Iowa at Washington Women’s Basketball Preview
Date and Time:
Game Day: Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Time: TBD
TV Coverage:
The game will be broadcast live (specific network TBD).
Game Notes:
1. Historical Context:
This will be just the second meeting between Iowa and Washington since the 1998-99 season.
The last matchup took place on November 30, 2019, during the Puerto Rico Clasico, where Washington emerged victorious with a 70-63 win.
2. Current Form:
Iowa:
The Hawkeyes are experiencing a tough stretch, currently on a five-game losing streak—their first such skid since 2013. The last time Iowa had a six-game losing streak was in 1999.
Despite the losing streak, the combined margin of the five losses is just 24 points, indicating closely contested games.
In their most recent outing, Iowa fell 50-49 to Oregon, managing only 17 points in the second half.
Hannah Stuelke remains sidelined due to concussion protocol, missing her second consecutive game.
Washington:
The Huskies are on a roll offensively, with strong shooting statistics:
Field-Goal Percentage: 46.9% (2nd in Big Ten)
3-Point Percentage: 36.6% (1st in Big Ten)
Free-Throw Percentage: 77.8% (2nd in Big Ten)
Washington’s top scorers, Sayvia Sellers and Elle Ladine, are averaging 16.8 and 16.0 points per game, respectively.
Their most recent performance was a dominant 87-58 victory over Purdue.
Analysis:
Iowa’s Challenges:
The Hawkeyes are struggling offensively, particularly in the second half of games, as seen in their loss to Oregon. The absence of Hannah Stuelke impacts their depth and scoring potential.
Iowa needs to find consistency in scoring and close out tight games, given the narrow margins of their recent losses.
Washington’s Strengths:
The Huskies have an efficient offense, capable of scoring from multiple areas on the court. Their shooting percentages highlight their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Sayvia Sellers and Elle Ladine provide a potent scoring duo that can challenge Iowa’s defense.
Key to the Game:
For Iowa, breaking their losing streak will require a strong defensive effort to limit Washington’s efficient shooters. Offensively, they must generate consistent scoring, especially in the second half, and compensate for Stuelke’s absence.
Washington will look to maintain their offensive rhythm, leveraging their shooting efficiency and the scoring prowess of Sellers and Ladine to exploit Iowa’s recent struggles
