It’s a mammoth early-season showdown this evening.
In a battle of Final Four participants from a season ago, the No. 3 Iowa Hawkeyes (1-0) hit the road for the first time this season and will square off against No. 5 Virginia Tech (1-0) from inside Spectrum Arena in Charlotte, N.C.
The Hawkeyes did precisely what was expected in their season opener, making quick work of the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights in a 102-46 blowout victory.
Superstar senior Caitlin Clark picked up her first double-double of the season for the Hawkeyes, scoring 28 points on 11-of-17 shooting and delivering 10 assists in just 24 minutes of floor time. The West Des Moines product knocked down 4-of-9 from 3-point range and also grabbed seven rebounds.
Sophomore forward Hannah Stuelke had a terrific start to the season as well, registering 22 points and nine rebounds with 9-of-10 field goal shooting. The 6-foot-2 native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, connected on a 3-point try and was perfect from the foul line on three attempts.
Another great sign was the play of redshirt junior center Sharon Goodman. She earned the start inside alongside Stuelke and responded with 19 points on 7-of-8 shooting. Like Stuelke, she was also perfect from the charity stripe on five attempts.
Junior guard Sydney Affolter was the Hawkeyes’ other double-figure scorer in their opener.
Meanwhile, behind two-time ACC Player of the Year Elizabeth Kitley, Virginia Tech raced past High Point in the Hokies’ season opener, 94-55. The graduate student center dropped 27 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks, while shooting 12-of-17 from the field.
Three other Hokies were in double-figures as junior guard Matilda Ekh scored 15 points and senior guard Georgia Amoore and graduate student guard Cayla King each added 14 points.
Here’s game notes and how Hawkeye fans can watch and listen to what should be a fabulous showcase event for the sport tonight.