Here's everything you need to know about the Hawkeyes' first round battle with Fairleigh Dickinson, including start time, TV, announcers, and Hawkeye Roundtable's official prediction.
The NCAA tournament may have to permanently pencil in Iowa City as a host site for the opening weekend.
That's because Iowa women's basketball is hosting the Big Dance for the fourth time in the last five years. Another sell-out crowd is expected at Carver-Hawkeye for Iowa's first round game against Fairleigh Dickinson on Saturday.
Here's everything you need to know about the matchup, including start time, TV, announcers, and HawkeyeRoundtable's official prediction:
Matchup: No. 2 Iowa (26-6) vs. No. 15 Fairleigh Dickinson (30-4)
Scheduled game time: March 21 at 3 p.m. CDT
Location: Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa
TV: ESPN
Announcers: Matt Schumaker (play-by-play), Ros Gold-Onwude (analyst)
Radio: Hawkeye Radio Network
Betting information: Line: Iowa -31.5 | O/U: 128.5
Game Notes
Iowa has made postseason tournament appearances in 24 of the last 26 seasons, receiving 20 NCAA Tournament and four WNIT bids.
Jan Jensen joined C. Vivian Stringer as the only other coach in program history to win 20 games in their second season as head coach.
The Hawkeyes have five AP Top 15 regular season victories which ties for the most in school history. (2022-23)
Iowa has finished second in the B1G or better 21 times in school history. Iowa’s 24 regular season wins are the second-most over the last 26 years.
Iowa leads the all-time series against FDU, 1-0. The programs met for the first time in Iowa City on Nov. 6, 2023. (W, 102-49)
Iowa has been a 2-seed six times in program history. (1993, 1996, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2026)
Iowa has made a total of four Sweet 16s, three Elite Eights, and two Final Fours as a 2-seed.
Iowa’s all-time record as a 2-seed in the NCAA Tournament is 14-5.
Iowa City has hosted four times in the last five NCAA Tournament opportunities.
Ava Heiden leads all power four players in points per game improvement over the last two seasons. (+12.6 ppg, 3rd, NCAA)
Over the last six games, Heiden is 74-of-106 from the floor. (70 percent) Heiden has reached double figures against all 17 Big Ten opponents this year. The Hawkeyes are 15-1 when Stremlow is in the starting lineup this season.Heiden has scored 10+ points in 20 straight games.
HawkeyeRoundtable's Prediction
Fairleigh Dickinson is a very good mid-major team, but they just don't have the size to compete with Iowa. The Hawkeyes are going to use Ava Heiden early and often to jump out to a big lead and not look back.
Iowa advances to the second round with ease.
Prediction: Iowa 87, Fairleigh Dickinson 52
Want a Caitlin Clark jersey?
HawkeyeRoundtable is giving away a FREE Cailtin Clark jersey! This is a cool chance to surprise someone with a birthday gift or just some cool Hawkeye swag! It only takes you 2 minutes to join, and it's completely FREE!
The contest is open through March 21, so don't miss out on the chance to enter your name. Click here to join!
Looking for a FREE Hawkeyes community?
Don't miss out on our Roundtable community and the latest news! It's completely FREE to join.
Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the FREE Roundtable APP and stay even more connected!