor.
The stats also reveal a contrast in rebounding capabilities, which could be a deciding factor. Iowa’s rebounding efficiency ranks in the top 10 nationally, while Lindenwood’s has been less effective. With both teams having shown contrasting but effective styles of play, this matchup promises to be engaging.
In predictions, analytics suggest a clear advantage for Iowa, projecting them to win by a sizable margin. With a predicted score of 83-62, the Hawkeyes appear to have the upper hand. Nonetheless, the Lions’ competitive spirit and talent may surprise onlookers, making this game one to watch. Both teams are looking to solidify their standing early in the season, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.