Iowa Women’s Basketball Climbs Slowly in AP Poll, but Big Ten Challenges Await
The Iowa women’s basketball team continues to hold its ground in the AP Top 25 rankings, though their position has shifted slightly. After a recent win over Northern Iowa, the Hawkeyes have moved from No. 22 to No. 24 in this week’s rankings. Currently sitting at a 10-2 record overall, their performance has been solid, but they are still working to find a foothold in the competitive landscape of women’s college basketball.
One of the challenges Iowa faces this season is the absence of a standout victory in the all-important Quad 1 category. For women’s basketball, the NCAA selection committee uses a quadrant-based ranking system to evaluate teams, with Quad 1 being the most prestigious. The Hawkeyes have yet to secure a Quad 1 win, although their performances against top-tier teams like Michigan State and Tennessee, despite losses, have placed them in good standing within that category. Iowa has been impressive in other quadrants, holding undefeated records against teams in the Q2, Q3, and Q4 categories, but without a marquee win, their resume remains in the middle tier.
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into the holiday break, Iowa has a lot to look forward to. Their next game will be against Purdue, a Big Ten opponent with a 7-5 record. With a schedule full of upcoming conference matchups, including several teams ranked in the AP Top 10, the Hawkeyes will have ample opportunity to strengthen their position. The Big Ten is known for its competitive balance, and Iowa will need to leverage these games to improve its standing in the NET rankings, which currently place them at No. 30. Although this is still within at-large tournament territory, a stronger finish could push them into the top 20, allowing them to maintain a chance at hosting games during the NCAA tournament.
Looking ahead, Iowa has 13 games left on its schedule against teams that will likely be categorized as Q1 or Q2 opponents. These games are crucial, as they present a chance for the Hawkeyes to gain significant wins that could push them into stronger NCAA tournament contention. The remaining slate includes matchups against tough teams like Maryland, Oregon, USC, and Michigan, all of whom rank in the top 40 of the NET rankings.
Despite their current positioning, Iowa’s trajectory in the season is far from set. The team has plenty of room to improve and with conference play fully underway, the Hawkeyes are set to face the tests that will define their postseason prospects. As they return to action after the break, the focus will be on securing a few signature wins that could vault them back into the upper echelons of the rankings. It’s going to be an exciting stretch for the Iowa women’s basketball team, with opportunities for redemption, growth, and perhaps a few surprises along the way.
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