Iowa Hawkeyes Advance in Huge Ten Tournament, Defeat Illinois 64-58
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – March 6, 2026 – The No. 2 seed Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team secured a spot in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals with a 64-58 victory over the No. 10 seed Illinois Fighting Illini on Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Iowa (25-5) dominated much of the game, building a significant lead before a late Illinois rally made the final score closer. The Fighting Illini ended the game on a 15-0 run, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Iowa’s earlier dominance.
Game Highlights
- Final Score: Iowa 64, Illinois 58
- Key Performers: Iowa was led by Heiden with 16 points, while Houston contributed with 12 rebounds.
- First Half: Iowa established control early, leading 37-23 at halftime. The Hawkeyes shot efficiently and had five players score six or more points in the first half. Illinois struggled from the field, shooting just 32.3%.
- Second Half: Iowa extended its lead to as much as 23 points, with four players reaching double-figure scoring. Illinois found some rhythm late in the game, but Iowa held on for the win.
- Efficiency: Iowa demonstrated strong passing with nine assists on 12 made field goals in the first half.
Quarterly Breakdown
- Q1: Iowa 21, Illinois 11
- Q2: Iowa 16, Illinois 12
- Q3: Iowa 20, Illinois 8
- Q4: Iowa 8, Illinois 25
Looking Ahead
Iowa will advance to the Big Ten Tournament semifinals on Saturday. Dargan Southard predicted Iowa would advance to the semifinals, forecasting a 75-71 victory over Illinois.
Starting Lineups
Iowa: Taylor Stremlow, Kylie Feuerbach, Chit-Chat Wright, Hannah Stuelke, Ava Heiden
Illinois: Aaliyah Guyton, Destiny Jackson, Jasmine Brown-HaggerBerry Wallace, Cearah Parchment