NEWS FLASH: Iowa Hawkeyes Women’s Basketball Acknowledged What Went Wrong vs. Oklahoma Sooners in the Second Round of the NCAA Women’s Championship Game
The Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team’s journey in the 2025 NCAA Women’s Championship came to an abrupt and painful end after a stunning 96-62 defeat to the
Oklahoma Sooners in the second round. For a team that had shown promise throughout the season, the blowout loss not only shocked fans but prompted deep reflection from players and coaches alike. In the days following the game, head coach Lisa Bluder, along with several players, spoke candidly about what went wrong and how the team intends to grow from the experience.
A Slow Start and Defensive Breakdowns
One of the most glaring issues Iowa faced in the game was their sluggish start. From the opening tip, Oklahoma came out with intensity, shooting efficiently from the field and aggressively attacking Iowa’s perimeter defense. Within the first five minutes, the Sooners had built a double-digit lead, forcing Iowa into early timeouts and adjustments that failed to slow the momentum.
Coach Bluder addressed this postgame, saying, “We weren’t mentally prepared for their pace and physicality. They punched first, and we didn’t respond the way we needed to.” Bluder noted that while the team had scouted Oklahoma’s offensive tendencies, their execution in real time didn’t match what was planned.
Oklahoma shot a blistering 55% from the field and 43% from beyond the arc, capitalizing on defensive lapses by Iowa. The Hawkeyes often found themselves one step behind in rotations, struggling to contest open looks and contain dribble penetration. “It was like we were chasing ghosts,” senior guard Emily Harmon remarked. “We knew what they were going to do, but we just didn’t execute. That’s on us.”
Offensive Struggles and Lack of Rhythm
While defense was a critical issue, Iowa’s offensive performance was equally underwhelming. The team shot just 36% from the floor and a dismal 21% from three-point range. Known for their fast-paced, high-scoring offense, the Hawkeyes couldn’t find their rhythm. Star forward Layla Johnson, who had averaged 18 points per game during the regular season, was held to just 9 points on 3-of-12 shooting.
Coach Bluder noted that Oklahoma’s defensive schemes were particularly effective at disrupting Iowa’s ball movement. “They hedged hard on screens, they switched with discipline, and they closed out with urgency. We weren’t moving the ball well enough to create the kinds of looks we normally get.”
There was also a notable lack of composure, as Iowa committed 17 turnovers — many of them unforced. “We played tight,” junior point guard Sienna Rhodes admitted. “We knew what was at stake, and I think the pressure got to us a bit. We tried to force things instead of letting the game come to us.”
Acknowledging the Pressure
For many on the team, the disappointment was amplified by the expectations surrounding the program. After advancing to the Final Four the previous season, many had high hopes for another deep tournament run. The early exit brought those dreams to a screeching halt, and the emotional toll was evident in the locker room.
“This isn’t how we wanted to go out,” said senior captain Maya Jenkins, fighting back tears. “But we have to own it. Oklahoma outplayed us in every facet of the game, and we didn’t rise to the moment.”
Bluder echoed those sentiments: “We have a tradition here, a standard, and today we fell short of it. But this doesn’t define us. It’s a moment to learn from, not to be defeated by.”
Looking Ahead: Lessons and Future Growth
Despite the painful loss, there is a strong sense of resolve within the program. With a talented core of underclassmen and a promising incoming recruiting class, Iowa is already looking to the future. The coaching staff has emphasized using the experience as fuel for the offseason.
“We’ll watch the tape. We’ll be honest about what we see,” Bluder said. “And then we’ll get back to work. That’s the only way forward.”
Younger players like sophomore guard Tiana Brooks and freshman center Ava Delgado are expected to take on larger roles next season. Brooks, who scored 11 points in the Oklahoma game, reflected on the opportunity to grow: “It hurts now, but we’ll use this. I’m already thinking about how we can come back stronger.”
Final Thoughts
The Hawkeyes’ loss to Oklahoma was more than just a bad game — it was a hard lesson in execution, preparation, and resilience. By acknowledging their shortcomings openly, the team has taken the first step toward turning the page and building a stronger foundation for next season.
In the world of college basketball, setbacks are inevitable. What separates good programs from great ones is how they respond. Judging by the accountability shown by both players and coaches, the Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team is determined to write a new chapter — one rooted in growth, unity, and redemption.
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