**Iowa Women’s Basketball Faces Heartbreaking Loss to Oregon, Final Score 50-49**
In a thrilling showdown in Eugene, Oregon, the Iowa women’s basketball team faced off against the Oregon Ducks in a Big Ten Conference road game. The game started with Iowa taking an early 11-point lead, showcasing their defensive prowess by holding Oregon’s offense scoreless for over 7 minutes. However, in a nail-biting finish, Iowa ultimately fell short with a final score of 50-49.
**Sydney Affolter Shines with Career-High Rebounds**
One of the standout performances of the game came from Sydney Affolter, who set a new career-high with an impressive 15 rebounds. Affolter’s stellar performance on the court earned her the distinction of becoming the 11th Hawkeye since 2009 to record 15 or more rebounds in a single game. This remarkable feat showcased Affolter’s tenacity and skill as she dominated the boards throughout the game.
Affolter’s exceptional performance didn’t stop there – she also registered double-digit rebounds for the eighth time in her career and achieved this milestone for the first time in back-to-back games. With a consistent display of excellence, Affolter has grabbed eight or more rebounds in four out of the last five games, solidifying her reputation as a key player for the Iowa team.
**Key Defensive Stats and Player Contributions**
Throughout the game, the Hawkeyes showcased a strong defensive presence, holding the Ducks to a mere 25 percent shooting from the field in the first quarter and limiting them to 32 percent shooting in the first half. Taylor McCabe’s sharpshooting was also on full display, with the player hitting a pair of 3-pointers in five Big Ten games this season and boasting a team-best 16-of-40 shooting from deep in conference action.
Unfortunately, the Hawkeyes faced a setback as Hannah Stuelke was ruled out of the game due to a concussion suffered in a previous matchup. Despite this, Kylie Feuerbach’s consistent performance with five or more assists in three games this season and the team’s strong rebounding efforts, outrebounding 17 of their 19 opponents, showcased the depth and resilience of the Iowa squad.
**Looking Ahead**
As the Hawkeyes regroup and prepare for their next challenge, they are set to travel to Washington on Wednesday, Jan. 22. Tip-off inside Alaska Airlines Arena is scheduled for 8 p.m. (CT) and will be broadcast on Peacock (subscription required) and the Hawkeye Radio Network. Stay tuned as the Iowa women’s basketball team continues their journey in the Big Ten Conference, seeking redemption after a narrow defeat against Oregon.
