The Iowa Hawkeyes (18-4, 9-2 Big Ten) return home on February 5 to face Minnesota (16-6, 7-4 Big Ten) in a contest that carries significance for Big Ten standings. After consecutive losses at USC and UCLA, Jan Jensen’s team will lean on its undefeated home record (11-0) to snap a two-game skid. Here are five keys for the Hawkeyes to secure a win.
Stop Grace Grocholski’s Three-Point Stroke
Grace Grocholski leads Minnesota with 13.2 points per game while shooting 49.1 percent from three-point range through 10 games. The junior guard has been particularly efficient from distance, connecting on 26 three-pointers on just 53 attempts. The Hawkeyes’ perimeter defense must execute discipline and consistency against Grocholski, who has become Minnesota’s offensive catalyst.
Rather than allowing her to find rhythm, the Hawkeyes should employ tight on-ball coverage while maintaining quick rotations when she relocates. Forcing difficult shots will be essential to slowing Minnesota’s offensive efficiency. The Gophers are shooting 43.7 percent from the field as a team.
Attack Iowa’s Scoring Advantage Inside
The Hawkeyes hold a clear advantage with Ava Heiden, who leads the Hawkeyes with 16.4 points per game. Minnesota’s frontcourt, anchored by Sophie Hart (10.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG) and Mallory Heyer, lacks the consistent scoring punch that the Hawkeyes possess. The Hawkeyes should establish early positioning for Heiden in the low post and attack frequently.
Hannah Stuelke, despite being second on the team in rebounds at 8.9 per game, should also look to create scoring opportunities in the paint. Iowa’s paint dominance will create easier shot opportunities and can lead to free-throw attempts, which Minnesota has struggled to get to the line (averaging 12.1 FTA per game compared to Iowa’s more aggressive approach).
Control Transition with Disciplined Backcourt Play
Amaya Battle orchestrates Minnesota’s offense with 4.3 assists per game while adding 7.1 points. She also leads the Golden Gophers with 1.7 steals per game, making her dangerous in transition. Iowa’s backcourt, led by Chazadi Wright, who averages 3.9 assists and 1.6 steals, must balance aggressive play-making with turnover prevention.
Protecting the basketball in transition will limit Minnesota’s fast-break opportunities. Iowa’s turnovers against the Gophers could prove costly if not managed carefully, as Minnesota forces opponents into high-pressure situations.
Leverage Rebounding Dominance
Iowa’s rebounding prowess has been a cornerstone of success at home. The Hawkeyes’ tendency to win the glass, particularly on the offensive side, creates second-chance opportunities and limits Minnesota’s rebounding margin.
Minnesota has collected 43.1 total rebounds per game while allowing 33.9, suggesting the Golden Gophers can be vulnerable on the glass. Aggressive offensive rebounding and defensive positioning will keep possessions extended and Minnesota off the bench for fresh legs. .
Maintain Shooting Efficiency Against Minnesota’s Defense
Minnesota’s defense surrenders 34.1 percent from three-point range and allows 54.1 percent from the field to opponents. The Hawkeyes’ perimeter shooting, anchored by multiple capable shooters, should find rhythm against a Gophers defense that lacks overwhelming length or athleticism on the wing.
When Iowa shoots efficiently at home, it becomes nearly impossible to beat. Getting into rhythm early and maintaining that shooting confidence through the second half will prevent Minnesota from staying in a game where the Golden Gophers must lean heavily on Grocholski’s three-point creation.
The Hawkeyes’ home-court advantage, undefeated at 11-0 this season, combined with their superior depth and scoring options, gives Iowa the upper hand. Minnesota will need a complete performance and likely needs Tori McKinney (13.9 PPG) to be equally efficient alongside Grocholski for an upset bid.
