The first real test for Iowa women’s basketball delivered an 84-81 comeback win against No. 25 West Virginia Friday in the Junkanoo Jam in the Bahamas.

The Hawkeyes fell into a deep 24-point deficit in the game against the Mountaineers. Iowa, however, outscored West Virginia, 55-33, in the second half, helping complete the big rally to take down West Virginia.

The win marked the biggest comeback for an Iowa team led by head coach Lisa Bluder.

“I’m so proud of these women,” Bluder said. “When you are down by 24 points to a top-25 team and down 19 at half, and you come out and play with that much composure in the second half – I’m so proud they were able to handle that mentally.”

Contributions came from all over the court for the Iowa team, with four different players finishing the night in double-figures. Megan Gustafson led the team with 28 points on the night, followed closely by Makenzie Meyer’s 20. Gustafson’s 17 points in the fourth quarter pushed the Hawkeyes to complete the comeback.

Gustafson also cleaned up on the inside with 16 rebounds for the Hawkeyes, leading the team to outpace the Mountaineers, 43-35, in rebounding on the night. This gave Iowa 18 second-chance points, charging the comeback in the second half.

It was the first ranked win for the Hawkeyes this season, and it was certainly delivered in dramatic style.