Gophers Outlast Hawkeyes

IOWA CITY, Iowa - RV Minnesota (17-6, 8-4) defeated No. 10 Iowa (18-5, 9-3) inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Thursday night, 91-85.

Four different Hawkeyes scored double-digit points on the day. Sophomore Ava Heiden led the team with 24 points going 9-for-13 from the field, including four rebounds and two assists.  

The Hawkeyes came out strong to an 11-4 run in the first three minutes of play. The Gophers were able to work their way back within one as both teams went back and forth. Heiden led the quarter for the Hawkeyes with nine points going 3-for-4 from the field and 3-of-3 from the free-throw line. Iowa finished the quarter with a narrow 25-24 lead. 

Heiden continued her momentum, laying in the first basket of the second quarter for the Hawkeyes. Minnesota was able to find their rhythm going on a 13-3 run to take their first lead of the game. Freshman Journey Houston drained a three-point basket to finish out the half with the Gophers up, 49-39. 

The Gophers continued to grow their lead in the third quarter. Houston made her presence known with seven quarter points and three rebounds in crucial moments. Iowa was able to force three more Minnesota turnovers, but the Gophers continued to lead, 72-55, to end the quarter.  

Iowa kept themselves in the fight as the fourth quarter churned on. The Hawkeyes cut the lead to single digits after a 7-0 run with two minutes left forcing a Minnesota timeout. Despite a strong Hawkeye effort, the Gophers managed to hold on to their lead, securing the 91-85 win. 

INDIVIDUAL NOTES
- Ava Heiden led Iowa with 24 points (9-13 FG), four rebounds, and two assists. 
- It was Heiden’s sixth 20+ point performance which is a team-best.
- Heiden has reached double figures in 11 straight games and against all 12 Big Ten opponents.
- Chit-Chat Wright registered 20 points, a career-high 12 assists, four steals and two rebounds.
- It was her second double-double of the season.
- Wright notched 20+ points for the third time this season.
- Wright has dished out five or more assists in five out of the last six games.
- Hannah Stuelke recorded 14 points (6-7 FT) and nine rebounds.
- Stuelke has reached double figures in eight straight games.
- It was Stuelke’s 17th game with eight or more boards.
- Journey Houston recorded 15 points and four rebounds.
- It was Houston’s fifth game of her career in double figures. 
- Taylor Stremlow added four points, four assists, and five rebounds off the bench. 

TEAM NOTES
- The Hawkeyes have played in front of 48 consecutive home sellouts, the longest active streak nationally.
- In the first quarter, Iowa shot a season-best 75 percent from the floor. (9-12)
- The loss snapped Iowa’s 12-game home winning streak. 
 
UP NEXT
The nationally ranked Hawkeyes will host No. 24 Washington on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m. (CT) in Iowa City. The contest will air on B1G+ and the Hawkeye Radio Network.