By James Kay
When you have a coach as strict as Iowa women’s basketball coach Lisa Bluder doing the worm on the floor of your locker room, things are going in your favor.
The reason for Bluder rejoicing in “the worm” is that her team ran in-state rival Iowa State out of Carver-Hawkeye in a one-sided 88-76 win on Wednesday.
Against the Cyclones, the Hawkeyes could do no wrong. Iowa shot 61 percent from beyond the arc, while not allowing their foes to get anything done on their half of the court.
With all of this in mind, the program has a lot to be excited about heading to their next game, against Robert Morris (4-5).
Here are some keys to the matchup.
Disterhoft & Company have been unstoppable from 3-point range
Going into this season, the senior captain was shooting only 37 percent from long range, and she started the season only making one of her first nine 3-point shots.
Ally Disterhoft has written a completely different story since then; she is shooting a team-best 52 percent from 3-point territory.
Her teammates are also finding their downtown groove. In their last two games, the Hawkeyes have shot 61 percent or better from 3-point range, which is no surprise to Bluder.
“You know, we started out the season not shooting the ball well, and it was just kind of a mystery, honestly,” Bluder said after the win against Iowa State. “We track our every shot in practice. We know how well that we shoot the ball, so it was just a matter of time. Luckily, you know, sometimes it just takes confidence, too. Some start falling, and then it’s kind of like an avalanche. So I’m just glad they kept the faith.”
Confidence and consistency will be needed, as Robert Morris has held its opponents to just 27 percent from long range, best in the Northeast Conference.
Gustafson is a double-double machine
With no disrespect to Disterhoft, Megan Gustafson has arguably been the Hawkeyes’ best player. Her consistency has proven to be valuable — she has notched six double-doubles this season and has three in as many games.
Gustafson averages 16.1 points and 10 rebounds per game, and she has become one of the Big Ten’s best post players.
Robert Morris has only allowed its opponents to register three double-doubles this season; all of which have come in the past three games.
Doyle is the real deal
Ever since Bluder implemented Kathleen Doyle into the starting lineup, only good things have happened for the Hawkeyes.
Doyle’s production is more impressive than the stat sheet suggests. She is one of the most tenacious defenders the Hawkeyes have and has energy comparable to the energizer bunny. Her 21 steals rank fourth most in the Big Ten despite being named to the starting lineup six games ago.
When Doyle isn’t sliding for loose balls or disrupting the opposition’s transition offense, she is distributing the ball at a level you wouldn’t expect from a freshman. She is averaging 3.4 assists in the games she has started, which is impressive considering the Hawkeye offense involves a high volume of movement and passing.
Robert Morris ranks first in the Northeast Conference in points allowed per game, so Doyle’s defense and high energy will be needed.
The game will take place in Carver-Hawkeye at 7 p.m. today and will be televised on BTN Plus.
