Iowa Enters New Era with Momentum as Showdown at Maryland Looms
The post-Caitlin Clark, post-Lisa Bluder era in Iowa City was always going to come with questions. But halfway through the season, the Hawkeyes are offering some emphatic answers. Winners of six straight, Iowa is back in the top 10 and showing that the program’s foundation runs deeper than one legendary player or coach.
Next up: a tough road test at Maryland, tipping off at 5 p.m. CT Thursday at the XFINITY Center in College Park. It’s a matchup that carries weight-not just because of the Big Ten standings, but because it’s another opportunity for Iowa to prove it belongs in the national conversation without the faces that defined its recent golden era.
Hannah Stuelke: Iowa’s New Star Has Arrived
If there were any doubts about who would step into the spotlight for Iowa this season, Hannah Stuelke has all but erased them. The Cedar Rapids native is putting together a breakout campaign that now includes being named National Player of the Week by the United States Basketball Writers Association.
Her numbers last week were nothing short of dominant: 40 points, 17 rebounds, and 13 assists across wins over Oregon and Michigan State. That kind of production isn’t just impressive-it’s the kind of all-around impact that defines elite players. Stuelke also earned Big Ten Player of the Week honors for her efforts, and she’s quickly becoming the engine that powers Iowa’s high-octane offense.
And she’s not doing it alone. Freshman Addie Deal added to the Hawkeyes’ trophy case by picking up Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors, showing that the next generation of Iowa talent is already making its presence felt.
Brenda Frese and Maryland: A Legacy of Winning with Something to Prove
On the other sideline, Brenda Frese knows a thing or two about building a powerhouse. The Maryland head coach-also a Cedar Rapids Washington alum like Stuelke-has racked up 681 career wins, including 624 during her 23 seasons in College Park. Her résumé includes a national championship in 2006 and six Big Ten regular-season titles in Maryland’s first seven years in the league.
But it’s been a few seasons since the Terps sat atop the Big Ten. Their last regular-season title came in 2021, and this year’s squad is looking to reclaim that elite status. Last season, they got the better of Iowa in a 74-66 win in Iowa City, a game that still resonates with both programs.
This year’s Maryland team is balanced and deep, with four players averaging double figures. Leading the way is 5-foot-10 guard Oluchi Okananwa, who’s putting up 17.3 points per game and consistently setting the tone on both ends of the floor. Former Indiana standout Yarden Garzon has also stepped into a key role, averaging 12.9 points and knocking down over 40% of her shots from beyond the arc.
What’s at Stake
This isn’t just another conference game-it’s a litmus test. For Iowa, it’s a chance to solidify its identity in a new era and keep momentum rolling into a Sunday home showdown with Ohio State. For Maryland, it’s about defending home court and proving that Frese’s program is still a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten.
Expect a battle between two programs that know how to win-and two stars in Stuelke and Okananwa who are more than ready for the spotlight.