As No. 9 Iowa women’s basketball (24-5, 15-3 Big Ten) begins its 2026 Big Ten Tournament play following its double-bye as the field’s second seed, the Hawkeyes will take on tenth-seeded Illinois (21-10, 9-9 Big Ten) tonight from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
While Iowa was idle, Illinois defeated Wisconsin, 82-70, on March 4 and Michigan State, 71-69, on March 5, to advance to tonight’s matchup.
In those two games, the Fighting Illini’s top scoring duo of freshman forward Cearah Parchment and sophomore forward Berry Wallace combined for 62 points on 42.5% shooting from the field. It’s worth noting that those two found plenty of success during their Feb. 26 meeting with the Hawkeyes, which Iowa won 82-78 in Iowa City.
As the Hawkeyes and Fighting Illini compete on the court from Gainbridge Fieldhouse, follow along with HawkeyesWire for live scoring updates and highlights of the action:
Final: Iowa 64, Illinois 58
IN HEAVEN, THERE IS NO BEER!
Hawkeyes Win!
Despite a late Illinois scoring run, the Hawkeyes move past the Fighting Illini to advance to the Big Ten Tournament Semifinals tomorrow!
3:53 4th Quarter: Iowa 64, Illinois 43
Illinois Timeout.
While Illinois continues to fight, this game is all but over, with the score well out of hand in favor of the Hawkeyes.
This has been an all-around domination for Iowa over Illinois, and the Hawkeyes will now prepare to face either the Wolverines or the Ducks tomorrow evening.
End of 3rd Quarter: Iowa 53, Illinois 31
Hawkeyes end the third quarter of play up by 22 points as the Fighting Illini have absolutely no life offensively and no answer for an Iowa squad filling the basket across the lineup.
Barring a catastrophic collapse in the final 10 minutes, Iowa should be well on its way to a semifinal matchup against either No. 3 seed Michigan or No. 11 Oregon.
2:37 3rd Quarter: Iowa 50, Illinois 31
Illinois Timeout.
The Hawkeyes’ offense is rolling now, and the Fighting Illini need time to find a response with the game slipping away.
4:50 3rd Quarter: Iowa 46, Illinois 28
Media Timeout.
Taylor Stremlow has been everywhere! As well as adding nine points to the score sheet, she is playing exceptionally well defensively tonight.
8:04 3rd Quarter: Iowa 41, Illinois 27
Media Timeout.
Iowa’s defense continues to dominate to open the third quarter, as the Hawkeyes still lead by 14 entering the media timeout.
Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall are in attendance
Halftime: Iowa 37, Illinois 23
Hawkeyes lead the Fighting Illini by 14 points at halftime, as Iowa has caused Illinois’ offense to sputter and go out of control in the opening two quarters.
Iowa shot 14-for-27 from the floor, 3-for-6 from 3-point territory, and 6-for-7 from the free-throw line, while holding Illinois to 10-for-31 shooting, 2-for-10 from deep, and 1-for-2 at the charity stripe.
Leading the Hawkeyes in scoring is Ava Heiden, with eight points on 2-for-3 shooting and 4-for-4 from the line, followed by Wright and Stremlow with seven points, and Stuelke and Feuerbach with six.
4:44 2nd Quarter: Iowa 28, Illinois 16
Media Timeout.
Iowa’s defense is making this game a nightmare for Illinois. Iowa is almost automatic at the rim so far.
End of 1st Quarter: Iowa 21, Illinois 11
Iowa dominated the opening quarter of play against a tired Illinois squad looking to find energy to respond against the high-powered Hawkeyes offense.
Ava Heiden and Kylie Feuerbach are tied for the lead in scoring for the Hawkeyes with six points each.
1:12 1st Quarter: Iowa 19, Illinois 7
Illinois Timeout.
Hawkeyes are all over the boards on both ends of the court and stifling the Fighting Illini’s star players in the paint.
4:28 1st Quarter: Iowa 9, Illinois 5
Media Timeout.
Despite a small offensive run by Illinois, Iowa has done an excellent job attacking the basket and drawing fouls.
6:37 1st Quarter: Iowa 7, Illinois 0
Hawkeyes’ defense has been stellar to start this game, while Parchment now has two fouls early for the Fighting Illini.
Iowa Hawkeyes Starting Five
Iowa women’s basketball injury report
After suffering a right-elbow injury on Feb. 26, senior forward Hannah Stuelke was sidelined during Iowa’s regular-season finale at Wisconsin. Iowa got good news on its game day availability report: Hannah Stuelke is not listed, paving the way for a return to play.
Stuelke’s minutes and starting status will be an item to monitor.
How to watch Iowa women’s basketball vs. Illinois
Streaming: Big Ten Network
Tipoff Time: 5:30 p.m. CT
Sloane Martin, Christy Winters Scott, and Elise Woodward will be on the call for tonight’s game between Iowa women’s basketball and Illinois from their booth at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, with the game being broadcast on the Big Ten Network.
How to stream Iowa women’s basketball vs. Illinois
Streaming: Fubo
Hawkeye fans can stream the Big Ten clash between Iowa women’s basketball and Illinois via Fubo, which offers a free trial to first-time subscribers.
Iowa women’s basketball schedule
All times CT
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa women’s basketball vs. Illinois: Live updates, score
Reporting by Scout Springgate, Hawkeyes Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
