Heiden, Stuelke lead No. 21 Iowa women to 86-51 opening win over Southern
Iowa center Ava Heiden (5) shoots the ball against a Southern player during an NCAA college basketball game in Iowa City, Iowa, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Credit: AP/Nick Rohlman
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Ava Heiden scored 21 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, Hannah Stuelke added 20 points with nine boards, and No. 21 Iowa topped Southern 86-51 on Monday to open the season.
After a slow start the Hawkeyes steadily pulled away, shooting 52% despite going 4 of 18 on 3-pointers. They were 22 of 28 from the foul line and had a 52-21 rebounding advantage but had 24 turnovers.
Emely Rodriguez had 13 points off the bench for Iowa.
Zaria Hurston scored 14 points to lead the Jaguars.
Four different Jaguars hit 3-points in the first quarter and they only trailed 15-14 but Heiden had back-to-back three-point plays in a 17-0 run to help the Hawkeyes to a 37-24 lead at the half.
Iowa shot 43% despite missing all 10 3-point attempts and went 13 of 17 from the foul line. Heiden had 15 points, going 5 of 8 from the field and the line.
Iowa plays its first game against a Power 4 conference team on Nov. 20 at the WBCA Showcase, facing Baylor.
Iowa guard Kylie Feuerbach (4) dribbles as Southern guard Mykayla Cunningham (8) defends during an NCAA college basketball game in Iowa City, Iowa, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Credit: AP/Nick Rohlman
