Iowa Women's Basketball Dominates Purdue

Hawkeyes use big first quarter to defeat Boilermakers 83-74

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team used a dominant first quarter performance to build a large lead and defeat the Purdue Boilermakers 83-74. Led by standout games from Taylor Stremlow and Ava Heiden, Iowa raced out to a 29-14 lead after the first 10 minutes and never looked back.

Why it matters

This victory keeps Iowa in the hunt for a top seed in the upcoming Big Ten tournament, as they look to secure a prime matchup with No. 6 Michigan on Sunday. The Hawkeyes' strong start and ability to withstand Purdue's second-half push demonstrates their growth and resilience as a team this season.

The details

Stremlow scored 19 of her game-high 18 points in the first half, while Heiden added 21 points and 13 rebounds. Freshman Journey Houston also made her first career start and tied her career-high with 16 points. Iowa's three-point shooting and dominance in the paint proved too much for Purdue to overcome, despite a late push from the Boilermakers.

  • Iowa raced out to a 15-6 lead in the first four minutes of the game.
  • Stremlow and Heiden combined for 19 points in the first quarter as Iowa built a 29-14 lead.
  • Stremlow scored a career-high 19 points in the first half, while Heiden added 9 of her own.
  • Heiden scored Iowa's first 8 points of the second half to help maintain the Hawkeyes' lead.
  • The win sets up a prime matchup with No. 6 Michigan on Sunday, which will also serve as Iowa's Senior Day.

The players

Taylor Stremlow

A team captain for the Hawkeyes, Stremlow is playing the best basketball of her career since being inserted into the starting lineup. She was confident and efficient, leading Iowa's fast start with 18 points and 8 assists.

Ava Heiden

The Oregon native has taken a big leap forward this season and is one of the most dominant post players in the Big Ten. She finished with 21 points and 13 rebounds, constantly causing problems for Purdue's defense.

Journey Houston

The freshman made her first career start and tied her career-high with 16 points, demonstrating her basketball IQ, patience, and maturity that have stood out all season long.

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What’s next

A win secures a prime matchup with No. 6 Michigan inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Sunday. Tip-off is slated for 11 a.m CT and will be broadcasted on Fox. It's also going to serve as Iowa's Senior Day despite not being the last home game of the season.

The takeaway

Iowa's dominant first-quarter performance and balanced scoring attack, led by standout games from Stremlow and Heiden, proved too much for Purdue to overcome. This victory keeps the Hawkeyes in the hunt for a top seed in the Big Ten tournament and sets up a highly anticipated matchup with Michigan on Sunday.