The Library Media — Sports · Sports Desk
No. 10 Iowa Dominates Northern Iowa 78-40 Behind Carnegie’s Milestone Night
By Megan McCarthy
IOWA CITY, Iowa — No. 10 Iowa delivered a commanding performance Thursday night, defeating Northern Iowa 78-40 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena before an announced crowd of 13,609. The Hawkeyes controlled the game from the opening quarter, improved to 3-1 and handed the Panthers their second loss in three games.
Iowa built an 18-5 lead through the first quarter and stretched the margin to 29 by halftime, leading 40-11. Northern Iowa managed just 11 points in the opening half, one point above Iowa’s program record for fewest points allowed in a half.
Dani Carnegie led the Hawkeyes with a season-high 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting, adding six assists and four rebounds. Her biggest milestone came at the second-quarter buzzer, when a layup pushed her past 1,000 career points.
Ava Heiden added 15 points, while McKenna Woliczko contributed 14 points and nine rebounds. Ten Iowa players scored as the Hawkeyes spread the offensive production across the lineup.
Iowa continued to widen the gap after halftime, outscoring Northern Iowa 28-13 in the third quarter. The Hawkeyes’ advantage reached its game-high of 46 points when Bria Medina connected on a jumper with 4:02 remaining in the fourth. Northern Iowa scored 16 in the final period, while Iowa added 10 to close out the 38-point win.
The shooting and turnover numbers underscored Iowa’s control. The Hawkeyes made 32 of 58 shots, good for 55.2%, while Northern Iowa finished 14-of-55, or 25.5%. The Panthers also committed 26 turnovers.
The result extended Iowa’s winning streak against Northern Iowa to seven games. The Hawkeyes have won 18 of the last 19 meetings in the 32-game series. Northern Iowa’s 40 points marked its second-lowest total in the series’ history.
Iowa’s defense established the tone, Carnegie reached a career milestone, and the Hawkeyes turned a strong first half into a decisive home victory.
Megan McCarthy
Women’s College Basketball, The Library Media
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