Sun Feb 22 18:40:00 UTC 2026: ### Iowa Hawkeyes Dominate Purdue, Extend Winning Streak

The Story:
The No. 13 Iowa Hawkeyes secured an 83-74 victory over Purdue on Thursday, extending their winning streak against the Boilermakers to 10 games. Ava Heiden’s dominant performance, including a double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds, fueled Iowa’s offense. Taylor Stremlow’s impressive first-half scoring also contributed significantly to the win. The Hawkeyes’ efficient shooting, at 59 percent from the field and 47 percent from beyond the arc, proved too much for Purdue to overcome.

Purdue fought back late in the second half, but Iowa’s early dominance established a lead that proved insurmountable. Nya Smith led Purdue with 19 points, while Kiki Smith added 17. However, the Boilermakers struggled to contain Iowa’s offensive firepower, resulting in another loss to their Big Ten rivals.

Key Points:

  • No. 13 Iowa defeated Purdue 83-74.
  • Ava Heiden recorded a double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds.
  • Taylor Stremlow scored 19 points, all in the first half.
  • Iowa shot 59 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range.
  • This win marks Iowa’s 10th consecutive victory over Purdue, giving Iowa a 41-40 lead in the historical series.
  • Nya Smith led Purdue with 19 points.
  • Iowa will host No. 6 Michigan on Sunday, while Purdue will travel to face No. 14 Maryland.

Key Takeaways:

  • Iowa’s offensive efficiency and strong individual performances continue to propel them to success.
  • Ava Heiden’s consistent scoring and rebounding are crucial to Iowa’s game plan.
  • Purdue struggles to defend against top-tier Big Ten opponents.
  • The upcoming game against Michigan will be a significant test for Iowa’s ranking and conference standing.
  • Purdue needs to improve its defensive strategy to compete with ranked teams like Maryland.

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