If everybody holds Disterhoft to 14 points, she won't be able to break the career scoring record, you know. So, any time Disterhoft scores less than 17 points, it's a small victory for the opponent
The Tribune could have also claimed the cyclones held Megan to only 10 points. Both Ally and Megan entered the fourth quarter with fewer then 10. Whether it was part of the game plan or just more by circumstances, they were not taking a majority of the shots. What is remarkable and extremely encouraging was that the Hawkeyes built their overwhelming lead through three quarters without either Ally or Megan being the main scoring option. Instead, the story of the game Involved three less likely scoring sources; Tania, Christina and Kathleen.
Davis finished with a game-high 23 points, making 7-of-11 field goals (5-of-6 from 3-point) and all four free throw attempts. She didn't miss from long range until eight minutes remained in the game.
Buttenham and Doyle came up big in the second quarter when the Hawkeyes went on a 28-16 run. Buttenham was 3-of-3 from the field for seven points and Doyle was 2-of-2 for six points. Both made a 3-pointer. Five Hawkeyes made a 3-point field goal in the first half.
Also, after leading the game in scoring the first half with 11, Tania exploded for 10 points in the third quarter. She and the entire team were a perfect 8 for 8 from the field. Ally and Kathleen each made a 3-pointer.
Eight players saw action in the fourth quarter (but Alexa and Chase did not). In the past, Iowa has relied on fewer players in the last quarter. Ally played the entire fourth quarter but only 20 of the first 30 minutes of the game. Megan lead the team in minutes played with 31. Lisa did say the starters could play fewer minutes this year [and the bench more] and it appeared to be the case against Iowa State.
For the game, Ally attempted only 9 shots and Megan attempted only 6. Tania and Kathleen each made 11 attempts. That tells me that Iowa has a lot of scoring threats and is not dependent on their two leading scorers to win in tough games. I believe Iowa has at least eight players who are capable of scoring double digits.
I don't think it was any accident that Iowa States' shooting % was so much lower. Iowa's defense, especially on the perimeter, is much improved over last year and perhaps even in many years. What was surprising and probably the only negative was that Iowa was out-rebounded.
After playing and losing to SDSU, UCLA and Notre Dame, Iowa seems to have elevated their game considerably. UCLA and Notre Dame especially have terrific defensive athleticism. Playing against UNI and Iowa State must have seemed like scrimmaging the JV by comparison.
I don't know how much better Iowa can be with Carly back in the lineup, but it is hard to imagine her getting much playing time with the way everyone else is playing. Maybe the only player she could earn minutes from would be Chase and that's not a lot. Still I am excited to see what she can do. I hope she is back to 100%.
