Indiana Women’s Basketball Suffers Crushing Defeat to Iowa, Ending 13-Game Winning Streak
January 14, 2024 – Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City, IA
No. 14 Indiana’s remarkable 13-game winning streak came to an abrupt and sobering end on Saturday afternoon, as they were dealt a resounding 84-57 defeat by No. 3 Iowa at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The Hoosiers, who entered the contest riding a wave of momentum and national acclaim, were simply outplayed and outclassed by a dominant Iowa squad that controlled the game from tip-off to the final buzzer.
Sluggish Start and Defensive Lapses Cost Indiana
The first half of the game was a relatively even affair, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to establish a significant lead. Iowa held a slim 34-28 advantage at the break, but the Hoosiers were still within striking distance. However, the third quarter proved to be the undoing of Indiana’s hopes. Iowa’s defense clamped down, forcing the Hoosiers into turnovers and limiting their scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, the Hawkeyes’ offense exploded, led by the dynamic play of All-American guard Caitlin Clark.
Clark, who had struggled with her shot early in the game, caught fire in the third quarter, knocking down three-pointers and slicing through the Indiana defense for easy layups. Iowa outscored Indiana 22-11 in the period, extending their lead to 56-39 heading into the final quarter.
Iowa’s Caitlin Clark Dominates, Indiana’s Turnovers Prove Costly
Clark finished the game with a game-high 30 points, adding five rebounds, 11 assists, and six turnovers. Her all-around performance was too much for the Hoosiers to handle, as they struggled to contain her penetration and outside shooting. Indiana’s struggles were further compounded by their uncharacteristic turnovers. The Hoosiers committed nine turnovers in the first half and finished with a total of 15, leading to easy transition baskets for Iowa. This marked the fifth consecutive game in which Indiana had committed at least 14 turnovers, a major concern for head coach Teri Moren.
Holmes and Parrish Provide Bright Spots for Indiana
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Indiana’s Mackenzie Holmes and Sydney Parrish provided some bright spots for the Hoosiers. Holmes, a graduate student forward, battled hard in the paint and finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three turnovers. Parrish, a sophomore guard, added 11 points, contributing to Indiana’s scoring efforts.
Looking Ahead: Indiana Seeks Redemption Against Minnesota
The loss to Iowa marks a significant setback for Indiana’s Big Ten title aspirations, but the Hoosiers have a chance to bounce back quickly. They will return home to Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Wednesday, January 17th, to face Minnesota in a conference matchup. The Gophers (11-5, 3-3 Big Ten) are coming off a narrow 71-69 victory over Rutgers and will be looking to upset the Hoosiers on their home court. Indiana will need to regroup and address their turnover issues if they want to avoid a two-game losing streak and stay in contention for the Big Ten title.
Call to Action
Despite the disappointing loss to Iowa, Indiana Women’s Basketball remains a formidable team with a talented roster and a bright future. Fans are encouraged to continue supporting the Hoosiers as they navigate the challenges of the Big Ten season and strive for success in the NCAA Tournament. Stay tuned for updates and coverage of Indiana’s upcoming games, as they look to bounce back and regain their winning ways.