Iowa Hosts FDU in Women's NCAA Tournament Opener

Hawkeyes look to advance past first-round matchup with Knights

Mar. 21, 2026 at 6:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The No. 2 seed Iowa Hawkeyes will host the No. 15 seed Fairleigh Dickinson Knights in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. Iowa, led by the trio of Ava Heiden, Hannah Stuelke and Chazadi Wright, is seeking a return to the national championship game after last appearing in 2024. FDU, the NEC Tournament champion, will look to pull off an early upset despite losses to power conference foes earlier in the season.

Why it matters

This first-round matchup features a clear talent disparity, with Iowa being one of the top teams in the country and FDU as a relative newcomer to the NCAA Tournament. However, the Knights have proven they can compete with top teams, making this an intriguing potential bracket-buster game.

The details

Iowa enters the tournament after a 27-5 regular season and Big Ten championship game loss, while FDU won its conference tournament to earn an automatic bid. The Hawkeyes boast a deep and talented roster, while the Knights are led by three double-digit scorers and strong rebounding. This will be the second all-time meeting between the programs, with Iowa winning handily 102-46 in 2023.

  • The game will tip off at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
  • This is the first round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament.

The players

Ava Heiden

A key member of the Iowa Hawkeyes' talented roster.

Hannah Stuelke

One of three Hawkeyes averaging double-digit points this season.

Chazadi Wright

Rounds out Iowa's formidable trio of leading scorers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The winner of this first-round matchup will advance to face the winner of the game between the No. 7 seed and No. 10 seed in the second round on March 22 or 23.

The takeaway

This game features a clear talent disparity, but FDU has proven it can compete with top teams, making this an intriguing potential upset opportunity in the opening round of the women's NCAA Tournament.