Recap, Reaction: Iowa-Kansas Hoops

BOX SCORE

Iowa built a large early lead and kept pesky Kansas at arm's length the rest of the way in a 71-58 victory Wednesday in Sioux Falls, S.D. The new-look Hawkeyes benefitted from balance and strong bench play.

The post-Caitlin Clark/Lisa Bluder Era moved to 5-0 on the season. The Jayhawks lost for the first time in five games.

Lucy Olsen and Hannah Stuelke shared high-scoring honors in the win, netting 16 points apiece. Stuelke grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds, and Olsen's six assists were a game-best.

The Hawkeye bench outscored the opponents, 23-3. Freshman Taylor Stremlow's seven points led the group. Taylor McCabe and Teagan Mallegni each added six, and Ava Heiden had four.

Iowa led 18-4 after one quarter. The Jayhawks cut their deficit to 28-20 with 3:25 left in the second quarter. The Hawkeyes built their lead back to 11 points at halftime and stayed ahead by double figures the rest of the way, leading by 17 late in the third.

The winners enjoyed a 33-26 rebounding advantage. They shot 45.5 from the floor compared to the Kansas's 36.5.

Sydney Affolter, who still is working her way back from injury, contributed six rebounds for Iowa. Kylie Feuerbach swiped three steals.

S'Mya Nichols and Elle Evans teamed up to score 48 of Kansas's 58 points.

Iowa returns to action Sunday. The Hawkeyes play host to Washington State.