The Iowa Hawkeyes are hitting a critical stretch in their season, and the timing couldn’t be more important. After dropping three straight - including a tough swing out West against USC and UCLA followed by a home stumble versus Minnesota - the Hawkeyes are using this brief pause in the schedule to regroup, reset, and refocus.
This isn’t just about snapping a losing streak. It’s about preserving their postseason positioning.
Iowa is still projected to host in the NCAA Tournament according to the latest ESPN bracketology, but that status is hanging in the balance. One more slip, and they could find themselves sliding out of that coveted top-16 spot.
Head coach Jan Jensen and her squad know what’s at stake. Hosting in March isn’t just about home-court advantage - it’s about momentum, confidence, and sending a message that Iowa is still a team to be reckoned with.
That makes their next matchup - a home game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena against Washington on Wednesday - a must-win, and not just for the win column. It’s about re-establishing rhythm and identity.
Washington isn’t going to make it easy. This is a Huskies team that’s been scrappy and competitive, and Iowa can’t afford to come out flat.
The Hawkeyes need a complete performance - defensive intensity, smart shot selection, and leadership from their veterans. It’s the kind of game where stars need to play like stars, and role players need to rise to the moment.
Looking at the current bracket picture, Iowa is slotted as a No. 3 seed, matched up against No. 14 McNeese.
That’s a favorable draw on paper, but the margin for error is thin. Just above them are the likes of Texas, UCLA, UConn, and South Carolina holding down the No. 1 seeds, while Louisville, LSU, Michigan, and Vanderbilt round out the No. 2 line.
Iowa’s in good company, but they’ll have to earn their place among the elite.
The Big Ten is well-represented in the latest projections, with 12 teams in the field - the most of any conference. That depth speaks to the grind Iowa faces every night in league play. But it also means every win is a chance to boost the resume, and every loss can sting just a little more.
The bubble picture is as crowded as ever. Teams like Stanford, Clemson, Virginia Tech, and Virginia are clinging to the last spots in, while Colorado, Arizona State, Richmond, and Fairfield are on the outside looking in. Iowa doesn’t want to be anywhere near that conversation - and they shouldn’t be - but the only way to stay clear is to start stacking wins again.
Wednesday’s game against Washington isn’t just another date on the calendar. It’s a gut-check moment for a team with high expectations and the talent to meet them.
If the Hawkeyes can bounce back and protect home court, they’ll be back on track. But if the skid continues, things could get complicated in a hurry.
The good news? Iowa still controls its destiny. Now it’s time to show they’re ready to take the wheel.