Iowa Women Outline Strategy Following Taylor McCabe’s Injury

The Iowa women’s basketball team is facing significant challenges following the injury of senior guard Taylor McCabe. In a recent game against Ohio State, McCabe suffered a left-knee injury just one minute into the match. Despite this setback, the No. 10-ranked Hawkeyes secured a decisive 91-70 victory over 11th-ranked Ohio State on January 25, 2024. This win keeps Iowa’s record strong at 18-2 overall and 9-0 in the Big Ten Conference.

Iowa’s Resilience in the Face of Adversity

The scene on the court mirrored past incidents, reminding fans of Molly Davis’ injury two years prior during a game against Ohio State. Like Davis, McCabe’s injury stemmed from a non-contact incident, causing immediate concern. She returned to the bench later, where she was supported by her teammates but remained in street clothes with an ice pack on her knee.

Rising Stars Step Up

With McCabe potentially sidelined for an extended period, the team knows that overcoming this challenge will require a collective effort. Addie Deal has emerged as a key player in this transition. After coming off the bench just seconds into the game against Ohio State, Deal quickly showcased her talent by scoring 20 points, achieving a career high in the process.

• Deal, a 6-foot guard from Santa Ana, California, had previously struggled to find her rhythm but has been improving steadily.
• In recent outings, such as a game against Oregon, she demonstrated her potential by scoring 18 points.
• As the game against Ohio State progressed, Deal also contributed five assists.

Iowa coach Jan Jensen expressed pride in Deal’s development and readiness. She emphasized the need for heightened teamwork without relying solely on a single player. Alongside Deal, other players like Kylie Feuerbach and Taylor Stremlow will need to elevate their performances to fill the void left by McCabe’s injury.

Upcoming Challenges and Opportunities

Looking ahead, the team’s upcoming games include a matchup against Southern California on January 29 and No. 3 UCLA on February 1. These games provide an essential platform for Deal and her teammates to step into larger roles. The spotlight will undoubtedly shine on them as they navigate the pressures of competing against top-tier teams.

To maintain their competitive edge, the Hawkeyes must also rely on consistent performances from players like Ava Heiden and Hannah Stuelke, both capable of dominating in the paint. As the roster tightens and the challenges mount, Iowa’s resilience will be put to the test. The team has demonstrated the ability to rally under pressure before, and they will need to do so once again in the wake of McCabe’s injury.

Iowa will need to leverage its depth and experience as it continues through the season, hoping to replicate its successful run from previous years. Although McCabe’s contribution will be missed, the Hawkeyes have the talent and determination to push forward and compete at a high level.