In a gripping Big Ten tournament game that took place at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, the Iowa Hawkeyes clinched a decisive 74-61 victory over No. 24 Michigan State. The star of the night, Ava Heiden, emerged as the standout player, leading her team with a career-high 11 points in the latter half of the game. As the clock wound down, Iowa fans filled the arena with chants of “Ava! Ava! Ava!” celebrating the freshman’s pivotal performance.
Heiden, a freshman center who had played minimally in the game until the third quarter, proved instrumental in turning the tide for the Hawkeyes. Her entry into the game was a strategic move by Iowa head coach Jan Jensen after starter Hannah Stuelke encountered foul trouble. Heiden’s quick scoring, including a crucial six points late in the third quarter, propelled Iowa from a tied game to a six-point lead.
Heiden’s Impact: From Bench to Breakout
Ava Heiden, hailing from Sherwood, Oregon, has had an undulating first season, marked by “flashes of great athleticism and skills,” according to her coach. Despite the challenges of transitioning from high school to college basketball, Heiden demonstrated her readiness and ability to seize opportunities. “Just waiting for my opportunity and working towards it, so that when I do get that, I can shine,” Heiden remarked after the game.
Her performance not only included scoring but also contributing defensively with four rebounds and playing a role in two of Iowa’s 16 steals during her 12 minutes on the court. Heiden’s efforts were not just about scoring; they were about making pivotal plays that sustained her team’s momentum.
The Game Dynamics
The game itself was a roller coaster, with Iowa initially struggling with accuracy and turnovers. However, the team’s resilience shone through, particularly in the second quarter, where they went on a 16-0 run, turning a deficit into a lead they would continue to build upon. Despite Michigan State’s brief lead in the third quarter, Iowa, buoyed by Heiden’s contributions and a team-high 21 points from Lucy Olsen, maintained control to secure the win.
This victory was particularly sweet for Iowa as it not only advanced them to the quarterfinals to face 13th-ranked Ohio State but also served as retribution for a narrow loss to Michigan State earlier in the season. Coach Jensen reflected on the game’s highs and lows, acknowledging her technical foul but praising her team for their composure and execution under pressure.
As the Hawkeyes prepare to face Ohio State, the stakes are high, and the memories of their last encounter, an overtime loss, add an extra layer of anticipation to the upcoming game. With the team’s current form and Heiden’s emerging presence, Iowa fans have good reason to hope for another thrilling performance.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.