In an electrifying showdown at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Iowa Hawkeyes secured a convincing 74-61 victory against the 24th-ranked Michigan State Spartans, showcasing the remarkable talent of freshman center Ava Heiden. With just 34 seconds remaining in the game, Iowa fans erupted in chants of “Ava! Ava! Ava!” as Heiden stepped up to the free-throw line, marking a significant moment in her young career.
Ava Heiden, who hails from Sherwood, Oregon, delivered an outstanding performance, scoring a career-high of 11 points all in the game’s final 12 minutes. Coming off the bench, Heiden quickly made an impact after Iowa starter Hannah Stuelke encountered foul trouble. Stuelke picked up her fourth foul with 2:44 left in the third quarter, prompting head coach Jan Jensen to turn to Heiden, who had previously logged only one minute of play.
Heiden's quick six points helped the Hawkeyes break a 46-46 tie, establishing a 54-48 lead by the end of the third quarter. Her contributions did not stop there; she also recorded four rebounds and two steals in just 12 minutes on the court, further solidifying her role as a pivotal player for Iowa.
Reflecting on her performance, Heiden remarked, “Just waiting for my opportunity and working towards it, so that when I do get that, I can shine.” Jensen praised Heiden as the best post matchup against Michigan State's VanSlooten, a decision that proved crucial as the game progressed.
The matchup was fraught with challenges, including foul troubles for key players. Stuelke was not the only one facing difficulties; star guard Lucy Olsen also encountered foul issues, receiving her third foul just two minutes into the second half. Jensen, visibly frustrated, received a technical foul after a controversial call on Stuelke's third foul.
The game had its ups and downs reminiscent of a roller coaster, as Heiden aptly described. Iowa struggled in the first quarter, shooting just 25% and turning the ball over six times, yet managed to keep the deficit to only 16-12. The second quarter saw the Hawkeyes flip the script, launching a remarkable 16-0 run that put them ahead, thanks in part to Stuelke’s eight points during that stretch.
Despite their struggles from beyond the arc (making only 2 of 14 three-pointers), Iowa maintained a 32-25 lead at halftime, fueled by a relentless defense that forced Michigan State into 15 first-half turnovers. Stuelke’s four steals in the first half highlighted Iowa's aggressive playstyle, which continued throughout the game.
As the game progressed, Iowa maintained control despite the Spartans’ attempts to rally. With 3:30 remaining, the game was still within five points, but the Hawkeyes never relinquished their lead. Leading the charge was Olsen, who finished with a game-high 21 points, while both Stuelke and Taylor McCabe contributed 12 points each. Michigan State ended the game with a staggering 24 turnovers, a testament to Iowa's defensive prowess.
With this victory, Iowa avenged a narrow two-point loss they suffered against Michigan State on December 15. The Hawkeyes now look forward to their upcoming matchup against Ohio State, following a close overtime defeat earlier in the season. Fans are eager to see if Iowa can continue their winning momentum in the Big Ten tournament.
For more insights and updates on the Iowa Hawkeyes, feel free to reach out at: (319) 398-8440; email: mike.hlas@thegazette.com.
