Hawkeyes Defeat Purdue in High-Scoring Affair

Iowa Women's Basketball team overcomes injuries to secure 83-74 victory over Boilermakers

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Iowa Women's Basketball team used a dominant first half performance to defeat Purdue 83-74 on Thursday night. Despite missing key players due to injury, the Hawkeyes shot 59.3% from the field and led by as many as 22 points before holding off a late Purdue rally.

Why it matters

This win keeps Iowa in the hunt for the Big Ten title, as they improve to 21-5 overall and 12-3 in conference play. The Hawkeyes showed their depth and resilience by overcoming the absences of starters Taylor McCabe and Hannah Stuelke to secure a critical road victory.

The details

Freshman Journey Houston stepped up with a career-high 16 points and 5 rebounds in her first career start, while Ava Heiden recorded a double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Taylor Stremlow also had a hot shooting night, going 5-for-5 from three-point range in the first half to help Iowa build a big lead.

  • The Hawkeyes scored 29 points in the first quarter, tying a season-high.
  • Iowa led 51-32 at halftime after shooting 66.7% from the field in the first half.
  • Purdue made a late push, cutting the deficit to 10 points in the fourth quarter, but Iowa held on for the 83-74 win.

The players

Journey Houston

Freshman forward who stepped up with a career-high 16 points and 5 rebounds in her first career start.

Ava Heiden

Junior forward who recorded a double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds, shooting 10-of-12 from the field.

Taylor Stremlow

Sophomore guard who scored a new career-high 19 points, including 5-of-5 shooting from three-point range in the first half.

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What they’re saying

“Surprisingly wasn't very nervous. I had that stay ready mindset...I'm getting comfortable now and starting to shoot the mid-range shot, and eventually the three-point shot will come.”

— Journey Houston, Freshman forward (Postgame radio broadcast)

“Kind of felt like we escaped and sometimes you do just have to escape. Then, you look at the stat sheet and realize Chat didn't have her best game or scoring output and Hannah Stuelke obviously didn't play and we were able to get a win.”

— Abby Stamp, Assistant coach (Postgame radio broadcast)

What’s next

The Hawkeyes will return home to face the 6th-ranked Michigan Wolverines on Sunday, February 23rd at 11:00am CT on FOX.

The takeaway

Despite key injuries, Iowa's depth and balanced scoring attack allowed them to secure a critical conference road win over Purdue. The Hawkeyes' ability to overcome adversity and win close games will serve them well as they continue their push for the Big Ten title.