In the midst of Iowa women’s basketball’s (18-5, 9-3 Big Ten) three-game losing streak, which has dropped the program to No. 12 in the latest Coaches Poll, head coach Jan Jensen spoke about how the Hawkeyes can possibly use their Feb. 11 matchup against Washington (18-6, 8-5 Big Ten) to turn the tide.
“I would like to see our defensive urgency,” Jensen said. “I just want to see a little bit more assertiveness on defense. And we’re gonna need it. I mean, you cannot be passive with the ability of the shooters of the (Washington) Huskies.”
Advertisement
“So we have to be assertive. I think if I just see our little swag again, and really coming out on our ball screens and knowing our assignments and not blowing the assignments, that’ll make me feel a lot better that we’re back and kind of locked in for the future and not looking behind.”
While Iowa’s defensive presence has been strong throughout most of the season, its effectiveness over the past three games has regressed, allowing 86.7 points per game and forcing only 10.3 turnovers per contest. Against Minnesota on Feb. 5, the Hawkeyes were torched from beyond the 3-point line, as the Golden Gophers shot 10-for-14 from distance.
Jensen added that, despite the struggles defending the 3-point line against Minnesota, she is looking forward to the challenge Washington will bring, stating that they are an equally, if not more efficient, team from deep than the Golden Gophers.
Advertisement
“I’m pretty forward-thinking, though,” Jensen said. “(Washington has) tremendous 3-point shooters. They’re a difficult guard because they shoot the 3-ball as well or better than the Minnesota kids.”
Jensen and the Hawkeyes will face the Huskies at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 6:30 p.m. CT, and the game will be streamed exclusively on BTN+.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews
This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa women’s basketball focused on ‘defensive urgency’ vs. Washington
