No. 19 Iowa Surges Past No. 7 Baylor 57-52 in Thrilling Finish
UPDATE: In a nail-biting showdown, the No. 19 Iowa Hawkeyes triumphed over the No. 7 Baylor Bears with a score of 57-52 at the WBCA State Farm Showcase in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, on November 16, 2023. This thrilling game featured standout performances, particularly from Iowa’s Ava Heiden, who scored 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.
The match was a high-stakes battle of unbeatens, with Baylor’s Taliah Scott putting on a remarkable display, netting 32 points. However, in a dramatic turn, Scott missed her final five shots, contributing to Baylor’s struggle as they went cold, missing their last 10 attempts from the field.
Iowa surged ahead in the fourth quarter, igniting a crucial 9-0 run that proved pivotal. Despite trailing at the start of the fourth, Scott rallied her team with 12 consecutive points, including three 3-pointers and three free throws after being fouled. Unfortunately for the Bears, Scott’s scoring spree was not enough to secure the win, as she fell silent in the closing moments.
Iowa faced significant challenges, playing without three starters at various points during the game. Guard Chazadi Wright left the court after a hard fall, appearing to suffer a concussion, while Hannah Stuelke, who tweaked her ankle, managed to return to contribute 10 points and 8 rebounds. Taylor Stremlow added vital support with 12 points.
The victory marks a significant moment for Iowa as they improve to 5-0 this season, while Baylor, now 4-1, will seek to rebound against Davidson on Saturday. Iowa is set to face Miami in the next round of this four-day Disney event.
This game not only showcased incredible individual talent but also emphasized the resilience of the Iowa team under pressure. The stakes were high, with both teams aiming to maintain their unbeaten records, making this clash a must-watch for college basketball fans.
Stay tuned for further updates and analysis on the AP Top 25 as the season progresses.
