Full Breakdown
Iowa Women's Basketball Dominates Wisconsin in Regular Season Finale
3/2/2026, 5:58:06 AM
Iowa Extends Winning Streak Against Wisconsin
On March 1, 2026, the No. 9 Iowa Hawkeyes defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 81-52 at the Kohl Center in Madison, marking their 32nd consecutive victory over Wisconsin. This win solidified Iowa's position as the No. 2 seed in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament, concluding their regular season with a record of 24-5 overall and 15-3 in conference play.
Game Overview
The game began as a competitive matchup, with Iowa leading 19-16 after the first quarter. Both teams exchanged leads, but Iowa managed to maintain a slight edge, going into halftime with a 33-29 advantage. The second half, however, saw a significant shift in momentum. Iowa opened the third quarter with an 11-0 run, fueled by three-pointers from Chit-Chat Wright and Kylie Feuerbach, which expanded their lead to 39-29. Iowa outscored Wisconsin 26-9 in the third quarter, ultimately leading 59-38 heading into the final period.
Key Performers
Ava Heiden led Iowa with a double-double, scoring 16 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Chit-Chat Wright, who had struggled in recent games, rebounded with 14 points, including four three-pointers. Taylor Stremlow contributed significantly with 12 points and nine assists, while Teagan Mallegni added 10 points in her homecoming performance. For Wisconsin, Destiny Howell was the standout player, scoring 23 points, but was limited to just six points in the second half.
Defensive Dominance
Iowa's defense was pivotal in the victory, limiting Wisconsin to 30.2% shooting from the field and forcing 12 turnovers that resulted in 20 points for the Hawkeyes. Iowa's rebounding was also a critical factor, as they out-rebounded Wisconsin 42-34, with a notable improvement in their boxing out strategy during the second half.
Official Statements & Responses
Iowa head coach Jan Jensen expressed satisfaction with her team's performance, particularly in the second half. “It was really wonderful to see our players take what we said at halftime and immediately put it into play,” she noted. Jensen also highlighted the need for her team to improve their rebounding, which they addressed effectively after halftime.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the loss, Wisconsin's coach Robin Pingeton acknowledged the challenges her team faced, particularly in the second half. “We had a couple turnovers, didn't get out to their shooters, which we knew were more than capable of shooting that three ball,” she stated, reflecting on the critical moments that shifted the game's momentum.
What's Next
With the regular season concluded, Iowa will prepare for the Big Ten Tournament, where they will play on March 6 against an opponent to be determined from the lower seeds. Wisconsin, having secured the final spot in the tournament, will face Illinois on March 4.
Conclusion
The victory over Wisconsin not only extends Iowa's dominance in the series but also sets a positive tone as they head into postseason play. The Hawkeyes' balanced scoring and improved defensive efforts will be crucial as they aim for success in the Big Ten Tournament and beyond.
