Iowa women’s basketball faced another tough challenge on Monday, battling against No. 8 Ohio State in an overtime thriller. While the Hawkeyes made an impressive comeback to force the extra period, they ultimately fell short, losing 86-78.
Although the loss was frustrating, it highlighted the team’s resilience and growth throughout the season. Head coach Jan Jensen addressed the game with a mix of disappointment and optimism.
Iowa’s Hard-Fought Battle Against Ohio State
Iowa entered Monday’s matchup knowing they would have to play at their best to defeat the eighth-ranked Buckeyes on the road. The game did not start in their favor, as Ohio State controlled the tempo early and built a solid lead.
Despite a slow start and foul trouble for key players, the Hawkeyes remained competitive and mounted an impressive rally in the final moments of regulation.
Jensen acknowledged both the challenges and the positives from the performance.
“I think it’s frustrating, but I think it’s positive when you look at where we were about five weeks ago. It’s a top-10 team on the road—we had foul trouble. We played overtime without Sid [Affolter], without Kylie [Feurbach]—the inconsistency of which the game was called both ways,” she explained.
“It’s not why we lost, but when you have inconsistent with that, it’s hard to stop a really amazingly strong player like Cody McMahon because you get a lot of fouls, you know, she gets to say in the game.”
The Hawkeyes had their chances to secure the win but missed opportunities, and defensive lapses proved costly. Jensen reflected on those moments.
“Kids filed out, so it’s just the luck of the draw with that, so to be able to withstand all that and a slow start but still be able to say, ‘would-a, could-have should-have,’ that’s the positive,” the coach said.
“But the frustration is the ‘would-have, could-have should-have,’ right? Oh man if we just would have done one defensive assignment correctly at the right time in the overtime,” Jensen wondered.
She also emphasized the team’s perseverance, noting that they refused to quit even when they were down 12 with just 90 seconds left in regulation.
“She mentioned feeling a little frustrated. Lucy [Olsen] is looking at it positively because she thinks it’s it. It’s all true. Just 90 seconds to go in regulation could have easily packed it in at that point down 12. Just what did you see from your team at that moment, and you know what they showed us over those last?
“Well, she thinks that’s what she loves. What I’ve kind of shared the whole year is that they’ve always stayed the course…even in the adversity we were facing.”
Jensen has consistently praised the team’s ability to stay composed in high-pressure situations. However, she also pointed out areas that need improvement, particularly in handling adversity and maintaining energy even when players are on the bench.
“I don’t know. We did some things differently than we did against Michigan State. I tried to get them up and do the things, but I think I got to keep, you know, doing that I think probably,” she said.
“That’s just eight out of 13 are new, you know, just aren’t mature enough yet to really handle that. Maybe even when you’re on the bench, that energy’s got to be high,” Jensen explained.
“So, I think that was a little bit—I think that we missed some shots—I think we missed a layup in that first opening minute. We missed a couple.”
While the loss was disappointing, it also provided valuable lessons for the team. Jensen remains confident that the experience will help them as they prepare for the challenges ahead. Iowa is in a crucial stretch of the season, and each game provides growth opportunities.
Looking Ahead for the Hawkeyes
Despite the defeat, Iowa’s performance showed that it has the potential to compete with top programs. The team will now shift its focus to upcoming matchups, aiming to refine its execution and avoid similar mistakes.
Jensen’s message to her players was clear: “Learn from this loss and move forward.”
As March approaches, Iowa must find consistency in its offensive and defensive play. The ability to adjust in real time, stay disciplined, and maintain intensity throughout the game will be key factors in their postseason success. Monday’s game was tough, but it also reaffirmed the team’s resilience.
In the long run, Jensen believes this kind of experience will benefit the team. Over time, though—both in the short term as Iowa pores over Monday’s film and in the long term as the Hawkeyes charge toward March.
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Short of learning them in victory, the lessons that played out offer Iowa a crucial experience that can’t be replicated elsewhere.
Down 12 with 90 seconds remaining, on a day where questionable foul trouble and offensive inconsistency had Iowa staring down a disappointing result, the Hawkeyes could’ve easily accepted the Ohio State game for what it was.
A double-digit road loss to a top-10 program offers little solace but is understandable given where both squads presently reside.
Moving forward, Iowa will aim to apply these lessons, improve its execution, and position itself for a strong finish to the season. The loss to Ohio State was a setback, but it also served as a reminder of the team’s potential when they stay focused and play at their best.
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