INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Hoosiers lose a tough one 70-61 to Iowa in the Big Ten Quarterfinals at Bankers Life Fieldhouse Friday evening.
Indiana struggled early to slow down Iowa in the paint. The Hawkeyes’ Megaa Gustafson had eight points, six rebounds, and three blocks in the first 10 minutes. The Hoosiers shot 27% from the field in the first quarter and only trailed by 6.
IU’s defense kept them in the game as they forced Iowa to nine turnovers. The Hawkeyes shot 42 percent in the second quarter with two big threes from Makenzie Meyer and one that led to the halftime break with Iowa up 33-27.
Out of the break IU’s Ali Patberg caught fire helping her team bring it within two multiple times in the third quarter. Patberg finished the game with 25 points.
Iowa hit nine free throws in the fourth quarter as the Hoosiers did all they could to stay in it. Iowa’s Hannah Stewart finished the game with nine points and 13 rebounds, while fellow senior Gustafson dominated the game with 30 points, 17 rebounds, and 4 assists. Iowa advances to take on No.3 Rutgers Saturday at 7:30pm.