The Iowa women's basketball team is gearing up for a critical game against Oregon, aiming to end their four-game losing streak. However, the Hawkeyes will be missing a significant player, junior forward Hannah Stuelke, who has been ruled out due to a concussion sustained during their last overtime match against Nebraska. Stuelke, one of the team's leading contributors, averages nearly 13 points and leads the team with over eight rebounds per game. Her absence adds an extra layer of difficulty as the team prepares for Sunday's contest.
Stuelke's injury occurred in the previous game when the Hawkeyes faced off against Nebraska in a closely contested matchup that went into overtime. According to Chad Leistikow from the Des Moines Register, she suffered a concussion during this intense period. Consequently, Stuelke did not join her teammates on their journey to Eugene, Oregon, where they are set to play against the Ducks. Her status remains uncertain on a day-to-day basis, leaving the team without one of its most reliable players.
Stuelke's contributions to the Hawkeyes have been substantial this season. Standing at 6-foot-2, she has demonstrated exceptional skills on both ends of the court. Her shooting accuracy stands at an impressive 47.8%, and she has managed to score in double figures in 14 out of the 18 games played so far. In the recent loss to Nebraska, Stuelke put up an outstanding performance with 16 points and a career-high 16 rebounds, marking her eighth double-double in her collegiate career.
As the Hawkeyes prepare for what could be a pivotal game, the absence of Stuelke undoubtedly complicates matters. The team will need to find alternative ways to compensate for her scoring and rebounding prowess. Despite the challenges, the Hawkeyes remain focused on securing a victory. The match against Oregon is scheduled for Sunday at 4 p.m. CT at Matthew Knight Arena, streamed live on BTN+.