The Iowa women's basketball team is set to open its season against Northern Iowa on Thursday, November 12, inside the iconic Carver‑Hawkeye Arena. The matchup marks the 32nd meeting in a series that has long favored the Hawkeyes, who enter the game with a 28‑3 all‑time advantage.
A Series Steeped in Dominance
Iowa's recent dominance is underscored by a 74‑41 victory over the Panthers just last season, part of a stretch in which the Hawkeyes have won 18 of the past 19 encounters. The only blemish in that span came on December 19, 2006, when Northern Iowa posted an 83‑62 win in Iowa City.
Recent Form and Scoring Highlights
The previous meeting showcased a balanced offensive attack, with guard Chit‑Chat Wright delivering 19 points and center Layla Hays contributing 14. Those performances helped Iowa maintain its strong recent record and set a high bar for the upcoming contest.
Return of a Former Hawkeye
Adding intrigue to the preview, former Iowa guard Callie Levin is slated to return to the lineup for Northern Iowa. Levin averaged 23 points per game for the Hawkeyes in the prior season, and her presence promises to test Iowa's defensive schemes.