No. 12 Iowa women’s basketball (20-5, 11-3 Big Ten) cruises to a blowout Presidents’ Day victory over Nebraska (16-10, 5-10 Big Ten) from inside Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb., thanks to Ava Heiden’s monstrous career-high performance.
Heiden led all scorers with 27 points 27 points on 12-for-15 shooting and 3-for-3 from the free-throw line, to go along with her 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, and 1 steal. This is the 6-foot-4 Sherwood, Ore., native’s sixth double-double of the season.
Also contributing to the Hawkeyes’ dominant effort were Taylor Stremlow’s season-high 17 points, Chit-Chat Wright’s 14, and Jouney Houston’s 10.
Overall, Iowa shot 32-for-53 from the floor, 6-for-16 from 3-point range, and 10-for-13 from the free-throw line. Meanwhile, Nebraska finished by shooting 27-for-58, 4-for-19 from deep, and 9-for-13 from the stripe.
Defensively, the Hawkeyes were everywhere. Iowa forced 18 turnovers, including 11 steals and 3 blocks, which led to 27 points off turnovers.
Final: Iowa 80, Nebraska 67
In Heaven, There Is No Beer!
Hawkeyes Win!
4:53 4th Quarter: Iowa 76, Nebraska 51
Media Timeout.
Cornhuskers fans are lining the exits and heading to the parking lot.
Ava Heiden has continued her sensational scoring night to open the quarter, now at a career-high 27 points on 12-for-15 shooting and 3-for-3 from the line, to go along with her 11 rebounds.
End of 3rd Quarter: Iowa 69, Nebraska 49
Iowa’s late scoring surge pushes its lead to 22 points after three quarters of play.
Along with Heiden’s game-leading 22 points, Stremlow has contributed 15 points, and Wright has added 14 of her own.
Hawkeyes will need to play a clean fourth quarter, as the Cornhuskers will certainly be searching for a comeback in the final 10 minutes.
1:49 3rd Quarter: Iowa 65, Nebraska 42
Timeout Nebraska.
Iowa roars back to a 23-point lead through defense leading to transition offense once again after the timeout.
Hawkeyes have 28 points off of Nebraska’s 17 turnovers.
4:44 3rd Quarter: Iowa 51, Nebraska 39
Media Timeout.
4:54 3rd Quarter: Iowa 51, Nebraska 39
Timeout Iowa.
Iowa calls a timeout after Nebraska’s 8-0 scoring run cut the lead to 12 points. Hawkeyes are playing a bit sloppily over the past few possessions, which has allowed the Cornhuskers to mount an offensive surge.
Halftime: Iowa 45, Nebraska 27
Iowa has dominated Nebraska through the first two quarters, leading the Cornhuskers by 18 points.
Ava Heiden leads all scorers with 18 points on 8-for-9 shooting from the floor and 2-for-2 from the free-throw line. As a team, Iowa has shot 19-for-28 from the floor, including 5-for-11 from 3-point range and 2-for-4 from the charity stripe.
Defensively, Iowa has forced 15 turnovers by Nebraska (6 steals and 1 block) so far. The Hawkeyes have also held the Cornhuskers to 12-for-27 shooting, including 2-for-7 from beyond the 3-point arc.
2:38 2nd Quarter: Iowa 37, Nebraska 22
Timeout Iowa.
Jan Jensen has called a timeout to appeal an out-of-bounds call that was originally signaled as Nebraska’s possession.
Update: Iowa’s appeal was unsuccessful, costing Iowa a timeout. The review was upheld by officials.
4:57 2nd Quarter: Iowa 35, Nebraska 20
Media Timeout.
Iowa continues its impressive defensive presence from the opening quarter into the second frame, allowing its transition offense to thrive and extend its lead.
Hawkeyes are doing an excellent job of frustrating Britt Prince and the Cornhuskers’ offense, forcing Nebraska to find scoring elsewhere.
End of 1st Quarter: Iowa 25, Nebraska 13
Iowa controlled the pace of play in the first quarter with a ferocious defensive presence, creating quality offensive looks and a large advantage over Nebraska after 10 minutes.
Foul trouble could be brewing early, as the Hawkeyes have picked up six fouls in the first quarter, including two on center Layla Hays.
Stremlow leads the team with 9 points on 3-for-3 from 3-point range.
8:09 1st Quarter: Iowa 10, Nebraska 2
Timeout Nebraska.
Hawkeyes starting efficiently early on offense with Chit-Chat Wright scoring five points and Taylor Stremlow adding a 3-pointer to force a timeout by the Cornhuskers.
Iowa Hawkweyes Starting Five
Iowa Hawkeyes Injury Report
Once again, Iowa’s injury report indicates the Hawkeyes will be without the services of sophomore guard Emely Rodriguez (back) and senior forward Jada Gyamfi (knee) for today’s matchup at Nebraska.
For Rodriguez, it will be her 19th consecutive absence due to the back ailment. Meanwhile, Gyamfi is still recovering from her December knee procedure.
Nebraska is entering today’s contest with a clean slate outside of its two season-ending injuries.
How to watch Iowa women’s basketball vs. Nebraska
TV: Fox
Tipoff Time: 11 a.m. CT
Iowa’s trip to Nebraska will be televised on Fox, with Kylen Mills (play-by-play) and Isis Young (color) on the call from Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb.
Watch Iowa vs. Nebraska
How to stream Iowa women’s basketball vs. Nebraska
Hawkeye fans can stream Iowa women’s basketball at Nebraska via Fubo, which offers a free trial to first-time subscribers.
Hawkeye Radio Network
Radio: Hawkeye Radio Network
Iowa fans can also tune in to play-by-play voice Rob Brooks and color analyst Kathryn Reynolds on the Hawkeye Radio Network.
Iowa women’s basketball schedule
All times CT
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Ava Heiden’s career-high powers Iowa women’s basketball past Nebraska
Reporting by Scout Springgate, Hawkeyes Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
