Northwestern
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Iowa
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#23 Northwestern Sweeps Iowa in Dramatic Road Victory
1/28/2021 7:26:00 PM | Women's Basketball
EVANSTON, Ill. – After a back and forth battle #23 Northwestern came away with a well-deserved win against Iowa, 87-80 on Thursday night at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
With the win, the Wildcats swept the Hawkeyes in the regular season for the first time since 1982-83.
All four starting guards had double-digit points. Senior Lindsey Pulliam led the way for the Wildcats with 27 points; 22 of which came in the second half and 12 at the charity stripe, tying her career high in free throws. Junior Veronica Burton followed not far behind, also posting a 20 point game. Junior Sydney Wood followed with 14, continuing her double digit streak which has spanned every game this season, while senior Jordan Hamilton posted 10.
The Wildcat first-years also had an impactful game, contributing 12 points off the bench. Anna Morris posted a career-high eight points while Paige Mott and Jasmine McWilliams chipped in four apiece.
The 'Cats also found significant success from deep, going 6-of-14 from behind the arc. As usual, Northwestern turned defense into offense, grabbing 28 points off 23 turnovers. Pushing the pace, the Wildcats were able to find 18 fast-break points. On the flip side, Iowa found itself in foul trouble posting a total of 25 fouls, with two starters fouling out in the final minute.
The 'Cats and the Hawkeyes traded points for much of the first quarter but two threes from Burton and a successful three-point play from Mott gave the Wildcats a slim advantage. Wood ended the quarter with a buzzer beater to out Northwestern up 21-16.
Iowa found a response in the second quarter cutting the Wildcat lead to one halfway through the frame. Their success was short-lived as Northwestern punched back quickly with contributions from Morris and McWilliams. Morris ended the quarter with a jumper to extend the Northwestern lead.
The Hawkeyes came out of the locker room after the half with a strong run to take a game-high 9-point lead. Once again the two teams began to trade points, the 'Cats at a disadvantage this time. Pulliam wouldn't stand for it and put up 10 points to end the quarter on a 16-6 run and regain the lead, 57-56.
Northwestern again faltered at the beginning of the quarter and Iowa took a slim lead to start the final frame. The 'Cats played a little catch-up, fueled by contributions from Wood and Burton. Pulliam added a three pointer and six points at the charity stripe to give Northwestern a decisive edge over the Hawkeyes in the final minutes and take away a hard-fought victory.
Northwestern will return to Evanston on Monday for a top-25 face-off against No. 14 Ohio State at Welsh-Ryan Arena. The tip is set for 7 p.m. CT on the Big Ten Network.
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