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