Hawkeyes Aim for Fourth Straight Big Ten Title in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Iowa Hawkeyes are set to continue their quest for a fourth consecutive Big Ten title as they face the Wisconsin Badgers in the opening round of the Big Ten Tournament on Wednesday evening.

Having defeated Wisconsin 30 times in a row, including a decisive 15-point victory last Sunday, Iowa looks to maintain its dominance. Head coach Jan Jensen expressed optimism despite the difficulties that come with playing the same team back-to-back.

“I think Sean had the scout, that’s a good thing, because then he doesn’t have to pour over someone you played two months ago,” Jensen said. “I think it is just a thing. I mean, every coach, you could probably find a reason why you don’t want to play someone and then you always want to play someone else that you’re not playing.”

Jensen added that the dynamic of the tournament makes it unpredictable. “Anything happens in March and so it doesn’t really matter. You’ve got to be ready. And if you’re not ready, then you don’t get to have as much fun. I do think we’ll be ready. I’d like to think it.”

One player to watch is Caitlin Stuelke, who is coming off a standout performance. She became the first Hawkeye since 2009 to achieve at least 20 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals in a single game. Stuelke is expected to play a crucial role against the Badgers’ formidable front court.

Lucy Olsen, an all-Big Ten first team guard, has been a key contributor for Iowa, averaging 22.3 points per game over her last 10 contests, along with 4.6 assists and 3.8 rebounds. She boasts a shooting percentage of 48 percent from three-point range.

Conversely, the Badgers have struggled against ranked opponents, holding a 1-10 record against teams in the AP Top 25, with all 10 losses occurring by double digits.

Notably, Serah Williams is a standout player for Wisconsin, being one of only two athletes in NCAA Division I basketball averaging at least 19 points and 10 rebounds per game.

If Iowa secures a victory over Wisconsin, they will advance to face Michigan State on Thursday—a rematch from a closely contested game earlier this season where Iowa lost 68-66. That matchup will coincide with the Iowa men’s team also playing Michigan State.

The game will take place on Peacock, and HawkeyeInsider will provide ongoing analysis and updates throughout the tournament. Currently, Iowa enters as an 18-point favorite to win the matchup against Wisconsin.

In other news from Iowa City, the Hawkeyes are bolstering their roster for next season with the addition of Addie Deal, a highly-touted recruit who was named a Naismith Trophy second-team All-American.

“Addie is one of the nation’s premier point guards and off guards,” Jensen said regarding Deal’s commitment to the program. “She has an extremely high IQ, and she is extremely talented.”

With the departure of several key players this season, Deal has the potential to make an immediate impact. Ranked as the No. 9 prospect in the 2025 class, she has garnered significant attention for her dual-threat capabilities as a scorer and passer.

Brandon Clay of 247Sports praised Deal’s growth, noting her exceptional shooting ability and her commitment to physical development. “She is built to walk on campus next fall and make an immediate contribution,” Clay stated.

Deal expressed her excitement about joining the Iowa program, highlighting the strong community and coaching staff along with the competitive level of play. “I’m so blessed and excited to get started and be in Iowa City! Go Hawks!” she said.

As the tournament unfolds, Iowa fans are eagerly anticipating both the current team’s performance and the promising future that weighs on new talent like Deal.