IOWA CITY, Iowa — The women’s basketball game between the University of Iowa and University of Maryland, scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 21 at 4 p.m. (CT) in College Park, Maryland, has been postponed.
“When I first got our schedule from the Big Ten, I thought it was pretty unusual that we were flying into Maryland on Inauguration Day,” Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder said. “Then, when the riots and overtaking of our Capitol occurred on Jan. 6, my thoughts turned to concern. I asked Maryland about possibly moving the date of our game, and they didn’t want to. I understand that they’re living in this area and they feel perfectly safe, but we’re the ones traveling and staying in hotels. Then yesterday, it kind of got heightened more as our hotel contacted us and told us that we had to move out of that hotel as the National Guard was taking over. They found us another hotel where the National Guard would also be staying, but obviously, taking a group of young women into an area that is being guarded by thousands of national armed guards is alarming.”
Out of caution due to Wednesday’s inauguration activities in Washington, D. C., Iowa made the decision to not travel to Maryland, which was supported by the Big Ten Conference.
“People may make light of the fact that I decided not to go,” Bluder said. “but I’d rather be cautious and safe than careless and regretful.
The institutions will work with the conference office to identify potential rescheduling options.
The Hawkeyes next scheduled contest is set for Thursday, Jan. 28 against Northwestern inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Tip time has yet to be announced.