The Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team is in a challenging period, with a five-game losing streak marking their longest since 2013. Here’s an analysis of the key factors contributing to their struggles:
1. Free-Throw Failures: Iowa’s free-throw shooting has plummeted to 70.6% this season, their lowest in two decades. The decline is more pronounced in the last five games, where they shot 65.6%, costing them critical games against Illinois and Nebraska.
2. Turnovers: Turnovers have been a persistent issue, with Iowa averaging more turnovers than assists in three of the last five losses. This inefficiency has resulted in lost possessions that could have turned the tide in close games.
3. Hannah Stuelke’s Absence: Stuelke’s concussion was a significant blow, especially during the Oregon game. Her absence deprived the team of its leading rebounder and second-leading scorer, weakening their overall performance.
4. Inconsistent Performances from Key Players: Both Stuelke and Lucy Olsen have had fluctuating performances. Stuelke’s inconsistency in field goals and Olsen’s poor shooting percentage during the losing streak have contributed to the team’s instability.
5. Inability to Maintain Leads: Iowa’s inability to hold onto leads has been a recurring problem. Despite strong starts, they failed to capitalize on double-digit leads against Illinois, Nebraska, and Oregon, resulting in painful losses.
The Hawkeyes face a crucial test against Washington, where addressing these issues will be vital to reversing their fortunes and strengthening their NCAA tournament prospects.
