The rematch we’ve been waiting for is here. Or maybe I should say, the rematch that the Michigan Wolverines have definitely been waiting for is here. After below-average performances up and down the roster — most notably from potential Big Ten Player of the Year Olivia Olson and fellow sophomore standout Syla Swords — in a road loss to the Hawkeyes, revenge is certainly on the minds Michigan today.
Add in the final spot in the Big Ten Tournament final to the stakes of this top-10 rematch, and baby,
you’ve got a stew going!
(An obligatory RIP to Carl Weathers, and a tip for you to watch the first 3 seasons of Arrested Development if you haven’t before — you’ll thank me later.)
I am so interested to see how both of these coaching staffs make adjustments for this game. Iowa’s plan for Michigan in their first matchup was phenomenal (as was the crowd). The team has been playing really solid defense since that game, including yesterday against Illinois. That will need to continue today for a chance at the win, along with Hannah Stuelke and Ava Heiden staying out of foul trouble.
Michigan shot really poorly from deep in the last matchup, and Iowa won’t be able to count on that happening again. 3-point defense has been an issue at times (see, the Minnesota game and the second half against Illinois), so closing out on shooters will need to be a huge emphasis.
No matter what happens here, I still am incredibly impressed with the growth of this program this season. Iowa is pretty much locked into a 2-seed in the NCAA Tournament, which means the postseason will return to Carver after a terrible one year absence. If you would have told me that would be the case at the beginning of the season, I honestly wouldn’t believe it.
This Iowa Hawkeyes team is really solid — let’s hope they prove it today and get another big win.
GO HAWKS!
How to watch:
Date: March 7, 2026
Time: 3:30 p.m. CST
Matchup: No. 2 seed Iowa Hawkeyes vs. No. 3 seed Illinois Fighting Illini
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse — Indianapolis, Indiana
TV: Big Ten Network
