If you were looking for the Hawkeyes to take the court this Saturday, you might be a little confused checking the TV guide. Iowa women's basketball today: live action isn't happening on the floor at Carver-Hawkeye Arena because the team is currently in a short "gap" in the schedule. Honestly, after the week they’ve had, they probably need the breather.
Coming off a tough 74-66 victory over Oregon just two days ago, Jan Jensen’s squad is sitting at 15-2 overall and remains perfect in the Big Ten. It’s a weird feeling not seeing a Saturday afternoon tip-off, but the rest of the conference is in chaos today while Iowa watches from the sidelines.
The Reality of the Big Ten Standings Right Now
Everyone thought the post-Caitlin Clark era would be a massive step back. It hasn't been. At 6-0 in conference play, Iowa is currently neck-and-neck with UCLA at the top of the Big Ten standings.
Today, while the Hawkeyes are off, the rest of the league is beating each other up. Michigan State—Iowa’s next opponent—is looking like a juggernaut, and Ohio State is breathing down everyone's neck. People sorta expected the "Big Three" of the new Big Ten (UCLA, USC, and Ohio State) to just steamroll the Midwest teams. Jan Jensen clearly didn't get that memo.
The Oregon game on Thursday was a perfect example of why this team is still dangerous. They aren't just shooting logos anymore. They’re grinding. Hannah Stuelke is playing like an All-American, and the freshman class is contributing way earlier than anyone predicted.
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Who to Watch: The New Faces of Hawkeye Ball
If you’re tuning into the next Iowa women's basketball today: live broadcast, you’re going to see a lot of No. 45. Hannah Stuelke is basically the engine now. She’s averaging nearly a double-double and has developed a mid-range game that makes her a nightmare to guard.
- Chazadi "Chit-Chat" Wright: The Georgia Tech transfer has been a godsend. Her speed in transition is probably the closest thing to the "old" Iowa style we've seen.
- Ava Heiden: The 6'4" sophomore center is finally giving Iowa the rim protection they’ve lacked for years. She’s not just a tall body; she’s actually mobile.
- Addie Deal: The freshman has been getting major minutes. She’s got that "it" factor—fearless when the shot clock is winding down.
It’s a different vibe. Less "hero ball," more "everyone touches the paint."
Why Sunday is the Real Date to Circle
Since there is no game today, January 17, all eyes are on tomorrow, Sunday, January 18. That’s when No. 11 Iowa hosts No. 15 Michigan State. This is a massive game for seeding.
The Spartans are coming in hot. They play a fast, high-pressure style that has forced a ton of turnovers this season. If Iowa can’t handle the full-court press, things could get ugly fast in Iowa City. But Carver-Hawkeye is still sold out. The fans didn't leave when the stars graduated, and that atmosphere is still worth about 5 to 10 points for the home team.
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How to Follow the Action
For the fans asking about Iowa women's basketball today: live updates, you’ll want to keep an eye on the Big Ten Network (BTN) tomorrow at 8:00 PM CT. That’s a late tip for a Sunday, but it’s a national window.
If you can't get to a TV, the Hawkeye Radio Network is still the gold standard. Rob Brooks and Tiffany Reedy call a great game. You can find them on the Varsity Network app or local Iowa affiliates like WHO 1040 AM.
Key Details for Tomorrow's Matchup:
- Matchup: No. 15 Michigan State at No. 11 Iowa.
- Time: 8:00 PM CT, Sunday, Jan 18.
- Location: Carver-Hawkeye Arena (Sold Out).
- Broadcast: Big Ten Network.
Addressing the "No Game Today" Confusion
It’s easy to get mixed up with the schedule, especially since the men’s team is playing today against Indiana in Bloomington. If you see "Iowa vs. Indiana" on your social feed today, that’s the men’s side. The women already played Indiana back on January 11th and escaped with a 56-53 win.
The Big Ten schedule is staggered this year because of the 18-team expansion. Adding USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington changed the travel load. Iowa just got back from a long stretch and had a Thursday game, so the Saturday "bye" is a strategic rest day before the Michigan State/Maryland/Ohio State gauntlet begins next week.
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What's Next for the Hawkeyes
After the Michigan State game tomorrow, the road gets significantly steeper. They travel to Maryland on Thursday, which is never an easy place to play. Then, they come home for a massive showdown against Ohio State on January 25th.
Basically, the next 10 days will decide if this team is a legit Final Four contender or just a "very good" top-15 team. They’ve shown they can win ugly, which is a great trait to have in January.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check your local listings for the BTN broadcast tomorrow night.
- Follow the official @IowaWBB social accounts for real-time practice clips and injury updates today.
- If you're looking for live college hoops right now, check out the Iowa State vs. Oklahoma State game—the Cyclones are currently fighting to stay in the Top 25.