Iowa Women's Basketball Dominates Nebraska, Secures 10th Consecutive 20-Win Season

On February 16, 2026, the No. 13 Iowa Hawkeyes defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers 80-67 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. This victory marked Iowa's 10th consecutive season with at least 20 wins, a significant achievement for the program. The Hawkeyes improved their record to 20-5 overall and 11-3 in Big Ten play, while Nebraska fell to 16-10 and 5-10 in the conference.

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Sophomore Ava Heiden led Iowa with a career-high 27 points, shooting an impressive 12-of-15 from the field, and also contributed 11 rebounds, marking her sixth double-double of the season. Taylor Stremlow added a career-high 17 points, including three three-pointers in the first quarter, while Chit-Chat Wright chipped in 14 points and seven assists. Nebraska's Britt Prince was held to 13 points, significantly lower than her previous performance against Iowa.

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Iowa started strong, quickly establishing a 10-2 lead and finishing the first quarter ahead 25-13. The Hawkeyes maintained their momentum, leading by as many as 27 points during the game. Heiden dominated the paint, scoring 18 points in the first half alone, while Iowa's defense forced 18 turnovers from Nebraska, converting them into 27 points. The Hawkeyes shot 60.4% from the field, showcasing their offensive efficiency.

Hawkeyes Roll CornhuskersNebraska crushed by No. 15 Iowa for fifth straight loss247SportsNo. 13 Iowa women defeat Nebraska 80-67 in Lincoln to sweep season seriesNebraska WBB Loses to Iowa 80-67

Nebraska's performance has been concerning, as this loss marked their fifth consecutive defeat. The Cornhuskers struggled with turnovers and defensive lapses, particularly against Iowa's aggressive play. Despite a brief 10-1 run in the third quarter that cut Iowa's lead to 52-41, Nebraska was unable to sustain momentum and fell further behind as Iowa responded with a 13-1 run.

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Iowa head coach Jan Jensen praised her team's defensive efforts, stating, “We knew that we needed to set the tone, defensively.” She highlighted the importance of containing Nebraska's leading scorer, Britt Prince, which was effectively executed by guard Kylie Feuerbach.

Iowa crushes Nebraska 80-67 behind Ava Heiden’s 27 points

Nebraska head coach Amy Williams acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in handling turnovers and defensive consistency. With this loss, the Huskers face increasing pressure as they aim to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament, having now lost five straight games.

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Iowa will continue its season with a matchup against Purdue on February 19, while Nebraska is set to travel to Oregon for a game against the Ducks on the same day. Both teams are looking to regain momentum as the season approaches its conclusion.

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Iowa's decisive victory over Nebraska not only solidified their standing in the Big Ten but also underscored the challenges facing the Cornhuskers as they navigate a difficult stretch in their season. With key performances from players like Ava Heiden and Taylor Stremlow, Iowa looks poised for a strong finish as they aim for postseason success.

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