RIVIERA MAYA, Mexico – The nationally ranked University of Iowa women’s basketball team secured a hard-fought victory over the Rhode Island, 69-62 on Thanksgiving Day. With the win, Iowa advances to 7-0 on the season.
Three Hawkeyes recorded double-digit figures in tonight’s matchup. Senior Addi O’Grady led the way with 18 points, followed by junior Hannah Stuelke with 13 points. Senior Kylie Feuerbach also contributed 12 points.
The game began with a strong start for Iowa, who took an early lead in the first quarter. Feuerbach sunk three three-pointers going 3-5 from the field to lead with eight points. Senior Sydney Affolter added five points, contributing to Iowa’s 19-15 lead after the first quarter.
However, the second quarter saw a shift in momentum as the Rams held Iowa to just six points. Rhode Island capitalized by hitting two three-pointers and a free throw in the final minute of the half, taking a narrow, 26-25 lead into halftime.
The third quarter was a back-and-forth battle between the Hawkeyes and the Rams featuring six lead changes and four ties. Junior Taylor McCabe and freshman Aaliyah Guyton each sank two three-pointers keeping the game tied at 49 going into the final period.
In the fourth quarter, Iowa went on a 12-0 run to start pulling away from the Rams and leaving them scoreless for the first seven minutes. O’Grady continued to dominate in the paint, scoring a quarter-high 10 points. Iowa’s defense outrebounded the Rams 8-2 in the final stretch.
POSTGAME NOTES
– The Hawkeyes are 7-0 to start Jan Jensen’s tenure, making her the second coach in program history to do that, joining Angie Lee who started 7-0 in 1995-96.
– The last time Iowa started 7-0 or better was in 2017-18 when Lisa Bluder’s Hawkeyes began the season, 7-0.
– Iowa’s 7-0 start ties for the fourth best start in program history.
– This is Iowa’s fifth appearance in the Cancun Challenge. (2007, 2010, 2013, 2016)
– The Hawkeyes are 9-1 all-time in Cancun.
– Hannah Stuelke registered her 43rd career game in double figures which is fifth-most in program history since 2020.
– Addi O’Grady recorded 10+ points for the sixth time this season.
– O’Grady scored 18 points and was 8-of-9 from the field.
– Kylie Feuerbach was Iowa’s leading scorer in the first half with 10 points, she was 2-of-5 from 3-point range.
– Taylor Stremlow made her first career start for Iowa.
– Aaliyah Guyton netted a career-high seven points and two three pointers.
– Feuerbach, Guyton, and McCabe all netted a pair of 3-point baskets.
– Lucy Olsen did not play in Thursday’s contest due to a lower leg laceration. She is day-to-day.
– The Hawkeyes have won 116 games since 2020-21 which ties for fourth-best nationally. (116-30)
– In the third quarter Iowa was 8-of-11 from the floor making four of its five three pointers.
– Tonight’s game featured eight ties and 10 lead changes.
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UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes will battle BYU in the Cancun Challenge on Friday at 8 p.m. (CT) at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya. The game is set to stream on FloCollege (subscription required) and the Hawkeye Radio Network.