Hawkeyes Defeat Michigan, Advance to Big Ten Championship

Iowa cruises past Michigan 59-42 in Big Ten Tournament semifinal

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Iowa Hawkeyes defeated the Michigan Wolverines 59-42 in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals on Saturday. Sophomore Ava Heiden led the Hawkeyes with 16 points, while senior Hannah Stuelke recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Iowa jumped out to an early 9-0 lead and held a 28-22 advantage at halftime before Michigan briefly took the lead in the third quarter. However, the Hawkeyes dominated the fourth quarter, going on a 13-2 run to secure the victory and advance to the Big Ten championship game.

Why it matters

This win sends the Hawkeyes to the Big Ten championship game, where they will have a chance to claim the conference title. Iowa has been a top contender in the Big Ten all season, and this victory over a fellow conference powerhouse in Michigan further solidifies their status as an elite team in the league.

The details

Iowa jumped out to a 9-0 lead to start the game and held a 13-4 advantage after the first quarter. Michigan fought back in the second quarter, but the Hawkeyes maintained a 28-22 lead at halftime. The Wolverines briefly took the lead in the third quarter, but Iowa regained control in the fourth, going on a 13-2 run to pull away for the 59-42 win.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 7, 2026 inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
  • Iowa led 13-4 after the first quarter and 28-22 at halftime.
  • Michigan briefly took the lead in the third quarter, but Iowa dominated the fourth quarter to secure the victory.

The players

Ava Heiden

Sophomore guard for the Iowa Hawkeyes who led the team with 16 points.

Hannah Stuelke

Senior forward for the Iowa Hawkeyes who recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

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What’s next

The Hawkeyes will face the winner of the other semifinal matchup in the Big Ten championship game on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

The takeaway

Iowa's dominant performance against a fellow Big Ten powerhouse in Michigan solidifies their status as an elite team in the conference. The Hawkeyes will now have the opportunity to claim the Big Ten title in the championship game.