Iowa WBB 3 Stars Beat Rutgers

Iowa Hawkeyes Extend Winning Streak!

Iowa’s women’s basketball team kept the momentum going strong! They grabbed their sixth straight victory on Thursday. The Hawkeyes defeated Rutgers at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The final score was 55-43. Their season record improved to 18-7.

Hawkeyes’ Offense: Points in the Paint Dominate

The Hawkeyes offense worked hard. As a team, they made 37% of their shots. From three-point range, they shot 30.4%. They also made 66.7% of their free throws. Importantly, Iowa dominated inside. They outscored Rutgers in the paint, 22-8.

Defense Shines, Forces Turnovers

Iowa’s defense was key to their victory. They forced Rutgers into 18 turnovers. This included six steals and two blocks! The Hawkeyes disrupted Rutgers’ offense all game. They drew charging fouls and broke their rhythm.

Top Performers of the Night

Three players really stood out in this win. They made big contributions to Iowa’s success. Let’s take a closer look at their performances.

Player Spotlight: Lucy Olsen’s Dominant Performance

Senior guard Lucy Olsen played exceptionally well again. She led all scorers with 27 points! Olsen shot an impressive 57.9% from the field. From beyond the arc, she hit 80% of her shots. In addition, she contributed in other ways. Olsen grabbed four rebounds and dished out three assists. She also added two steals and one block. She even reached a career milestone, surpassing 500 assists!

Key Contributor: Sydney Affolter’s All-Around Game

Senior guard Sydney Affolter also had a great game. She scored 10 points for the Hawkeyes. Affolter grabbed a team-high 14 rebounds! She showed her versatility with two assists and one steal as well. Her rebounding has been crucial lately. Affolter has grabbed 14 rebounds in two of the last three games.

Defensive Power: Team Effort Shuts Down Rutgers

Iowa’s defense played a major role in the win. They limited Rutgers to just 43 points. The Hawkeyes held Rutgers to poor shooting. Rutgers only made 20% of their shots. Especially in the second and fourth quarters, Iowa’s defense was tough. They allowed just eight points in the second and six in the fourth.

Next Up: Big Challenge Against Ohio State

This strong defensive effort will be needed again soon. Iowa will face No. 8 Ohio State next. The game is in Columbus, Ohio on Feb. 17. Tipoff is at 11 a.m CT. You can watch the game on Fox.