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Iowa Survives Upset Bid, Advances in NCAA Tournament
Hawkeyes hold off feisty Farleigh Dickinson Knights in close contest
Mar. 22, 2026 at 1:06am
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The second-seeded Iowa Hawkeyes narrowly defeated the 15th-seeded Farleigh Dickinson Knights 58-48 in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament on Saturday. Iowa only led 35-33 heading into the fourth quarter, but Ava Heiden took over the game, scoring 12 straight points to help the Hawkeyes pull away. Heiden finished with a career-high 29 points on 11-of-16 shooting. Iowa dominated the rebounding battle 47-28, with Hannah Stuelke recording a double-double of 13 points and 16 rebounds.
Why it matters
The win keeps Iowa's season alive as they advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Farleigh Dickinson's 22-game winning streak was snapped, ending their Cinderella run. The close game highlights the parity in women's college basketball, with lower-seeded teams capable of challenging the favorites.
The details
Iowa only led 35-33 heading into the fourth quarter, but Ava Heiden took over the game, scoring 12 straight points to help the Hawkeyes pull away. Heiden finished with a career-high 29 points on 11-of-16 shooting and 7-of-7 from the free throw line. Iowa dominated the rebounding battle 47-28, with Hannah Stuelke recording a double-double of 13 points and 16 rebounds. Farleigh Dickinson shot just 30% from the field and had their 22-game winning streak snapped.
- The game was played on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
The players
Ava Heiden
The star player for the Iowa Hawkeyes, who scored a career-high 29 points to lead her team to victory.
Hannah Stuelke
The Iowa forward who recorded a double-double of 13 points and 16 rebounds in the win.
Ava Renninger
The leading scorer for the Farleigh Dickinson Knights, who had 13 points in the losing effort.
What they’re saying
“Ava really stepped up and made some huge plays for us down the stretch. She's been a rock for us all season and we're glad she was able to lead us to this win.”
— Lisa Bluder, Iowa Head Coach
What’s next
Iowa will face 10th-seeded Virginia in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Monday, with the game time to be determined.
The takeaway
This close game showcases the depth and parity in women's college basketball, with lower-seeded teams capable of challenging the favorites. Iowa's ability to withstand Farleigh Dickinson's upset bid and advance in the tournament demonstrates the Hawkeyes' resilience and championship aspirations.
