Iowa coach Jan Jensen on signing 5-star prospect McKenna Woliczko
Iowa women’s basketball coach Jan Jensen on signing 5-star prospect McKenna Woliczko
IOWA CITY — Annually planted amid the feeling-out process of non-conference action, the mid-major in-state foes provide the perfect challenge on the Iowa women’s basketball schedule.
The Hawkeyes (2-0) are favored just about every year against Drake and Northern Iowa, particularly when those two come to Iowa City. But that rarely guarantees four quarters of smooth sailing. The familiarity among these programs makes knocking off Iowa a seemingly more manageable challenge than when the Bulldogs and Panthers face other high-level foes.
The 2025 in-state rivalry slate has arrived, with Drake coming to Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Nov. 13 before Iowa heads to Cedar Falls on Nov. 16. Both matchups should be more competitive than the blowouts versus Southern and Evansville, without overwhelming a young group still figuring out who goes where. Considering Iowa has won 21 of its last 22 against Drake and hasn’t lost to the Bulldogs at home since 2011, the Hawkeyes should find a victorious path one way or another.
With that, here are three things to watch in the Hawkeyes’ game against Drake. on Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Taylor McCabe vs. Peyton McCabe for real this time
Last season’s McCabe sister showdown really only materialized in the build-up, as a freshman Peyton played just two minutes off the Drake bench when older sister Taylor came to town.
Things are much different now.
Taylor is still the same sharpshooter and veteran presence as she goes through her final year with the Hawkeyes. Peyton, though, carries a much bigger role. The sophomore guard played 19 minutes in each of Drake’s first two games, piling up 10 assists in an opening-night victory at Eastern Illinois. That should make for some fun moments when the sisters collide for a second time.
“We’ve gotten a lot closer since we’ve gotten to college,” the elder McCabe said. “Oddly enough, I feel like this is the closest we’ve been, even though we used to live in the same house. So we were talking about not getting to watch each other play as much because we’re both gone all the time and have our own games. So it’s kind of hard to watch each other. This is a good excuse to ‘watch each other,’ if you will.”
With five new teammates set to tackle Iowa’s in-state slate for the first time, McCabe said she had to clarify to several that “No. 11” on the Drake film is indeed her sister.
“That was really funny,” McCabe said. “I told them they can sag off her if they want to.”
Addie Deal continues to take her early development in stride
The improvement from game one to game two was clear with freshman Addie Deal, who’s still settling into her role as a pivotal bench piece. After just four points and seven turnovers against Southern, Deal piled up 11 points, two 3-pointers, three assists and just two turnovers versus Evansville.
“I think it’s so special. I’ve never played in front of such a crowd,” Deal said. “Everyone stays the whole game. Everyone is into it the whole time. So I think that really helps us with our performance too.”
She has plenty of veteran voices around her, many of whom didn’t have their roles expand until later in their careers. The message to a young newcomer shouldering lofty expectations is simple.
“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” Deal said. “Just live in the moment, really appreciate everything and just be grateful the whole time.”
Look for Deal to take another step forward against Drake.
A familiar face calling the Drake-Iowa game on Big Ten Network
Iowa’s first game on an actual TV channel this season will feature a familiar face, as former head coach Lisa Bluder will make her first Big Ten Network appearance of the year as a color commentator.
A fitting first game given her connection to both programs.
“I told her when she texted me that this will be the first Drake game that you will not be needing the Tums,” Jensen said. “I said, ‘You’re going to sit there and enjoy the whole thing, and I’m happy for you on that’. A little envious I won’t have a buddy to be sharing the Tums with.
“The one thing about Lisa, she’s going to do great at it. I’m sure the Drake folks will be like ‘Oh, she’s going to be so biased.’ Lisa didn’t get this far in life because of emotion. She has the highest level of integrity. She coached at both schools, and she’s going to want to enjoy a little TV gig. I think it’ll be fun. I don’t think you’re going to hear her being skewed too much our way, but I‘m really happy for her. Lisa is living her best life right now.”
Iowa women’s basketball vs. Drake prediction
This game will have a typical in-state feel early, as Drake hangs around and makes a little noise. But the Hawkeyes pull away without too much trouble in the second half on their way to a 3-0 start. Iowa 82, Drake 66.
Dargan Southard is a sports trending reporter and covers Iowa athletics for the Des Moines Register and HawkCentral.com. Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter at @Dargan_Southard.
