INDIANAPOLIS – The No. 2 seed Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team will face the No. 10 seed Illinois Fighting Illini in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament on Friday, March 6, at 5:30 p.m. CT inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Hawkeyes are looking to advance after earning a double-bye in the tournament, while Illinois secured its spot with a 71-69 victory over No. 7 seed Michigan State on Thursday according to Hawkeyes Wire.
This matchup comes after a thrilling regular-season contest between the two teams at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on February 26, where Iowa prevailed 82-78. That game featured 14 lead changes and required a late rally led by Ava Heiden, who scored 28 points, to overcome a six-point fourth-quarter deficit. Illinois proved a dangerous shooting team in that contest, connecting on 11 of 19 three-point attempts as detailed on the Iowa Hawkeyes official athletic site.
The Fighting Illini will be playing their third game in as many days, having previously defeated Wisconsin in the opening round of the tournament. Iowa, benefiting from its double-bye, will be well-rested as they prepare for the quarterfinal clash. The Hawkeyes finished the regular season with a 24-5 overall record and a 15-3 mark in Big Ten play.
A key storyline heading into Friday’s game is the status of Iowa senior forward Hannah Stuelke. Stuelke suffered a right-elbow injury during the February 26th game against Illinois and has missed some playing time since. Iowa head coach Jan Jensen described the injury as “a pretty severe elbow injury” according to the Des Moines Register, but she is currently listed as available for the game as reported by the Daily Iowan. Her presence would be a significant boost for the Hawkeyes.
Stuelke’s Return a Key Factor
Stuelke, a 6-foot-2 senior from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is averaging 13.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game this season while shooting 54.4% from the field in 27 games. She was named a Preseason First Team All-Big Ten selection and is on the watch list for several national player of the year awards according to her player profile on Hawkeyesports.com. The extent of her playing time and effectiveness remains to be seen, but her availability is a positive sign for Iowa.
Iowa will also be without several players. Emely Rodriguez is out for her 24th consecutive game, alongside senior forward Jada Gyamfi and junior guard Kennise Johnson. Senior guard Taylor McCabe suffered a season-ending ACL tear. Illinois, meanwhile, has no injury designations entering the game.
Recent Matchup Showed Illinois’ Potential
The previous contest between Iowa and Illinois highlighted the Fighting Illini’s offensive capabilities. Their sharp shooting from beyond the arc proved challenging for the Hawkeyes, and they will need to contain Illinois’ perimeter attack again on Friday. Iowa’s ability to control the boards and limit second-chance opportunities will also be crucial.
Iowa’s Ava Heiden and Hannah Stuelke have demonstrated a dominant high-low action this season, which could be a key component of their offensive strategy against Illinois. A recent YouTube highlight showcases their effective collaboration.
The winner of Friday’s game will advance to the Big Ten Tournament semifinals. The Hawkeyes are aiming for their second Big Ten Tournament title in program history, while Illinois is seeking its first.
What comes next for both teams will depend on the outcome of this quarterfinal matchup. A win for Iowa would keep their championship aspirations alive, while a victory for Illinois would represent a significant upset and propel them closer to an NCAA Tournament berth.
Share your thoughts on the upcoming game in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow Hawkeyes and Illini fans!
