IOWA CITY — In a fiercely contested battle that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Iowa Hawkeyes triumphed over their rivals, the Iowa State Cyclones, in a thrilling Cy-Hawk Showdown at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

The game was a testament to the intensity and passion that defines this storied in-state rivalry, proving that the stakes were high for both teams seeking their first signature win of the season.

Despite a choppy offensive performance filled with missed three-pointers and free throws, the contest was electrifying from start to finish.

Trailing by double digits late in the third quarter, the Hawkeyes displayed remarkable resilience, clawing their way back to secure a 75-69 victory with a raucous hometown crowd rallying behind them.

With only five minutes left and the scoreboard showing a precarious 61-58 against them, the Hawkeyes surged forward, igniting a 9-0 run that turned the tide in their favor.

Key plays came from Lucy Olsen, who spearheaded the comeback, while Aaliyah Guyton’s late three-pointer sealed the deal and brought the home crowd to its feet.

Even as Iowa State’s standout star, Audi Crooks, dominated the night with an impressive 31 points, the Hawkeyes executed their best defensive performance when it mattered most.

Limiting Crooks to just two fourth-quarter points and only two shot attempts, Iowa showcased their defensive prowess.

Iowa’s offensive stats were not pretty, finishing with 8-for-25 from beyond the arc and 15-for-25 from the free-throw line.

Yet their ability to make crucial shots in key moments underscored their winning edge. Olsen led the scoring for Iowa with 25 points, supplemented by solid performances from Sydney Affolter and Hannah Stuelke.

Both teams battled through a frustrating first half, with neither managing to break the 45% shooting mark.

The Hawkeyes found themselves trailing by as much as 10 points in the first quarter, yet their persistence paid off as they narrowed the deficit to just three points by halftime.

This victory is more than just a score; it's a stepping stone for the Hawkeyes in what promises to be an exciting season.

As they look to build momentum and sharpen their skills with each game, fans can expect thrilling matchups ahead as both teams strive to make significant impacts in their conference play.

Don't miss the next exhilarating chapter in this intense rivalry!