Balance, balance, balance: Takeaways from Iowa women’s basketball’s win over Illinois

The Hawkeyes rolled past Illinois thanks to great balance. That’s among the key takeaways from No. 4 Iowa’s 101-85 victory vs. Illinois.

The No. 4 Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team responded from their loss last Thursday at No. 16 Indiana with an impressive 101-85 victory over Illinois on Sunday.

Iowa (24-4, 13-3 Big Ten) made Illinois (13-13, 7-9 Big Ten) look like the middling squad that its record indicates it is. The Hawkeyes were strong out of the gate and never looked back.

Even on an off shooting day, All-American senior guard Caitlin Clark registered her fifth triple-double of the season.

It was what the rest of Iowa did that left a lasting impression on Hawkeye head coach Lisa Bluder

“That’s amazing,” Bluder said of Clark’s triple-double. “But I just loved that other people stepped up tonight and took responsibility. I loved the balance we had.”

That’s certainly one of the key takeaways for the Hawkeyes. What all stood out for Iowa in its victory over Illinois?