Iowa women’s basketball takes on Western Illinois tonight from Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. The No. 14 Hawkeyes enter tonight undefeated at 6-0 after making a remarkable leap in the latest coaches poll following wins over top-10 opponents. Western Illinois comes in at 4-0, setting up a clash between two unbeaten squads.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Iowa jumped 11 spots in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll after wins over then-No. 10 Baylor (57-52) and Miami (64-61)
- Ava Heiden earned Big Ten Player of the Week and USBWA National Player of the Week honors
- The game begins at 6:30 p.m. CT on November 26, 2025 and streams exclusively on Big Ten Plus
- Ava Heiden averages 15.8 points and 8.8 rebounds per game on 63.3% shooting
Hawkeyes Building Momentum in WBCA Showcase Victory
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Iowa’s 6-0 start includes an impressive stretch of performances at the WBCA Showcase in Orlando, Florida. The Hawkeyes defeated No. 10 Baylor 57-52 on November 20, followed by a 64-61 win over Miami on November 22. These victories catapulted Iowa into national prominence in the early season.
Center Ava Heiden has been the driving force in Iowa’s success. The 6-foot-4 sophomore from Sherwood, Oregon, led the team against both ranked opponents, averaging 19 points and 8.5 rebounds on 64% shooting in those two contests. Heiden’s overall season performance includes 15.8 points and 8.8 rebounds per game on stellar 63.3% field goal shooting.
Western Illinois Brings Unbeaten 4-0 Record to Iowa City
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The Leathernecks stay perfect at 4-0 heading into tonight’s matchup against the Hawkeyes. Western Illinois competes in the Ohio Valley Conference and looks to test itself against Big Ten competition. The game represents a significant non-conference opportunity for both programs to build their resumes early in the season.
Iowa has dominated its non-conference opponents, with wins over Southern (86-51), Evansville (119-43), Drake (100-58), and Northern Iowa (74-41) rounding out their schedule before the WBCA Showcase.
Iowa’s Availability Report and Roster Status
| Player Status | Availability for Tonight |
| Chit-Chat Wright (Sophomore Guard) | Out – Upper body injury |
| Teagan Mallegni (Sophomore Guard) | Out – Game day decision |
| Emely Rodriguez (Sophomore Wing) | Questionable |
| Ava Heiden (Sophomore Center) | Active – National Player of Week |
Coach Jan Jensen‘s squad has navigated early-season injuries while maintaining their unbeaten record. The loss of Chit-Chat Wright for a second consecutive game due to an upper-body injury impacts the backcourt, but Iowa’s depth and balanced scoring attack have compensated. Ava Heiden’s consistent excellence and the emergence of other scoring threats have kept the Hawkeyes on track.
Coach Jan Jensen Leads Iowa Through Early Success
Iowa women’s basketball operates under the direction of coach Jan Jensen, who has built a program that balances strong fundamentals with dynamic playmaking. Jensen’s squad enters tonight’s matchup against Western Illinois with confidence following the dramatic wins over ranked opponents. The coach emphasized team cohesion and player development as keys to early success.
The Hawkeyes showcase balanced scoring with contributions from multiple players night after night. Beyond Heiden’s dominant performance, Iowa’s ability to involve different players keeps opponents guessing on defense. Tonight provides another opportunity for Jensen’s team to continue building momentum as they prepare for a challenging Big Ten schedule ahead.
Can Iowa Continue Unbeaten Momentum Tonight Against Western Illinois?
The Hawkeyes’ quest to remain perfect at home against Western Illinois carries significant implications for the early season standings. Iowa’s impressive run includes impressive road victories and dominant home performances. Carver-Hawkeye Arena has been a fortress, and the Hawkeyes hold strong advantage there. Fans can catch tonight’s action exclusively on Big Ten Plus, with tipoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT. The Western Illinois challenge presents a lower-ranked opponent but comes at a busy point in the schedule. Iowa’s focus remains on executing fundamentally and maintaining the winning culture that has propelled them to the top of the coaches poll.
Sources
- Hawkeyes Wire (USA Today) – Game preview and roster updates
- Hawk Central – Iowa women’s basketball coverage and injury reports
- The Gazette – Coach Jan Jensen interview and game analysis
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.