If you walked into Carver-Hawkeye Arena this past November, you didn’t see Caitlin Clark. That era is over. But the noise? The noise was still there. 14,998 people showed up on a Thursday night to watch a game that, on paper, looked like just another in-state blowout.
Honestly, the Drake Bulldogs women's basketball vs Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball matchup has always been a weird one. For decades, it was the "Little Sister" vs "Big Sister" dynamic, but Drake has this annoying habit—if you’re a Hawkeye fan—of playing way above their weight class. Not this time, though. Iowa absolutely dismantled them 100-58. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement that the post-Clark era in Iowa City isn't going to be a rebuilding project. It’s a reloading one.
The Night the Century Mark Returned
Most people expected a bit of a drop-off after the greatest scorer in college history headed to the WNBA.
You’d think the offense might stumble. It didn't.
Iowa shot nearly 54% from the field. They had 30 assists on 39 made baskets. That kind of ball movement is basically a coach’s dream. Jan Jensen, taking over the reigns from Lisa Bluder, didn't miss a beat. The Hawkeyes went on a 25-0 run that started in the first quarter and bled into the second. By the time Drake caught their breath, they were staring at a mountain they couldn't climb.
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Grace Knutson was a bright spot for Drake, puttin' up 19 points and grabbing 4 assists. She's a sophomore who plays with a lot of heart, but one player can't stop a freight train. Drake’s usual floor general, Katie Dinnebier, has been the engine for this team, but on this specific night, the Bulldogs just looked outmatched in the paint. Iowa’s depth is kinda terrifying right now. They had six players in double figures.
Why the Gap Widened
Drake is a proud program. They dominate the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) more often than not. But the physical difference in the 2025-26 season is glaring.
- Bench Depth: Iowa’s bench dropped 50 points. Fifty. That’s more than some teams score in a whole game.
- The Freshman Factor: Leila Hays came off the bench and looked like a veteran, putting up 14 points and snagging 10 boards.
- Point Guard Transition: Chazadi "Chit-Chat" Wright is the new name you need to know. She’s quick, she’s vocal, and she finished with 14 points and 4 steals.
Drake struggled with the size. When you're giving up second-chance points and getting out-rebounded, the game gets long. Fast. The Bulldogs shot only 36% from the field and a rough 50% from the free-throw line. You can't beat a top-25 team like Iowa while leaving points at the charity stripe.
A History of "Almost" and "Finally"
The Drake Bulldogs women's basketball vs Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball rivalry isn't just about the 100-58 drubbing we just saw. It goes back to 1974.
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Early on, Drake actually owned this series. Between 1976 and 1985, the Bulldogs won 17 straight games against the Hawkeyes. Read that again. Seventeen. There was a time when Drake was the undisputed queen of Iowa basketball.
Then the tide turned.
Iowa went on a 14-game winning streak of their own from 2002 to 2015. Since then, it’s been mostly Hawkeye gold, but Drake usually keeps it close enough to make people sweat. Remember 2022? That was a double-overtime thriller where Iowa barely escaped with a 92-86 win. That’s the Drake team people expect—the one that refuses to go away.
Looking Ahead: Can Drake Bridge the Gap?
The reality of 2026 is that the "Big Ten" money and the "Caitlin Clark Effect" have changed the resource landscape. Iowa is selling out arenas and pulling in top-tier transfers like Ava Heiden. Drake, meanwhile, has to rely on incredible scouting and player development.
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Allison Pohlman is a fantastic coach. She knows how to win in the MVC. But when they play these high-major Iowa schools, they need to be perfect.
To get back into this rivalry, Drake has to find a way to counter Iowa's height. In their most recent meeting, the Hawkeyes had a field day in the paint. If Drake can't recruit or develop a legitimate rim protector to match up with the likes of Hannah Stuelke or Addison O'Grady, these scores are going to keep looking lopsided.
Practical Steps for Fans and Bettors
If you're following these two programs, here's what you actually need to do to stay ahead of the curve:
- Watch the MVC Standings: Drake often uses these losses to Iowa and Iowa State as fuel. If they lose big to the Hawkeyes, they usually go on a tear in conference play. Buy tickets for their home games at the Knapp Center now while they're still affordable.
- Track Iowa's "Chit-Chat": Chazadi Wright is the pulse of the new Hawkeye offense. If she’s playing well, Iowa is a Final Four contender. If she struggles with turnovers, they're vulnerable.
- Check the Injury Reports: Both teams have dealt with nagging injuries to key rotations. In a high-tempo rivalry like this, one missing starter changes the spread by 10 points easily.
- Support Local: Iowa is one of the few states where women's college basketball is genuinely the biggest ticket in town. Whether you're in Des Moines or Iowa City, get to a game. The atmosphere is unlike anything else in the country.
The 100-58 scoreline might look like the end of a competitive era, but don't count the Bulldogs out for the long haul. They’ve been here before. They’ve been down, and they’ve come back to haunt the Hawkeyes. But for now, the state of Iowa belongs to the black and gold.