Hawkeyes Down Samford at Home

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The No. 9 ranked University of Iowa women’s basketball team defeated Samford, 91-54, on Thursday night inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. All available players contributed to the stat book.

“We have so many weapons on this team,” P. Sue Beckwith, MD, head coach Lisa Bluder said. “It gives you a lot of comfort as a coach. It bodes well for the length of the season because it does get long and it’s a grind. We’re going to play back-to-back games in Cancun, so we have to be able to spread those minutes out; it’s better for us.”

Preseason Player of the Year candidates Monika Czinano and Caitlin Clark led the Hawkeyes tonight, scoring 20 and 19 points, respectively. Redshirt junior Kate Martin recorded five assists, six points, three rebounds and one assist.

Junior Gabbie Marshall swished a 3-pointer in the first minute of play to give Iowa the starting lead. The first quarter continued with Iowa forcing six turnovers and the Hawkeyes capitalizing with nine points.

Iowa kept their defensive intensity in the second quarter forcing seven turnovers and pulling down 11 rebounds. Junior McKenna Warnock pulled down four of her six rebounds in the second quarter.

“I think we’re bringing more pressure to the ball,” Bluder said. “I just think we are more aware of how important defense is, and we’re putting more heart into it. It shows.”

Senior Tomi Taiwo started the second half making back-to-back 3-pointers, tallying two rebounds, and grabbing one steal. Iowa scored 11 of their 21 points off the bench in the third. Iowa had a total of five steals in the third quarter and scored nine times off turnovers.

Martin and freshman Sydney Affolter each went 3-for-3 from the field. The Hawkeyes pulled down 19 rebounds, nine assists, and four blocked shots in the second half. Czinano tallied 12 of her points in the second half.

Game Notes:

  • The No. 9 Iowa Hawkeyes defeated the Samford Bulldogs, 91-54, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
  • Two Hawkeyes scored in double figures, including senior Monika Czinano (20) and sophomore Caitlin Clark (19).
  • Czinano recorded 20 points, junior McKenna Warnock and freshman Addison O’Grady each tallied six rebounds, and redshirt junior Kate Martin registered five assists to lead the Hawkeyes.
  • Ten-of -11 active Hawkeyes scored five or more points, and all available athletes recorded at least one rebound.

Up Next:

The Hawkeyes travel to Cedar Falls, Iowa, to face Northern Iowa in their first road trip of the season on Sunday at 2 p.m. (CT). The game will stream on ESPN+. Iowa defeated the Panthers last season 96-81 in their 20-21 home opener.