Hawkeyes handle the Badgers, win their 20th game of the season

Riding a remarkable 29-game winning streak against Wisconsin that dates back to 2007, many expected the Hawkeyes to easily dispatch the visiting Badgers on Senior Day. It took some time for Iowa to find their stride, but once they did, the result was consistent with the nearly two decades of dominance they’ve shown against their border rival.

The Hawkeyes used a big third quarter to take control of the game, leaving little drama for the fourth quarter. Iowa secured an 81-66 victory, giving them their 20th win of the season. It’s the ninth consecutive season that they have reached the milestone.

“I’ve been around for enough senior days. They’re just weird, they’re odd. With women, that’s all I’ve coached, but there’s a lot of connection, and yesterday, there were tears in practice. Happy tears,” said head coach Jan Jensen. “So, you’re managing all of that. You try to talk about the pink elephant in the room and get them to be in that 40 minutes. So that, I just never know about senior days.”

With all the anticipation, excitement and emotion that comes with a Senior Day, it was the perfect spot for Wisconsin to catch the Hawkeyes a little off guard. Although the Badgers entered the day with a 3-14 record in Big Ten play, they are not devoid of offensive talent and showed their capabilities in the first half.

The Hawkeyes got off to a fast start on the offensive end, with Lucy Olsen and Kylie Feuerbach knocking in threes to open up an early 10-2 advantage. Many times, during Iowa’s domination in the series against Wisconsin, the games have been decided early, but this time, the Badgers had different ideas. Their frontcourt duo of Serah Williams and Carter McCray combined for 17 points and ten rebounds in the opening half, while Tess Myers poured in four triples. Her fourth of the half, an off-balance attempt that beat the buzzer, sent the teams to their respective locker rooms knotted up at 36 points apiece.

“I was surprised every time I watched Wisconsin that they were at one point battling to make the (Big Ten) tournament,” said Jensen. “They do have really good three-point shooters, and I am a huge Serah Williams fan.”

“It wasn’t like I thought we were just going to show up and have a heyday, so I did get a little bit intense (at halftime). I didn’t think our defensive intensity was there… I just reminded them, what (Big Ten) team have we played this year that we won easily, without a fight, with the exception of Washington? None.”

Out of the locker room, the Hawkeyes showed a renewed sense of energy and focus, quickly taking control of the momentum. With the emotions of the day set aside, the seniors were the ones to hit the shots during the 9-0 run to begin the third quarter. Syd Affolter, Kylie Feuerbach, Lucy Olsen each knocked down open triples to give Iowa their largest lead of the game at 45-36.

“(Coach Jan) knew it was a special day today, so our minds might be all over the place, but at halftime she gave it to us a little bit and made sure we locked in,” said senior Lucy Olsen. “We had to focus up, but we’ve been in a lot of situations with close games, which has helped us grow.”

That 9-0 run, fueled by the senior class, ended up being the turning point of the game and they took a 62-53 lead into the final quarter. Hannah Stuelke was also crucial during the Hawkeyes third quarter push, putting up six points and six rebounds. She finished the game with 21 points and 15 rebounds. A much-needed boost of confidence for her going into postseason play.

“I feel pretty good coming off of that good showing for me,” said Stuelke. “Going into the tournament after playing like that, I feel good, and I’ll be good for my teammates.”

Iowa never had a level of separation that allowed them to sit back and fully relax, but they never let the lead dip to a dangerous level. A chaotic possession that included four offensive rebounds from Hannah Stuelke ended with a layup to put the Hawkeyes in front 70-57 with five minutes to play. A possession that exemplified how the rivalry had played out over the last 29 meetings and indicated where it was headed on Sunday.

Eventually, there was enough time and a large enough advantage for Jan Jensen to shuffle all of the seniors onto the floor at once and then give them each an individual exit to a standing ovation. The final moments of the Hawkeyes 81-66 win were all about honoring the departing senior class.

Now, Lucy Olsen and the Hawkeyes turn their focus to the postseason. Having won eight of their last ten games, including marquee wins over USC and Michigan, it’s a group that feels like they are playing their best basketball at the right time.

“I think we’re hitting (postseason) at the right spot. Coach J has always said be your best in March, and I think we’re doing just that,” said Lucy Olsen. “The beginning (of the season) was a little wonky, but we figured that out. I’m excited. The momentum is on our side right now.”

On the night, the Hawkeyes shot 30 of 58 (51.7%) from the floor and 7 of 20 (35.0%) from three-point range. Lucy Olsen put up a game-high 22 points, three rebounds and two assists in her final game at Carver, while Hannah Stuelke added a double-double 21 points and 15 rebounds. Seniors Syd Affolter and Addi O’Grady both scored in double figures, finishing with ten points apiece.

Iowa outrebounded Wisconsin 34-25, while they only turned it over 11 times to Wisconsin’s 13 turnovers. The Hawkeyes won the points off turnovers/second chance points battle 24-23.

Up Next: The Hawkeyes head to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Tournament on Wednesday. They are the 11 seed and will face 14 seed Wisconsin in the opening round. Tipoff is set for 7:30pm CT on Peacock.