Iowa Upsets Baylor in Stunning Defensive Showdown, Shakes Up NCAA Rankings

The No. 19 Iowa Hawkeyes delivered a massive early-season statement on Nov. 20. They stunned the seventh-ranked Baylor Bears 57-52 at the WBCA Showcase in Orlando. This victory keeps Iowa’s perfect record intact at 5-0.

Iowa’s defense was the story of the game. They held Baylor scoreless in the final minutes to secure the win. According to ESPN, the Hawkeyes overcame significant injuries to key starters.

How Iowa’s Defense Sealed the Victory

Baylor’s offense went ice-cold when it mattered most. The Bears missed their final ten shots of the game. Their scoring drought in the closing minutes proved decisive.

Iowa’s Ava Heiden was a force on both ends of the court. She finished with a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds. Her performance in the paint was crucial for the shorthanded Hawkeyes.

Baylor’s Taliah Scott put on an offensive clinic for most of the contest. She scored a game-high 32 points, including six three-pointers. However, Scott missed her final five attempts as Iowa locked down defensively.

Overcoming Adversity to Secure the Win

Iowa faced serious challenges beyond the scoreboard. Starter Hannah Stuelke tweaked her ankle in the first half. Chazadi Wright later left the game after an apparent head injury.

Despite being without three starters for stretches, the team’s depth shone through. This resilience highlights the program’s strong culture under coach Jan Jensen. Beating a top-10 opponent shorthanded is a significant accomplishment.

The win provides immense confidence moving forward. It proves Iowa can win tough games against elite competition. Their next test is against Miami in the same Orlando tournament.

What This Upset Means for Iowa’s Season

This victory immediately changes the national conversation around Iowa basketball. A 5-0 start with a signature win positions them for a top tournament seed. Their defensive intensity sets a new standard for the team.

The Hawkeyes must now prove this performance was no fluke. Consistency will be key against a tough Miami squad. Maintaining this level of effort is the next challenge.

Health remains the primary concern for the long season ahead. Getting Wright, Stuelke, and Feuerbach back to full strength is critical. Their depth is good, but star power is essential for a deep postseason run.

This stunning Iowa upset over Baylor proves the Hawkeyes are a legitimate national contender. Their defensive grit and ability to win shorthanded make them a dangerous team. The landscape of women’s college basketball just got more interesting.

Dropping this nugget your way

What was the final score of the Iowa vs. Baylor game?

The Iowa Hawkeyes defeated the Baylor Bears 57-52. The game was held on November 20th at the WBCA Showcase in Orlando.

Who was the top scorer in the game?

Baylor’s Taliah Scott was the top scorer with 32 points. Iowa’s Ava Heiden led the Hawkeyes with 18 points and 11 rebounds.

How did Iowa’s defense perform?

Iowa’s defense was exceptional, especially in the final minutes. They held Baylor scoreless on their last ten shot attempts to close out the game.

What injuries did Iowa deal with?

Hannah Stuelke dealt with an ankle issue and Chazadi Wright left with a head injury. Kylie Feuerbach also fouled out late in the game.

What is Iowa’s record after this win?

Iowa remains undefeated with a perfect 5-0 record. The win over a top-10 team is their most significant victory of the young season.

Who does Iowa play next?

The Hawkeyes are scheduled to face Miami in their next tournament game. This will be another tough test for the rising Iowa squad.