Ahead of one of Iowa's practices at the Cancun Challenge, Olsen tripped off the elevated floor and gashed her knee. This incident led to her absence from the previous games. But her determination and the team's medical staff's efforts are now focused on getting her back on the court as soon as possible. She is a vital part of the team's offense and defense, averaging 5.3 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game while shooting 48.9% from the field and 68.8% from the charity stripe.
The injury was a setback for the team, but they are now looking forward to her return. Olsen's presence will give Iowa a significant boost in this highly-anticipated matchup against Tennessee.
Here's a breakdown of the biggest factors that could determine the winner of this matchup. Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, and it will be a battle on the court. Iowa will rely on Olsen's scoring and leadership, while Tennessee will bring their own game plan. The coaching strategies, player performances, and mental toughness will all play a crucial role in determining the outcome.
It's not just about the individual players but also about the team dynamics and how they perform under pressure. This game is expected to be a tough test for both teams and will showcase their abilities on a national stage.
The Iowa vs. Tennessee game is set to take place on Saturday, Dec. 7. The start time is 6 p.m. (CT) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. It will be broadcast nationally on FOX, with Tim Brando and Sarah Kustok calling the game. Streaming options for the game include FUBO and Foxsports.com.
Betting odds for the game also give an indication of the teams' chances. The spread has Iowa as a -2.5 favorite, with an over/under of 157.5. The moneyline has Iowa at -140 and Tennessee at +115. These odds add to the excitement and anticipation of the game.
Iowa's schedule shows that they have an 8-0 record so far. Their upcoming games include a match against Iowa State on Dec. 11, at Michigan State on Dec. 15, against Northern Iowa on Dec. 20, and against Purdue on Dec. 29. Tennessee, on the other hand, has a 6-0 record and their schedule includes games against North Carolina Central, at Memphis, against Richmond, against Tulsa, and against Winthrop.
Both teams have been performing well and this matchup will be a great opportunity to see how they stack up against each other.