The Hawkeyes are proving that they are more than just an offensive juggernaut so far this season. On Wednesday night, Iowa’s defense paid dividends during its 71-58 win over Kansas in a neutral environment.
Iowa’s aggression took Sioux Falls by storm from the get-go. Hannah Stuelke started things up with a layup while Lucy Olsen drilled a three-pointer at the top of the key. The Jayhawks wanted the Hawkeyes to play a half-court game while Iowa’s goal was to speed them up. Jan Jensen’s squad has made strides defensively to start this season and they showcased that in the early going.
Kansas had three turnovers in the first five minutes while only converting 1-of-5 from the field. The Hawkeye defense was all over Kansas throughout the rest of the first quarter. The Jayhawks would miss their following six shot attempts and would be held without a point for the remainder of the quarter.
Olsen and freshman guard Taylor Stremlow were doing all sorts of damage. The Villanova transfer guard and Stremlow finished with a game-high five points in the first quarter a piece in the first quarter. Stremlow added a handful of spark plays to ignite Iowa.
S’mya Nichols is too good to be kept in check. Kansas’ leading scorer immediately hit a mid-range jumper to open up the second quarter. The Hawkeye defense would continue to make things difficult, but Nichols and Elle Evans carried the Jayhawk scoring load. They scored all 18 points for Kansas in the first 16 minutes while Iowa kept everyone else locked down.
With three minutes remaining, they would crawl back within eight points until freshman Teagan Mallagni hit a big three-pointer to briefly slowdown the Jayhawk momentum. Regan Williams was the first Jayhawk that was not named Evans or Nichols to score.
Evans continued to torch Iowa. Despite getting two early fouls called on her, she led Kansas with 15 first-half points. The Hawkeyes held KU to only one offensive rebound in the first 20 minutes, but struggled to take care of the ball at times with eight turnovers. They managed to hold onto a 38-27 halftime lead.
Olsen took over to start the second-half. A pair of assists, a mid-range and a deep three-pointer reminded folks that she’s one of the best players in the country. Kansas would make a bit of a push, but Iowa would make two plays in response. With 3:34 remaining, Iowa opened up a 17-point lead, which was the largest of the evening.
Nichols would help propel KU to a solid comeback and cut Iowa’s lead down to 10 in the fourth quarter. The Hawkeyes didn’t flinch. Addison O’Grady had a huge bucket. Feuerbach had a pair of tough buckets and they managed to hold off the Jayhawk onslaught.
All nine players that played for the Hawkeyes on Wednesday night scored. Iowa only allowed two KU offensive rebounds and forced 16 turnovers.
Star(s) of the Game:
Hannah Stuelke- The other preseason all-Big Ten selection came to play tonight, especially in the first-half. Stuelke’s toughness in the paint and on the glass is what helped Iowa get early separation from the Jayhawks. The Iowa native missed a handful of close shots, but made up for it on both ends of the floor. Her ability to run the floor and cause frustration among opposing defenses will continue to help the Hawkeyes as the season goes along.
She finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.
Lucy Olsen- Anything Iowa needs– Olsen delivers. Her craftiness and senior leadership is impressive for somebody that just arrived to Iowa in June. Prior to the season, Jensen told the media that she wished she could have coached Olsen for all four years of her college career and it’s easy to see why. Olsen’s length allows her to get her shot off over taller defenders while helping her to be cunning around the rim.
On Wednesday, she hit her three-pointers and that makes her a matchup nightmare. Olsen ended with 16 points, six assists and three rebounds.
Up Next: The Hawkeyes will be back in Carver-Hawkeye Arena when they host Washington State. Iowa is seeking to start 6-0 and continue to rise up the rankings.
You can get an annual membership for 30% off. Take advantage now and be among the first people to know everything going on regarding Iowa football, men’s and women’s basketball, recruiting and much, much, more! Click Here!
