November 28, 2024

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MX — The #22 Iowa Hawkeyes (7-0), out of the Big Ten were missing their best players in Lucy Olsen, in a matchup with the Rhode Island Rams (4-4), but showed their depth by jumping out to a 19-15 lead after the first quarter in Cancun and finished the deal late for one of women's college hoops most notable teams.
The Rams surged back in the second quarter, outscoring Iowa 11-6, and pulling ahead for a 26-25 halftime lead.
Kylie Feuerbach led the scoring at the half, with 10 points for Iowa. Anaelle Dutat racked up 6 points for Rhode Island.
After the halftime break, both of the two teams came out firing from the field in the third quarter, Iowa was able to outscore the Rams 24-23, and notch the game at 49-49 heading into the final frame.
The Hawkeyes, coming off back-to-back national championship game appearances, and searching to replace legendary Hawkeye Caitlin Clark, the first overall pick in this year's WNBA Draft, found a way to overcome Rhode Island in the final quarter in Mexico, with 10-0 run to open the fourth.
Addison O'Grady was the difference-maker for Iowa late in the game, with 18 points on the evening.
Harsimran Kaur finished as the Rhode Island leading scorer with 19-points and adding in a team-high five rebounds, hitting four-of-five three pointers for Rhode Island.
Rhode Island continues play in the Riviera Tournament on Friday facing off against Idaho State at 4 p.m. ET. Iowa is slated for the nightcap on Friday in Cancun against Big 12 opponent BYU at 9 p.m. ET. Both games will be broadcast live on FloCollege.