After a red-hot 8-0 start to the season, the Iowa Hawkeyes took their first stumble in a loss to the Tennessee Volunteers over the weekend.
Sitting at 8-1, the Hawkeyes still have everything in front of them as they prepare for Big Ten Conference play and their toughest stretch yet of the season.
The loss, although an uncharacteristically sloppy performance from the Hawkeyes, didn’t hurt them too badly in the polls. Iowa slid just four spots from No. 17 down to No. 21 in this week’s AP Top 25 Women’s College Basketball Poll.
ESPN provided an initial reaction to the Hawkeyes’ slide along with what caused it and a look ahead.
21. Iowa Hawkeyes
Previous ranking: 17
2024-25 record: 8-1
Stat to know: If you didn’t read Tennessee’s blurb, this is worth repeating: The Hawkeyes committed 30 turnovers in their first loss of the season — their most giveaways in a game since November 2002.
What’s next: Wednesday vs. Iowa State, 9 p.m., FS1 – ESPN
Fortunately, the Hawkeyes have two chances this week to get back on track and climb back inside the top 20 in the polls.
First up is a highly-anticipated Cy-Hawk Game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena against the No. 18 Iowa State Cyclones. This one tips off at 8 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Dec. 11, and will air on FS1.
Following that, Iowa hits the road for their first Big Ten contest of the year as they head to take on the No. 17 Michigan State Spartans. This contest is set for Sunday, Dec. 15 at 11 a.m. and will air on the Big Ten Network.
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