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The Iowa Hawkeyes showcased a dominant performance in their season opener, defeating the Northern Illinois Huskies 91-73. Under the guidance of new head coach Jan Jensen, the Hawkeyes utilized an early 14-0 run in the second quarter to build a commanding lead. This victory marked Jensen's first win as head coach, emerging with a lineup that featured four new starters.

Leading the charge for Iowa was Lucy Olsen, a high-profile transfer from Villanova. Olsen demonstrated her scoring prowess, contributing 19 points on 9 of 17 shooting. Her effective midrange game was pivotal, as she nailed 8 of 13 shots from inside the arc and provided seven assists over her 35 minutes on the court. The rest of Iowa's starters also performed impressively, each reaching double digits in scoring alongside freshman Teagan Mallegni.

Kylie Feuerbach was a standout, delivering an all-around excellent performance with 14 points, 9 rebounds, 6 steals, and 5 assists. Feuerbach's cohesive display of both offensive and defensive skills underscored her potential. Addy O'Grady and Taylor McCabe, also starting, effectively contributed with O'Grady scoring 12 points in just 14 minutes and McCabe adding 11 points, including three three-pointers.

Despite rolling her ankle towards the end of the first half, Hannah Stuelke returned in the second half and scored all 11 of her points, indicating her adaptability within Jensen's dual big player strategy.

Defensively, the Hawkeyes excelled, forcing 25 turnovers and converting them into 27 points. Feuerbach's defensive prowess was particularly noteworthy with her six steals, while the team collectively added seven blocks—three of which were by Taylor Stremlow. In a seven-minute stretch in the second quarter, they held the Huskies to just two baskets, underscoring their defensive strength.

On the boards, Iowa allowed 8 offensive rebounds but compensated with 14 of their own, showcasing their rebounding tenacity. Their offensive rebounding was exemplified in a single possession early in the game when they secured four offensive rebounds, culminating in a three-pointer by McCabe. However, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities remains an area for improvement, as evidenced by their 11 second-chance points.

While the team demonstrated some over-passing as they worked to build chemistry, they maintained Iowa's legacy of playing fast and fluid basketball. Despite not having Caitlin Clark, the team relied on quick passes and swift shots from the wing, maintaining a brisk pace with capable ball handlers consistently on the court. Freshman Teagan Mallegni’s 14-point contribution was a pleasant surprise, despite a modest shooting night from beyond the arc.

Overall, the game reflected a blend of new strategies under Coach Jensen and familiar aggressive play styles, leaving fans eager for what the rest of the season holds.