HAWK TALK

March 2018

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23 F or the University of Iowa women's basketball team, February was every bit of fabulous. Now, with postseason on the horizon, the Hawkeyes turn the calendar to Marvelous March. Aer starting the Big Ten season 4-5, Iowa ended the regular season on a seven-game winning streak to tie for third in the Big Ten Conference — the third-best conference in the country according to the latest NCAA conference RPI. Now, entering postseason winning eight of their last nine contests, the Hawkeyes are poised to make this March one to remember. "We've strung some great wins together and we are confident right now," said sophomore Makenzie Meyer. "Fabulous February may be over, but we are ready for Marvelous March." Iowa's win streak included victories over Michigan State, Minnesota, Penn State, Northwestern (twice), Wisconsin, Rutgers, and Indiana. Two of those wins were overtime victories on the road. "We have done great things and had awesome finishes, so that gives us momentum coming into postseason play," junior Megan Gustafson said. "It's important to have that momentum and that confidence heading into the tournament. We know what it is like to win in hostile environments and tight games." Gustafson has been the centerpiece of Iowa's conference play turnaround. In the last nine games, the All-American candidate is averaging 29.7 points, 13.7 rebounds, and shooting 68.2 percent from the field. e month included a record-breaking performance in a Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal against Minnesota. e Port Wing, Wisconsin, native made 19-of-26 field goals to net a Big Ten Tournament and Iowa single-game record 48 points. Her 19 field goals also marked a tournament and school record. On Feb. 26, Gustafson was named the Big Ten Player of the Year (media), becoming the fih Hawkeye in program history to win the award and the first to do so since 1998. Now, she is ready to compete with her teammates on the national stage. "I have never had the opportunity to play in the NCAA Tournament, so I'm excited for that," said Gustafson. "We are going to prepare to get better as a team. It will be nice to have that time, because we haven't had it in a while. Aer that, we will be ready to make some noise." "I think Megan deserves to be on the national stage," said Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder. "I believe our whole team does, but I think Megan is one of the best players in America, and she needs to be there. We are 24-7. We finished tied for third in the Big Ten. We had some good wins. I think we're ready for the NCAA Tournament." e Hawkeyes find out their NCAA Tournament fate on March 12. ESPN will air the selection show at 6 p.m. (CT).

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