Iowa Hawkeyes Dominate Wisconsin Badgers, Clinch Sizeable Ten Tournament Seed

MADISON, WI – The No. 9 Iowa Hawkeyes secured a decisive 81-52 victory over the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center on Sunday, marking their 33rd consecutive win against Wisconsin. The Hawkeyes finished the 2025-26 regular season with a 24-5 record, earning the No. 2 seed in the upcoming Big Ten women’s basketball tournament.

The game began with a back-and-forth exchange, as Wisconsin’s Gift Uchenna opened the scoring with a layup, quickly answered by a mid-range jumpshot from Iowa’s Ava Heiden. A scoring drought followed for both teams, lasting over two minutes, before Heiden scored again, assisted by Taylor Stremlow. Heiden concluded the first quarter with 16 points, helping Iowa establish a 19-16 lead.

The second quarter saw a slow start to scoring, with Destiny Howell of Wisconsin breaking the silence with free throws after a foul drawn from Iowa’s Kylie Feuerbach. Iowa responded with a layup from Stremlow and a free throw from Layla Hayes. A three-pointer from Iowa’s Chazadi Wright, assisted by Callie Levin, energized the Hawkeyes. Despite the offensive efforts, Wisconsin trailed 33-29 at halftime.

Iowa dramatically extended its lead in the third quarter, outscoring Wisconsin 26-9. Kylie Feuerbach opened the quarter with a three-pointer, followed by consecutive three-pointers from Wright. Heiden added another layup, contributing to an 11-point run. The Hawkeyes’ offensive surge propelled them to a 59-38 advantage.

The Hawkeyes maintained their momentum in the fourth quarter, adding 22 points to Wisconsin’s 14, solidifying their 81-52 victory. Ava Heiden finished the game with a double-double, recording 16 points and 14 rebounds. Chit-Chat Wright contributed 14 points, shooting 4-for-9 from the field and 4-for-7 from three-point range. Wisconsin natives Taylor Stremlow and Teagan Mallegni combined for 22 points.

Iowa will compete in the Big Ten tournament beginning Friday, March 6, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana.