IOWA CITY — The Iowa women’s basketball team seeks to bounce back from a recent setback as they prepare to face Lindenwood on December 13. Following their 74-69 loss to No. 10 Iowa State, the 12th-ranked Hawkeyes (9-1) have a quick turnaround, providing them a crucial opportunity to regroup ahead of a high-stakes matchup against top-ranked UConn on December 20.
This upcoming game against Lindenwood is notable as it is Iowa’s last mid-major opponent this season. With only one game scheduled in the following two weeks after facing the Lions, this matchup serves not just as a chance for redemption, but also as a preparatory step for the intense challenges that lie ahead.
One of the key focus areas for Iowa will be improving their performance at the free-throw line. The team’s struggles were highlighted during their game in Ames, where they managed only 50% (6-for-12) from the charity stripe. Currently, Iowa shoots 65% on free throws, a stat that may hinder their future success if not addressed. Historically, the Hawkeyes have averaged around 22 free-throw attempts per game against mid-major teams, indicating that they should have opportunities to capitalize against Lindenwood.
Lindenwood comes into this game with a respectable record and is currently ranked No. 79 in the NET rankings. The Lions, already in their fourth season at the Division I level after a rough start, have shown promise by earning a spot in the WNIT last year. Their recent performance has been impressive, including a notable 68-52 win over Drake and a competitive loss to Baylor.
Ranked 23rd nationally in three-point shooting percentage (37.5%) and 40th in assists per game (16.9), Lindenwood is led offensively by upperclassmen Aleshia Jones, Ellie Brueggemann, and Brooke Coffey, who collectively contribute nearly 60% of the team’s scoring. Size could be a disadvantage for the Lions, as they feature only one player taller than 6-foot-1 in significant roles, which may play to the advantage of Iowa’s taller players like Ava Heiden and Hannah Stuelke.
Another player to watch will be point guard Chit-Chat Wright, who has emerged as an influential presence on the court. After a strong return performance where she scored 21 points against Iowa State, maintaining that momentum will be critical for the Hawkeyes. With her ability to facilitate play, Wright’s continued development could be a game-changer for Iowa as they seek cohesion within their offense.
As the Hawkeyes gear up for the Lindenwood clash, a strong performance is anticipated. The Hawks are projected to defeat the Lions with a predicted score of 85-69, setting the stage for a much-anticipated showdown with UConn in Brooklyn.
