Fresh off a week-long holiday hiatus and riding high on a five-game winning streak, the No. 12 Iowa Hawkeyes were back in action as they took on the unranked but respectable Boilermakers of Purdue. Amidst the competitiveness that has come to define the Big Ten, the defending conference champions came in looking to make a statement. That statement is that they can hold their own even as teams such as Purdue and their Sunday opponent Illinois are rising. A win would momentarily solidify their place as one of the top contenders in conference play. A loss could jeopardize their status and make them have to work twice as hard.
On another note, Monika Czinano came in needing 11 points to reach 2,000 for her career. History and credibility were on the line before the year wrapped up.
From the start, the Hawkeyes quickly realized that they had their work cut out for them. Their usual explosive offense was largely neutralized by Purdue’s pressured-packed defense, which included a full-court press where two defenders would be on Caitlin Clark as she brought the ball up. Also, Czinano was double-teamed in the paint when she was given the ball. As a result, they struggled for points and at times turned the ball over.
Defensively they did an effective job at keeping Purdue’s…
