The University of Iowa women's basketball team is preparing to host Northern Iowa on Thursday, November 12, 2026, inside the iconic Carver‑Hawkeye Arena. The game marks the 32nd chapter of a rivalry that has become a staple of the Midwest basketball calendar, and it arrives with the Hawkeyes riding a wave of recent dominance.
A series built on dominance
Iowa holds a commanding 28‑3 lead in the all‑time series, having won 18 of the last 19 meetings. The most recent encounter, played in Cedar Falls last season, ended in a 74‑41 blowout that showcased the depth and execution of the Hawkeyes' offense.
Key contributors from that victory included center Layla Hays, who added 14 points, and guard Chit‑Chat Wright, whose 19 points paced the team. Their performances have become part of the narrative that defines Iowa's recent edge over the Panthers.
A familiar face returns
Adding extra intrigue, former Iowa guard Callie Levin will be back on the court for the Hawkeyes in this matchup. Levin, who averaged 23 points per game last season, brings a veteran presence and a proven scoring threat that could prove decisive against a Northern Iowa squad eager to reverse the trend.
The game also serves as an early barometer for both teams as they navigate a demanding schedule. For Iowa, maintaining its recent dominance will be crucial for seeding considerations in the upcoming conference play, while Northern Iowa hopes to leverage home‑court advantage and the memory of its lone win in Iowa City on December 19, 2006, when it posted an 83‑62 victory.