Iowa women’s basketball three stars following 80-68 win vs. Penn State

Looking back on three stars for Iowa women’s basketball in its road win at Penn State.

The No. 22-ranked Iowa women’s basketball team (12-2, 2-1 Big Ten) welcomed the New Year with a hard-fought 80-68 Wednesday win over Penn State (9-5, 0-3 Big Ten) from the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Penn.

The Lady Lions and Hawkeyes both played three competitive quarters until Iowa pulled away in the fourth quarter following six consecutive baskets and nine of their final 12 field goal attempts.

As a team, Iowa finished by shooting 32-of-61 (52.5%) from the floor, 7-of-21 (33.3%) from 3-point range and 9-of-13 (69.2%) from the charity stripe. As has become the norm, Iowa dominated the points in the paint production by outscoring Penn State 46-26 in that area.

Defensively, Iowa forced 15 turnovers, including eight steals and two blocks. The Hawkeyes also held the Lady Lions to 28-for-69 (40.6%) shooting from the field and 8-of-30 (26.7%) from deep.

As Iowa picks up a crucial second Big Ten road victory, here are three Hawkeyes that stood out the most on Wednesday.

Taylor McCabe

Junior guard Taylor McCabe led the Hawkeyes in scoring with a season-high 17-point performance on 5-of-8 (62.5%) from 3-point territory and converted both free throw opportunities during her 28 minutes off the bench.

The junior guard also recorded three rebounds, three assists and two steals to round out her impactful night.

Despite contributing off the bench, McCabe’s ability to be a reliable 3-point threat has made her a unique offensive weapon for the Hawkeyes thus far. On Wednesday in particular, McCabe was able to fill in for a struggling Kylie Feuerbach, who played just 10 minutes.

Addison O’Grady

 

Senior center Addison O’Grady was a force against Penn State, finishing with 16 points on a perfect 8-for-8 (100%) shooting performance from the floor to pair with four rebounds and one steal in 22 minutes.

While sharing minutes with freshman center Ava Heiden, O’Grady’s efficiency with the basketball is exactly what the Hawkeyes need, especially given the competitiveness of the conference this season.

For the senior center, it is her second game this season with a perfect shooting night and her first since Iowa’s 71-52 win vs. Virginia Tech on Nov. 10, where she scored 18 points off 9-for-9 shooting.

Hannah Stuelke


Junior forward Hannah Stuelke finished third in team scoring on Wednesday with 13 points off 5-of-7 (71.4%) field goal shooting and 3-of-6 (50%) from the charity stripe. The senior forward also recorded 10 rebounds, four assists, one block, and one steal in her 28 minutes on the court.

Wednesday was Stuelke’s second double-double of the season, her first since Iowa’s 71-58 win vs. Kansas on Nov. 20 and the sixth of her Hawkeye career.

After the New Year’s Day victory over Penn State, Iowa will return home to Carver-Hawkeye Arena for a premier conference matchup on Jan. 5 against No. 7 Maryland at 5 p.m. CT on the Big Ten Network. The game will also be available on the Hawkeyes Radio Network.

The upcoming clash with the Terrapins is also Iowa’s designated “Lisa Bluder Celebration” night to pair with its “Alumni Night” festivities.

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions.

Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews